The Durango Gray little league baseball team clobbered its way to the Durango Youth Softball and Baseball District Tournament title on Saturday, as they defeated the Pagosa Springs Pirates 16-1 in four innings to end a perfect two-week stretch.
The team, made up of 11- and 12-year-olds, scored 50 runs over the course of three games, as they took down Cortez 16-3 in the opening game and then edged Durango Red 18-17, the other team represented from Durango in the tournament, in a thrilling semifinal. During the two-week stretch, Gray went 6-0 and also won the City Tournament last Saturday.
On Saturday, pitcher Kameron Lucero threw a gem and gave up just one run on two hits and struck out 10, all on 60 pitches.
Head coach Drew Pietrack said Lucero’s gem led the way for a potent offensive performance.
“Kameron was unbelievable throughout the game and tournament and he was so effective yesterday,” Pietrack said. “He had a really good fastball and curve, as well. Every pitch was called by our catcher Ryan Dugan, who called a brilliant game. On offense, we went down 1-0, but responded with 10 runs in the first to really get us going.”
The Gray team then added one run in the second, three in the third and two in the fourth to end it. At the plate, Lucero was also effective and tripled for the fifth consecutive game. Nolan Baxendale went 2-for-2 with two walks, three runs scored and stole four bases.
While the offense was readily available throughout the tournament, Pietrack’s team came back three separate times during the two-week stretch, which included the City Tournament. They climbed back from two 7-2 deficits and even a 9-2 deficit.
“This year, we tried something new and the best two teams from the City Tournament got to compete at Districts,” said Durango Youth Softball and Baseball board member Drew Semel. “There were no all-star teams, so it was an attempt to get more kids involved, and instead of picking the best kids, we went with the two best teams, regardless of skill level. It was a chance for kids who might not make an all-star team to still be involved and be able to compete at Districts. It was a district-wide decision to have these teams stick together, and it made the tournament really exciting.”
Other youth teams from the area also competed in the tournament, including Bayfield and Cortez.
“Back in April and even in the middle of the season, this bunch wasn’t really expecting this,” Pietrack said. “I always told the kids to keep battling, and they all went through some struggles. They all started raw and it had to be molded. They stepped up and became young men as soon as the tournament started. It was great to see and they deserve that title.”
Semel added that families can still register for fall ball, which will begin its third season in August. For more information, visit www.durangobaseball.org.
bploen@durangoherald.com
