Opening its season at home gainst Dolores High School on March 16, the Dove Creek High School baseball team fell behind early en route to a 12-8 loss.
The Bulldogs surrendered one run in each of the first four innings before scoring five runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to seize a 5-4 lead. Dove Creek’s offensive explosion was not enough however, as Dolores plated seven runs in the top of the sixth inning and took control of the game.
Among the bright spots in Dove Creek’s loss was the performance of junior first baseman Spencer Gatlin, who made several solid plays in the field, went 2-3 at the plate and drove in two runs.
Junior Colin Hobbs started on the mound for Dove Creek and allowed two runs in two innings. Junior Beau Hemphill, junior Kyle Schultz, and junior Jordan Ernst also pitched in the loss.
With the defeat, the Bulldogs, who are currently Colorado’s top-ranked Class 1A team, fell to 0-1 on the season.
Dove Creek will next play in Farmington at the Piedra Vista Tournament, March 20-21.