Playing through a difficult portion of their schedule that included five games in less than one week, the Dolores Bears High School team performed well, finishing with a 2-3 record overall.
Kicking off their busiest stretch of the season in Dove Creek on April 17, the Bears' offense exploded, hitting to all areas of the ballpark in route to a 23-12 mercy-rule victory.
Keying the Bears' big day was Kellen Gatzke, whose first-inning triple down the first base line accounted for two of his team-high five RBIs.
"Our offense has been good all year," remarked Bears' manager Rusty Smith. "I couldn't ask for a better day at the plate."
Also playing an important role for Dolores was varsity newcomer Mikeal Ford, who recorded two hits and two RBIs.
"I don't underestimate anybody and I come into every game with high expectations," said Ford.
Leading the Bears on the mound, Stetson Hamilton pitched five innings to pick up the victory.
Two days after their victory over Dove Creek, the Bears travelled to Nucla for an April 19 doubleheader against the Mustangs.
Bolstered by a solid seven-inning pitching performance by Gatzke, the Bears hung tough, yet offensive ineffectiveness doomed Dolores to a 4-1 loss.
The second game of the doubleheader turned out even worse for the Bears as Ethen Upton struggled on the mound and the Bears fell 12-2 in five innings.
Wrapping up their busy week, the Bears finished split a doubleheader with Ignacio on April 22.
Looking solid in the first game of the day, the Bears scored four runs in the third inning and four more in the fifth inning in route to an 8-6 victory.
Enjoying a solid day at the plate for the Bears was Evan Moore, whose drove in one run on the day.
"We've been working on our batting a lot in practice," said Moore.
The Bears' offense struggled in game two of the doubleheader however, as Dolores lost 6-1.
Next on the Bears' schedule will be a senior-day doubleheader against Dove Creek, which will take place on April 25.