Mike Powers | News-Bulletin photo
In a pickle. Rio Grande catches the Tigers’ Alan Galaviz in a rundown in the seventh inning.
Los Lunas
Los Lunas was in great position to clinch the District 5-5A baseball championship Saturday, but too many miscues and too few timely hits doomed the Tigers in a double-header against Rio Grande.
The Tigers and Ravens started the day atop the district standings at 6-0, but with the two-game sweep, Rio Grande clinched the title.
Los Lunas pitcher Ryan Castillo had 11 strikeouts in game one of a doubleheader against Rio Grande.
In game one, the Ravens scored two unearned runs in the seventh inning to win 4-2.
LLHS pitcher Ryan Castillo struck out 11 and only surrendered only four hits, but the Tigers committed five errors, managed just two hits and had several base-running mistakes.
“Uncharacteristic” is how Los Lunas coach Paul Cieremans described the defensive lapses. “We had guys on base and we just couldn’t get the key base hits.”
Paul Cieremans Jr., the coach’s son, was scheduled to pitch in game two but was unable to play after being injured while catching in the opener.
“It throws up a little bit of a different strategy for the second game,” the coach said.
In a cloud of dust: Alan Galaviz slides in safely for Los Lunas in the fifth inning.
With Los Lunas having to make several position changes for game two, Rio Grande scored seven runs in the first inning and won 10-7.
Isaac Martinez had a home run and three RBI’s for the Tigers, who were again plagued by five errors.
Los Lunas (14-9,6-2) concludes the regular season Saturday, hosting Albuquerque High in a doubleheader.
Elsewhere, Belen (17-7, 3-4) hosts Valencia (9-15, 3-4) Friday in District 4-5A in the regular season finale. Grants is the district champion.
Softball
Los Lunas (12-11, 6-2) can win the District 5-5A title by sweeping a doubleheader Saturday at Albuquerque High (19-5, 8-0.)
Belen (13-11, 4-3) is at Valencia (6-15, 4-2) Thursday. St. Pius is the District 5-4A champion.
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 18, 2024
