Although wins have been few and far between for the Dove Creek High School baseball team this season, the Bulldogs came through when it mattered most.
Playing in Pagosa Springs on May 1 against Cotopaxi High School, the Bulldogs put together a solid game, advancing to regionals with a 15-5 victory.
Leading the way for the Bulldogs was sophomore Colin Hobbs, who, playing his best game of the season, pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings in relief and drove in four runs.
“(Hobbs) got the outs that we needed and shut them down,” said Bulldogs manager Curtis Garver.
Also turning in a solid day at the plate for the Bulldogs was sophomore Beau Hemphill, who, in addition to collecting four hits, drove in three runs.
Collecting the victory on the mound for the Bulldogs was senior Tyson Smith, who, after pitching three innings of scoreless baseball, was relieved in the fourth inning.
With the victory, Dove Creek advances to regionals, where the Bulldogs will join seven other teams vying for a berth in the state finals.
“We’re just going to keep doing what we’re doing,” said Garver. “I expect to win our first game of regionals.”
Dove Creek will open the regional tournament on May 10 in Lakewood, Colo. against Peetz High School. If the Bulldogs win, they will advance to the state semifinals, which will take place at the same field later in the day.
The 1A state finals will take place on May 15.