After starting the season 0-5, Dove Creek is turning things around with key Class 1A District 1 wins by defeating No. 3 Nucla 5-1 last Tuesday and sweeping top-ranked Sargent in a doubleheader, 10-8 and 15-5, on Friday.
The Bulldogs (4-5), ranked No. 4 in district standings, were led last week by senior Sheldon Gardner, who continues to shine with a .654 batting average and a strong .975 fielding percentage.
Dove Cree jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning. They added insurance runs in the third and sixth to maintain control, ultimately finishing with five runs on six hits while limiting Nucla to just one run on three hits.
Gardner was dominant on the mound, going for a complete game. He struck out 10, allowed only one run and did not give up a single earned run over seven innings.
At the plate, the Bulldogs got doubles from Gardner, juniors Josh Kibel and Trevan Ivie, and senior Liam Hassell. Hassell led the team with two RBIs, while Gardner and sophomore Cael Beanland each added one. Dove Creek also made an impact on the basepaths, collecting six stolen bases with two by Beanland.
Nucla’s only run came in the second inning, but the Mustangs couldn’t build momentum, striking out 10 times. Senior Josh Platt provided their lone extra-base hit with a double in the sixth inning.
Dove Creek overcame early defensive miscues and a five-run deficit to rally past Sargent 10-8 in the opener of a doubleheader on Friday.
After the Farmers led 5-0 by the end of the third inning, the Bulldogs found their rhythm at the plate. A three-run fifth inning tied the game, and Dove Creek pulled ahead in the sixth with a four-run outburst, securing the lead for good at 7-5.
Gardner powered the offense with a 3-4 performance, adding an RBI and a stolen base. Beanland added a clutch two-run double, while Trevan Ivie delivered two hits and drove in four runs to lead all batters.
On the mound, Ivie came in on relief. After starter Kibel went two innings, Ivie shut down Sargent over the final five, striking out 10 while allowing no earned runs.
The Bulldogs continued to make a statement with a commanding 15-5 victory in the second game, using a seven-run second inning and aggressive baserunning to take control early.
After the Farmers jumped ahead 4-0 in the third, the Bulldogs responded quickly. An offensive surge in the bottom of the inning gave Dove Creek a 7-4 lead, and they continued piling on with six more runs in the fourth.
Gardner went 3-3 with a double and four RBIs. Kibel reached base all five times, scored three runs, and added a double of his own. Sophomore Konner Spigner and Trevan Ivie each scored twice, and the tea collected 11 hits and drew 17 walks. The Bulldogs also racked up eight stolen bases with two each from Kibel, Beanland, and senior Frankey Montoya.
Spigner and Beanland split pitching duties, combining for eight strikeouts while holding Sargent to five runs on seven hits. Despite committing four errors, the Bulldogs held firm defensively to secure the win in six innings.
These key victories lift Dove Creek and puts them in the mix as a serious contender in district play.
The Bulldogs continue their campaign with a home game against Ignacio on Monday then travels to Pagosa Springs on Saturday to face Sierra Grande and LaVeta. They will host Dolores on April 22 before heading to Antonito on April 25 to face off against 1A opponents Antonito and Centennial and will close their regular season with a trip to Nucla on April 28.
