FARMINGTON – The Durango High baseball team put up eight runs in the top half of a marathon first inning as well as eight more runs in the second inning on its way to a 22-5 win over Taos.
The Demons sent 12 batters to the plate in the top of the top half of the first inning, were issued five walks and scored eight times. In addition, Durango netted 10 stolen bases and chased Taos starting pitcher Christian Fresquez, who recorded only one out.
The Tigers managed to score three runs in the bottom of the first inning, thanks to three walks issued by Durango starting pitcher Julyan Heath. In an inning that lasted 41 minutes, both teams had lost their starting pitchers and had accounted for eight walks and 11 runs.
Durango’s offense came out strong in the top half of the second inning, sending another 12 hitters to the plate and scoring eight more times. Sophomore Cole Clark drove in three runs with a bases-clearing triple to right field while senior Tatum Rose drove in a pair of runs. Clark finished the contest with five runs batted in.
Coen Anderson scored four times while Grady Feeney and Carter Hansen each scored a pair of runs.
Leading 16-3, the Demons tacked on six more runs through the final three innings to preserve the victory. Pitcher Sam Clark threw the next 4 2/3 innings to earn the win, striking out five and allowing only a pair of runs and seven hits.
The Demons improve to 3-2 on the season will return to action Saturday at 2:30 p.m. to square off with Grants while Taos faces Piedra Vista at 5 p.m. Next week, Durango will play host to Farmington before roadtrips on Friday against Falcon and Saturday visiting Ponderosa.
