Tuesday, the Rye High School baseball team traveled to Fowler with the league championship and the opportunity to host first round playoff action in the balance. A complete report of those games will be in the paper next Thursday but you can watch at greenhornvalleyview. com and the GHV Facebook page for post season information.
Rye will enter those Fowler contests in the driver’s seat and if appears a lone win in the scheduled double-header will be enough for the 15-5 Thunderbolts (9-1 in league play) to capture the championship and host post season action.
On May 9, Rye hosted Rocky Ford and won a convincing 15-4 contest. A scheduled return last Thursday and Friday to Rocky Ford never happened, as the Meloneers’ forfeited because of a wet field and a close to the regular season.
“We started a little slow at Rocky Ford,” shared Head Coach Stacey Graham, “But, we started hitting well and finished strong.”
Will Hamler had three hits, scored four runs, stole three bases and had a double. “Will is smart, and base savvy,” shared his coach. “And when he gets on base it’s always likely he will steal one or two.”
Hamler also had a perfect seven for seven fielding opportunities to lead the team.
Riley Rochester had his third consecutive game in which he had a double and a triple. Rochester drove in three runs. “If the wind hadn’t been blowing toward the plate,” shared Graham, “Riley would have gotten several home-runs in recent games.”
Axton Ehrlich had two hits, drove in three runs, and had a double. Aydin Swald scored three times and had three stolen bases. Taye McCauley drove in three runs. All told, the Thunderbolts stole 10 bases.
Joe Valdez started the game on the mound and got the victory. Valdez worked two and 1/3 innings. He gave up five hits, two earned runs, walked two and struck out six. McCauley finished the final 2 and 2/3 innings. He gave up one hit, walked one and struck out five.
The top spots in 2A are full of Rye opponents. Limon is currently #1, followed by Peyton at #2. Buena Vista, who Rye has beaten is #4 and Rye is #6. Fowler is currently ranked #8.
It is anticipated post season action will start the tail end of this week.