Holbrook’s first meeting with Blue Ridge on the diamond on March 24 was a defensive gem won by the Roadrunners, 1-0. When the two teams met last Tuesday afternoon, the Birds ended the game early under the 10-run rule, earning a 15-3 victory.
Blue Ridge scored once in the bottom of the first and held that one-run lead until the top of the fourth. After going scoreless through the first three frames, Holbrook exploded in the fourth, taking advantage of Yellowjacket errors, walks and some timely hits to score 12 runs and take a commanding lead in the East region contest. Blue Ridge tried to counter by scoring twice in the inning. In the top of the sixth Holbrook pushed across three more runs, then held the home team scoreless in the bottom of the sixth to finish off the Jackets 15-3.
The Roadrunners were efficient at the plate, scoring 15 runs on just 10 hits. Cade Maestas went 2 for 3 with a triple, an RBI and scored twice. Frankie Ulibarri was 2 for 3 with a pair of doubles, six RBIs and scored twice. Tristan Baldonado went 2 for 4 with two RBIs and scored twice. Cole McDaniel was 1 for 4 with an RBI and scored once. Jalen Nez went 1 for 4 and scored twice. Ryan Short was 1 for 4 and scored once. Justin Perkins went 1 for 2 with an RBI and scored twice. Shane McGraw was hit by a pitch, reached base once on an error and scored twice. Gabe Gabaldon reached base twice on errors and scored once.
Baldonado got the start on the hill and worked five innings, giving up three runs on three hits with eight strikeouts and four walks. Nez pitched the final inning, allowing just one hit and one walk.
With the win the Birds improved to 19-5 on the season and 12-2 in power point games, which should keep them ranked in the top four.
