Pitching took a pounding.
Though a six-run fifth inning Saturday afternoon inspired Ignacio to total 11 during the final three frames, visiting Olathe somehow managed 12 during the same span en route to leaving IHS Field with a wild 20-12 win.
Junior Bryce Good singled, doubled and tripled in finishing 3-for-4, and he also drew two walks, knocked in two runs and personally scored five to pace the non-league Pirates (10-6 overall, 5-1 2A Western Slope), while sophomore Bridger Vincent also scored five times while ending up 4-for-4 with a triple, two walks and one RBI.
Sophomore Canon Thomas went 1-4 but also drew two walks, reached once via error, scored four runs and drove in three as OHS won for the sixth time (at least; one outing, possibly postponed, has not been reported) in seven outings, and appeared on track to do so after starting the game with three runs in the top of the first inning.
The Bobcats (9-5, 7-2 2A/1A San Juan Basin), however, answered with one run before both teams went scoreless in the second. Olathe then put together two runs in the third, three in the fourth and four more – all unanswered – in the fifth before the locals gave themselves new life and avoided an early, mercy-rule ending.
Senior Sonny Flores was key in keeping the contest going; he finished 3-for-5 with a double, run and a most-crucial five RBI. Senior Gabe Archuleta ended up 2-2 but walked twice, was hit once by a pitch, scored twice and plated three, and freshman Stephen Romero also logged three RBI despite going 0-for-5 (he did reach base once via error and once via fielder’s choice).
“We’ve definitely got to be smarter, learn when to … take our time,” Flores said. “But definitely take our opportunities when we see them. Don’t hesitate, for sure, if you’re going to go for it.”
Evan Maez, meanwhile, ended up 2-3 with a walk and three runs scored, and Armando Richards went 1-4, reached twice via error and also scored three runs.
Already a capable catcher, Good proved good enough on the mound to earn the win; given the starting assignment, he worked five innings, gave up seven runs, walked three ’Cats and struck out eight before Vincent (5 R, HB, K) was summoned to pitch the last two frames.
Archuleta took the brunt of Olathe’s bats, surrendering 11 runs in his relief stint on the hill. Taking over for Flores (ND; 1.2 IP, 3 R, BB, HB, K), he also walked eight Pirates and plunked one before head coach Isiah Valdez called for Romero (6 R, 4 BB, 3 HB, 2 K) to hopefully extinguish the foe’s fire.
Ignacio will next travel on Thursday to non-league 2A Cedaredge for a 2 p.m. varsity single, and then venture out to non-league 2A Sanford on Saturday for a doubleheader beginning at 11 a.m. Results of the Bobcats’ Tuesday home game versus Bayfield (6-12 overall, 2-2 3A Intermountain) were unavailable at press time.
