Skins denied comeback
PUEBLO- The La Veta Redskins’ comeback attempt fell short last Saturday as the Swink Lions scored one run in the bottom of the seventh inning to defeat the Redskins 7-6 in regional baseball action at Hobbs Field in Pueblo. The Redskins found themselves trailing for most of the game before a five-hit, three-run comeback in their last at bat to tie up the score. The Lions had one last at bat to score or the game would go into extra innings. Their run came off the bat of Lion Kyle Stroh whose double to left field drove in the lead-off batter for the victory. The loss ended the Redskins‘ season in exciting fashion.
Trent Holvich got the Redskins’ first hit of the game off the first pitch of the game. Dalton Mason was up next and got on base on a fielder’s choice. Trey Price then connected ball to bat for the Skins, advancing Mason to second, but was thrown out at first, giving the Skins two outs. Dakota Mason was the next batter connecting a double off a 3-2 pitch to bring home brother Dalton and a 1-0 Redskin lead. It looked as though the Skins would not have any trouble hitting off Swink Pitcher Brock Miller and were on their way.
The Redskins played defensive ball when they took the field at the bottom of the first. Pitcher Jon Brunelli struggled with his control of the ball as his second pitch of the game hit the batter, advancing him to first. After three called balls, Lion left fielder Dillon Pepper hit to Dalton Mason who completed the 6-4-3 double play. The next player at bat was also hit, but the ensuing batter hit to Mason again, who completed the play at second for the Lions third out.
From here, the Skins went cold both offensively and defensively and were unable to score for the next two innings. They scored two more runs in the fourth inning off three hits, but fell cold again until the top of the seventh. The Skins’ biggest obstacle turned out to be the Swink pitcher to whom they were able to hit so easily to open the game. As the game progressed, the Swink senior got into his rhythm and was throwing fastballs on average at between 70 and 75 miles per hour. His fastest was clocked at 78 mph, making the ball hard to hit at times. He struck out 8 batters in the game and gave up 11 hits.
La Veta found ways to get on base creating several scoring opportunities, but the Lions’ aggressive defense kept the Redskins from taking advantage of any opportunities to score. The Lions’ fielding proved to be the difference in the game, despite 11 committed errors. They completed three double plays and successful throw-outs at the bases.
As the Skins entered the top of the seventh, lead-off batter Trey Price was thrown out at first for the first out. It was beginning to look dim for the Skins, but the competitive spirit of the team would never say never. In true Redskin fashion, they gripped the bats and went to work.
Next up was Dakota Mason whose single gave new hope to the Redskins. When he stole second base, then third, whispers from the crowd of a comeback seemed possible. When Jesse Pacheco hit a single down the third base line, driving in Mason, the subdued La Veta crowd erupted. Chase Konkel was the next batter and his single advanced Pacheco to second and scoring position. Brunelli was now the go-ahead runner at the plate. His first pitch was a double, deep into left field, that scored Pacheco. Advancing from first base, Konkel tried to get an extra base but was thrown out at third for La Veta’s second out. It was John Arnold’s turn to be hero. At the first pitch thrown by Miller, a ball, Brunelli stole third base. An errant throw by the catcher to third was over the third baseman’s head which allowed Brunelli to score the tying run. After Arnold was walked and Jake Ferrari got a double, Lion Coach Lynn Neve pulled a tired Miller. With runners at third and second, the relief pitcher retired the side, stranding two Skins on bases and stopping the Skins from doing any further damage.
For La Veta, their explosive five-hit, three-run seventh was fueled by five Lion errors. La Veta needed to hang on for more innings, but they faced the top of the Lions’ batting order. Lead-off batter Luke Schroeder advanced to base, and two batters later, Stroh hit a double deep into center field, bringing Schroeder home for the victory.
For La Veta, just as it began five weeks earlier, their remarkable season ended in exciting fashion. Though their comeback fell short, they gave the fans something to talk about. They finished their season with an 11 and 3 record, playing with all the enthusiasm and heart one has come to expect from these young men.
Aguirre is state bound
ALAMOSA- Desi Aguirre of John Mall was the lone Panther to qualify for the state track and field tournament to be held in Denver this weekend. Her shot-put throw of 31 feet, 8 inches was good enough to take second in the competition. She just missed qualifying for the discus, placing fourth.
Several other Panthers fared well but did not qualify. Those tracksters who participated at regionals included Shawn Dieckman who came in fourth in the 8 meter run with a time of 2 minutes, 19.44 seconds. He also ran in the boys 4 x 400 meter run along with teammates, Jacob Wiggins, Greg Bobian and Dominic Pino. They finished in fifth position. According to Coach Jacque Corsentino, “These boys ran their hearts out, cutting 18 seconds off their best time. They worked hard. It all came together.” The same boys also ran the 4 x 800 meter run, again finishing fifth. Wiggins also had his personal best in the triple jump with a jump of 34 feet, 3 ¾ inches. It did not qualify him though as the competition in this event was fierce.
Natalie Neece also ran in the 100M, 200M and 400M dash. Katie Monahan finished fifth in the high jump. Finally, Alexandra Tenorio finished fifth in the triple jump.
At the conclusion of the event, Coach Corsentino said, “The kids all did a fantastic job and we couldn’t be more proud of how much they grew as a team and what they were able to accomplish. We watched great men and women develop into great athletes and we are certainly optimistic about next year.” She also wanted to thank all the parents and fans who came out to support the team. “Having them in the stands means more to us than you’ll ever know.”
Congratulations Panthers for a great season and good luck to Desi who will represent John Mall this weekend in state action.
Skins race to State
Alamosa- Several La Veta Skins will compete at the state track tournament today through Saturday at Jeffco Stadium in Denver. Those qualifying in individual competition include Shea Brgoch in the 200 meter and Jon Christian in the 800 meter run. Team qualifiers include Brgoch, along with Emily Moll, Sami Willhoite and Jacey Day who will compete in both the 4 X 100 sprint and the 4 X 200. For the boys, Adam Kimbrel, Austin Wagner, Adam Ortivez and Zane Sternberg will compete in the 4 X 800. Several members of the Redskin team fell short of qualifying for the state tournament, but displayed exceptional performances over the course of the season.
