NMMI Sports Press
The New Mexico Military Institute Bronco baseball team split a pair of home games on Saturday versus Garden City Community College, 4-6 and 9-5.
In Game 1, Garden City started off the first inning with a monstrous two-run home run that cleared the scoreboard in right field.
The Broncbusters finished the inning with a 3-2 lead.
NMMI tied the game in the bottom of the fourth thanks to a single by Luiz Rivera Melendez on the first pitch of his at bat.
Ricky Roybal took the loss for the Institute. He gave up five runs, three which were earned and six hits in three innings pitched.
NMMI had seven hits in Game 1. Bobby Galindo went 3-3 and finished with three RBI's.
"Game 1 was just a matter for not getting anything to fall in for a base hit, not getting timely hits, and some poor base running, which normally hasn't been an issue all year," said head coach Chris Cook. "GCCC's a good team – there's always tough to beat. Their starting pitching was tremendous - very good command. We just didn't do a good enough job early on of getting into their bullpen. "
In Game 2, NMMI took a late lead and won 9-5 to split the series against Garden City.
"We saw some things this weekend where we did not play as good defensively or run the bases as well and we do usually, but we found a way to battle and split a series," said Cook.
Despite being down 5-4 heading into the eighth inning, Angel Colon started the rally with a hard hit single to right field.
With the bases loaded, Garden City walked the tying run in to make the score 5-5.
Miguel Soto came in clutch and singled on a line drive to right field to give the Broncos a 7-5 lead.
With two outs, Cook put in pinch hitter Tony Galindo. Galindo did not disappoint, hitting a two-run double and extending the Bronco lead 9-5.
Eric Estrada started the game for the Institute. He allowed five runs on nine hits over five and a half innings of work.
Angel Lebron DeJesus picked up the win for NMMI allowing one hit and no runs through two and two-thirds innings.
"He pitched fantastic," said Cook. "We brought him in to face the three lefties, and he was throwing so well we just let him roll with it until we got the lead, with Zack ready to go against their next two right-handed hitters.
Zack Gonzales came on in the top of the ninth with a three- up, three-down inning to give the Bronco's the victory.
"Then Zack comes out with a four-run lead and pounds the strike zone against their best hitters and gets them out, 1,2, 3," continued Cook. "I don't think we did that the entire series. Nice job on Zack's part – not a save situation, but still a great performance."
Colon had a stellar day at the plate going 5 for 8 with three singles, two doubles and five runs scored.
Next weekend NMMI takes on Dodge City Community College Friday at the NMMI Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 PM.
"They are always a tough, physical team," said Cook." The series will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We found a way to win a series against them last year, but typically it's a dogfight. They definitely swing the bats and they can pitch."