Mike Powers| News-Bulletin photos
Belen’s Frankie Rocha heads for third base Tuesday during the Eagles 13-9 victory over Valencia.
It was “Rivalry Tuesday” on the diamond, as Belen faced off in District 5-4A against Valencia in both baseball and softball.
Valencia-Belen baseball
After a heartbreaking 7-6 loss in nine innings last week to district leader Grants, Belen (14-6, 3-1) bounced back with a hard-fought 13-9 victory Tuesday at home against Valencia (8-13, 1-3).
Several first inning BHS miscues led to a Jaguars run, but the Eagles rallied with three runs on three hits in the bottom of the inning to move in front.
“We need to play more like a championship caliber team moving forward,” Belen coach Tom Wisneski said.
Valencia coach Carlos Ramirez says the Jaguars played well but, “We need to minimize walks on the mound and errors in the field.”
Friday, BHS is at St. Pius (12-7, 2-2), while VHS visits Grants (16-5, 4-0).
Lorissa Scott celebrates Tuesday after blasting a grand slam home run for Belen during the Eagles win over Valencia.
Belen-Valencia softball
Lorissa Scott blasted a grand slam that easily cleared the left-field wall in the fifth inning, putting an exclamation point on Belen’s (14-8, 4-0) 21-1 victory over Valencia (3-14, 2-2). It was the Eagles ninth straight win.
BHS made a first inning statement, scoring six runs and then put the game away with ten in the fourth.
Belen coach Oscar Medrano said the Eagles are embracing a more aggressive style, saying team chemistry and teamwork have been key.
Belen can take a big step toward the District 5-4A title at home Thursday by defeating St. Pius (12-5, 3-1) for a second time.
Valencia coach Eli Miera calls Belen “a great team,” and he “can see some positives” for the Jaguars, who host district foe Grants (5-15, 1-3) Thursday.
Los Lunas players celebrate in the dugout after another run was scored against Santa Fe.
Los Lunas baseball
A doubleheader sweep Friday of Santa Fe kept the Los Lunas baseball team unbeaten in District 5-5A. The Tigers (11-8, 4-0) pounded out 19-0 and 12-7 victories against the Demons.
In the opener, freshman JJ Utash pitched a five-inning shutout, giving up just three hits, while going four for four at the plate. The nightcap was more competitive, with Santa Fe scoring six runs in the fourth inning to cut the LLHS lead to 9-7.
However, Santa Fe was doomed by six errors. Saturday, LLHS hosts Santa Fe Capital (7-10, 0-4) in a doubleheader.
Los Lunas softball
In softball, Los Lunas (11-6, 4-0) entertains Cleveland Thursday in a non-district game.
The Tigers play two games Saturday at Santa Fe Capital (9-10, 2-2)
Mike Powers spent more than 40 years as a television news and sports anchor, mostly in the Albuquerque market. He has won numerous awards including New Mexico Sportscaster of the Year. He covers a wide range of sports, including the Valencia County prep scene.
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April 25, 2024
