The Durango High School softball team dropped both games of Saturday’s doubleheader to Fruita Monument in its first conference games of the season. The Demons lost 10-0 in Game 1, and were also shutout 28-0 in Game 2.
Durango (2-2, 0-2 5A/4A Southwestern League) was productive in getting on base but could not bring home the runs, after it put up 36 runs in two games last weekend against Aspen High School.
“If last week’s competition was anywhere down in the valley so to speak, yesterday was like playing at the top of the mountain,” said DHS head coach John Bernazzani. “Fruita was very talented, and while we created chances by getting runners on base, we just couldn’t drive them home.”
In Game 1, the Wildcats (2-0, 2-0 SWL) drove in two in the bottom half of the first inning and one in the third to go up 3-0. The Wildcats then put up seven runs in the bottom of the fifth inning and the Demons were unable to respond, and it ended 10-0.
At the plate, Emma Candelaria went 2-for-2 with two stolen bases, while Teagan Kehm and Alaysia Kremer both went 1-for-2 in the loss, while Jacey Jeep drew a walk and was hit by a pitch. Tori Raybourn pitched all five innings for DHS and struck out five, while Bela Torres recorded five putouts at first base.
In Game 2, Fruita put up six runs through the first two innings, and did not look back after that, as it went on to win 28-0 in a four-inning game. DHS managed three hits, while Fruita’s pitching and defense were able to preserve the shutout.
Kehm made her season debut in the pitcher’s circle and lasted 2 1/3 innings, and gave up six runs, all of which were earned. She also went 1-for-2 at the plate, while Raybourn and Sylvia Reyes each recorded base hits.
“We made good contact in the second game, but credit to Fruita’s defense, they were positioned well and caught some hard-hit line drives and fielded tough ground balls,” Bernazzani said. “It was good to get Teagan on the mound, and while she struggled a bit with her control, it was good to see her come around and get her rhythm and release point down. Fruita was very disciplined at the plate, and credit them for stringing some hits together.”
The Demons will travel to the Sheridan Softball Tournament for four games next weekend. On Friday, DHS will play Eagle Valley (1-3) at 2:30 p.m., followed by Standley Lake (2-0) at 6:30. Durango will end pool play against Peak to Peak CharterSchool on Saturday.
bploen@durangoherald.com
