GRANTS, N.M. “We went in with the goal of finishing the game in 5 innings and we played just enough to get it done,” said GHS head basebal. coach Mike Furbee.
The Pirates handily defeated the Hornets 11-1. Highland scored their sole run in the first inning leading the Pirates 1-0. In the 2nd inning the Pirate bats came alive and they scored 6 runs and did not look back. The Pirates went on to score a run in the 3rd and 4th inning and 3 runs in the 5th inning to close out that game.
Evan Taylor pitched 5 the entire 5 innings allowing for 3 hits, 1 run, 1 earned run, 1 walk and 8 strikeouts.
Estevan Barela led the Pirates with 2 RBI’s followed by Joziah Ortega, Daniel Garcia, colin Lundstrom and Nathan Nieto with 1 RBI apiece.
Barela, Garcia, Lundstrom, Neito and Dareck Rhoades had 1 hit apiece.
The Pirates next face a tough district opponent in Belen on April 28th on the road. Belen at 14-9, 4-2 in 2nd in the district just behind the Pirates.
The Pirates are currently 16-8, 7-0 and ranked 8th in the 4A standings and Belen is ranked 11th.
The Lady Pirates softball team defeated Highland (1-22, 0-6) last week by a score of 20-1.
“We have long stretch against Highland–we are 11-0 since 2021–and that speaks to the consistency of our program and the way our girls have handled business over the years,” said GHS head softball coach Victor Aldaz.
“Each time we have faced them our focus has been the same–come out prepared.”
Alynne Othole pitched that game allowing 2 hits 1 run, 1 earned run and 2 strikeouts.
Aaliyah Barela led the Lady Pirates with 3 hits followed by Malery Largo, Ava Ibarra, Delilah Martinez with 2 hits apiece and Bianca Murillo, Alynn Othole, Melia Chavez, Natlie Chavez and Olivia Toivanen with 1 hit apiece.
The Pirates are 4th in district 5 4A and will host the 2nd best team in the district, Belen (12-12, 42) on April 28th.
On the subject of the Belen game, Aldaz said, “It’s a big night for us–senior night–our last home game and an important one.”
“It should be a special night,” added Aldaz.
LA Baseball are 13-6, 4-2 are 3rd in their district and the Lady Hawk softball team is 11-12, 2-4 and 5th in their district.