The Roadrunners completed the season sweep over the Bulldogs last Friday afternoon, winning 8-2 in Winslow.
Holbrook took the early lead with a first inning run only to see the Dawgs battle back with two in the home half of the first to lead 2-1. Holbrook regained the lead in the fourth, scoring twice to make it 3-2. With the game still in question, the Roadrunners opened things up with five runs in the top of the seventh to cruise to the win.
The Birds collected their eight runs on 12 hits and made two errors.
Winslow scored two runs on just three hits and played error free.
Justin Perkins went the distance on the hill, allowing just the two runs on only three hits with 11 strikeouts and walked only one.
At the dish, Shane McGraw and Jalen Nez went 3 for 4. Frankie Ulibarri was 2 for 4 with a double. Tristan Baldonado, Ryan Short, Gabe Gabaldon and Justin Perkins all went 1 for 3.
Unfortunately for Holbrook, Payson also won on Friday and with the win over Blue Ridge the Longhorns claimed the East Region title. They entered Monday’s match up with Holbrook with a perfect region record, while the Roadrunners have two Region losses, including one to Payson in their first meeting.
These two teams were also ranked No. 1 and 2 in the 3A power rankings on Monday morning. No matter how the final game of the regular season came out, Holbrook should easily be in the top three or four in the standings and will receive a first round bye in the state tournament. The Roadrunners’ first round opponent won’t be known until this weekend, and their first round game won’t be played until Friday, May 5, in the Valley.
