The GHS baseball team was able to close out the Rams from Poratales this past weekend in 2 games,4-3 and 13-3 respectively, in a best of 3 series.
In the first game on Friday, May 10th the Pirates trailed 3-0 for 4 innings as the15th seed Rams were eyeing a possible opening game upset of the 2nd seeded Grants Pirates. At the bottom of the 5th inning the Pirates bounced back with 2 runs of their own, making the score 3-2 —Portales held on to a 1 run lead. A scoreless 6th inning led to a Pirate comeback as they scored 2 runs at the bottom of the 7th inning—for the win. A fly ball hit to center field by Dominik Gonzales led to Izeyah Manzanares scoring a run, tying the game up 3-3. Following that up Manzanares doubles on a fly ball to center field allowing for Estevan Barela to score the winning run. The Pirates win their first game of the 2024 state tournament, 4-3.
“We knew that they would give us a good game with their top pitcher throwing,” said GHS head coach Mike Furbee. “We didn’t capitalize on a bases loaded situation in the first inning and had a couple of base running mistakes in the middle innings which gave them life.”
In that game Niko Young pitched all 7 innings and allowed 6 hits, 3 runs, 2 earned runs, 4 walks and 8 strikeouts. Izeyah Manzanares and Dominik Gonzales had 2 RBI’s apiece. Manzanares had 2 hits, followed by Gonzales, Barela, Noa Lundstrum and Daniel Garcia who each had a hit. Scoring 1 run a piece were Manzanares, Barela, Garcia and Boudy Melonas.
On Saturday, May 10th the
Pirate bats were flying as they adjusted well and made quick work of the rams with a 13-3 rout.
“They seemed to be deflated after the loss and came out flat in game 2,” said Furbee “And we were able to jump them early.”
The Pirates defeated the Rams in 6 innings scoring 4 runs in the 1st inning, 1 run in the second, 2 runs in the 5th and 6 runs in the 6th to seal the deal and win by a score of 13-3.
A surprising rival awaits the Pirates for the quarter finals as the Bernalillo Spartans a 10th seed as they defeated the Hope Huskies a 7th seed 2 games to 1 in a best of 3 series.
“Bernalillo will be another quality opponent and we are preparing for their best,” said Furbee. “As long as we play at our top level and eliminate the little mistakes and keep our approach at the place—-we’ll be fine.” Game time is set for 6:30 pm on Thursday, May 16th at the Jennifer Riordan Spark Kindness Sports Stadium, field 4, on the westside of Albuquerque.
CIBOLA COUNTY SPORTS ROUND-UP
The lady Pirates tennis team received a 12th seed at the 4A state tennis tournament and lost to number 5 seed and district rival the lady Eagles of Belen, 5-2.
Alexia Munson, number 1, on the team lost to Mariella Rigales of St. Michaels High School in 2 sets, 6-0, 6-0. Rigales was runner- up for 4A girls in singles play.
The lady Hawks softball team is currently 157, 4-2 and 8th seed in the 2A state softball tournament and will host the Mora Rangers (14-9, 4-4), the 9th seed, on May 15th. The Hawks baseball team received a 10th seed in the 2A state baseball tournament and lost to the 5th seeded Rehoboth Lynx, 52, on May 8th. Their season ended with a record of 16-11, 5-3.