DOVE CREEK – Watching from his post in the third base coaches box on Tuesday afternoon, Dove Creek coach Trent Daves finally witnessed the scoring display he knew his team was capable of.
The Bulldogs rode a continuous carousel around the base paths against rival Nucla, thanks to an aggressive, yet discerning, approach at the plate.
“We wanted to fight early in the count. First good fastball we see, we’re wanting to go after it,” said senior Hunter Daves, the coach’s son and staff ace.
The Bulldogs threw their first haymaker in their chase of a league title, a runaway sweep of the Mustangs (11-2 and 15-5) at the Soper Sports Complex.
Dove Creek (3-2, 2-0 in 2A/1A in San Juan Basin League play) showcases a lineup full of experience and depth, and its runaway victories allowed Daves to get his entire squad to chip in.
In Game 1, Hunter Daves hurled a complete-game gem, limiting the Mustangs (2-5-1, 0-2 in league play) to five hits while fanning eight batters.
Meanwhile, the offense got to work by scoring in each of the first four innings – highlighted by three runs in the second inning to break a 1-1 tie. The Bulldogs pulled away with a five-run outburst in the sixth inning.
“My breaking stuff was working really well today,” Daves said. “I just had a really good feel for the baseball today, a good defense behind me, and a killer mentality.”
Junior Liam Hassell led the way with three hits and three RBIs in the opener, while Daves supported his own cause with a multi-hit day.
Senior Jonathan Purkat drove in a run in the first game before adding three more RBIs in the nightcap. Four different Bulldogs scored multiple runs, including senior Aiden Chadd and freshman Cael Beanland.
The Bulldogs’ hit parade continued into the second contest, as senior Taber Dejane drove in two runs. Dove Creek jumped out to a 5-0 lead through two innings.
After Nucla responded with a run in the third, Dove Creek blew the game open with eight runs, with junior Sheldon Gardner driving in a run to support his start on the mound.
Senior Gage Buffington had a hit and scored twice, as the Bulldogs enjoyed a team on-base percentage of .618, drawing 10 walks to go along with their nine hits.
The offensive onslaught was plentiful for Gardner, who scattered seven hits and struck out five in the mercy-rule shortened five inning outing.
With senior Jarrett Cressler at the dish in the fifth inning, a wild pitch allowed Daves to score from third on a wild pitch. That allowed the Bulldogs to walk off with the 10-run mercy-rule win.
For Gardner, who shifted from first base from last year to join Daves in the rotation for the Bulldog pitching staff, the adjustment to a new role is about keeping things simple. “I didn’t try to do too much,” added Gardner after the win, “just throw strikes and trust my defense. I’ve had to remain calm and confident to help us control the tempo of the game – if you lose your cool on the mound, you’re basically giving them the game.”
Dove Creek takes an early edge in the league and district standings with their sweep, with plenty of big games against Ignacio and a rematch with Nucla still on the horizon.
“Every game we’ve played, we keep fighting,” Trent Daves said. “This is a group that hates to lose, and they’re not satisfied with anything short of their best – the seniors have really stepped up and taken ownership.”
The ‘Dogs hope continue that production with Grand Valley coming to town for a Saturday doubleheader, starting at 10 a.m. Dove Creek will then host Monticello this upcoming Tuesday at 2 p.m., along with Bayfield on April 11.
