From a win/loss perspective, this season has not been kind to the Dove Creek High School baseball team.
Even so, the Bulldogs will enter the postseason with confidence after splitting a doubleheader with Dolores High School on April 25.
Bulldogs struggle in game one loss
Playing the first of two games in Dolores, the Bulldogs struggled on defense and were mediocre on the mound, losing 16-6 in five innings.
Key in the Dove Creek loss was a tough second inning during which Bulldogs starting pitcher Collin Hobbs walked several batters and allowed five runs.
Although the Bulldogs came back with three runs in the top of the third inning courtesy of a two-run double by Alex Ogas, Dolores exploded for nine runs over the final two innings to record the win.
Starring at the plate for the Bears, senior Evan Moore had three hits, scored two runs and registered five RBIs.
Bears’ senior Ethen Upton was equally solid on the mound, pitching all five innings for a complete game victory.
Clearly disappointed with their game one effort, Dove Creek came out firing on all cylinders in game two, playing fundamental baseball in route to a 7-3 victory.
Pitching his best game of the season on the mound, Bulldogs senior Tyson Smith utilized a consistent fastball to limit Dolores to three runs over seven innings.
Providing the key hit for Dove Creek was senior Nick Jones, whose long triple to center field drove in three Bulldogs runs.
“We’ve been battling all season and today we put it all together,” said Smith. “When this team plays like it can, we are capable of beating anybody.”
Finishing the regular season with a 4-14 record overall, the Bulldogs will certainly need to keep playing like they can if they hope to advance through the postseason.
The Bulldogs will kick off their postseason with a district tournament matchup against Cotopaxi in Pagosa Springs on May 1.
