Competing on the road against Pagosa Springs on April 15, the Montezuma-Cortez High School baseball team (6-7 overall, 4-2 in Intermountain League) flexed its muscles in route to two impressive victories.
Leading the way in the opening game of the doubleheader was junior Jasen Engel, who pitched a seven-inning shutout and allowed just three hits in the Panthers’ 4-0 victory. Engel struck out 12 opposing batters and issued just two walks.
At the plate, the Panthers were led by Caleb Compton who went 3-4 and scored one run. Cordell Baer, Cutter Matthews, Coby Baer and Engel each drove in runs.
In the second game of the doubleheader, the Panthers offense exploded in route to a 13-3 victory that ended after five innings.
Highlighting the Panthers run-scoring spree was Cordell Baer, who went 3-4 at the plate and drove in four runs. Engel also enjoyed a solid day at the plate, going 1-3 with a double and four RBIs.
Compton earned the victory on the mound for the Panthers as the junior pitched four shutout innings and did not allow a hit. Coby Baer replaced Compton on the mound in the fifth inning and closed the game out.
Currently sitting in third place in the Intermountain League, the Panthers will return to action on April 22 when the team hosts Centauri High School (5-8 overall, 1-5 in Intermountain League).