Horeseman Topple Tigers

By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media

Third inning did Raton in as the a seven run rally by St Mikes gave them a 9-3 lead in a Thursday afternoon makeup game in Raton.

Raton's pitching staff while young played a good game against the older St Mikes players. Cam Baird started the game and went two innings before Ethan Washburn took over in the third. The Horseman took aim at Washburn's pitching and planted balls in the holes in the outfield.

From there eighth grader Jason Parker took the mound and confounded the hard hitting horseman with his slow pitches. Yet St Mikes still managed to push three runs over the plate. Dylan Query finished the game for Raton allowing only two runs in the sixth but it was that two runs that shortened the game for Raton with the 10 run rule after the fifth.

St Mikes  0  2  7  3  0  2  14
Raton       0  3  0  0  1  0    4

Marcus Sandoval (22) slides to second but Ethan Washburn (4) is there with the ball for the tag and the out.

Matt Smallwood makes it safely back to first as the ball approaches Dante Mileta's mitt on the pick off attempt.

Its another out at second as Dante Mileta makes the tag before Josh Costi could make the base.

Martin Ortiz goes for the ball and makes the catch in center field for the out.

OSO’s to do 70 Games in 72 Days

By Marty Mayfield

KRTN Multi-Media

Them OSO’s are a comin and no we’re not talking about the dumpster diving, four legged fur bearing kind either, these are the minor league professional ball player kind.

That’s right folks, you will be able to venture down to Gabriele Field and watch our own minor league team compete against seven other teams in the Pecos League. Players for the OSO’s will be first year players out of college looking to move up the ladder to other minor league teams and eventually on to the majors.

Andrew Dunn chairman for the Pecos League was in town Monday afternoon and spoke to a few fans and business owners about the team. Dunn indicated the league is happy to be here. He also noted the Gabriele Field is one of the better fields in the league and he has had nothing but great relations with the city.

Details are still being worked out on how and where entry to the field will be handled but there will be extra bleachers added at the field. Legion Park will also be setup for viewing with tickets. Tickets are $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for kids.

The plan is to make the baseball experience as big league as they can, selling OSO memorabilia and having special games during the 37 home game run. To go along with the experience the league is looking for volunteers to be bat boys and girls as well as ball shaggers to chase those out of the park home runs and foul balls.

This year the training camp for both the Trinidad Trigger and the Raton OSOs will be here in Raton and will begin on May 5^th. Training camp practices are free and the public is welcome to watch those practices.

Also the Raton schedule is online at  http://raton.pecosleague.com/  OSO memorabilia is also online at the above web page.

Black and Orange will be the colors you will see on the field during the OSO games.

Andrew Dunn Pecos League chairman holds up a practice uniform

Girls take Saturday Double Header
Boys keep Double Header close

Girls game 1
Robertson 1  0  2  0  4  0  0  7
Raton        3  4  0  0  1  2     10

Game 2
Robertson 0  0  0  2  0  0  0   2
Raton        2  2  0  0  0  7      11

Raton's Breannon Trujillo hit a bases loaded infield home run in the sixth of game two 

Boys game 1
Robertson 0  2  0  1  2  5  4  14
Raton        1  0  0  0  4  2  1   8

Robertson's Ryan Tafoya hit a 3 run homer in the top of the seventh

Game 2
Robertson 1  1  0  2  2  4  4  14
Raton        3  1  0  1  3  0  0   8


It was a sunny breezy day in Raton for softball and it turned out to be a good day for the Lady Tigers as they took both games of the double header against Robertson. The wins push Raton into the lead in district 2AAA softball.

Raton's Breannon Trujillo started pitching the game for Raton and was followed by Natasha Archuleta with Shania Dorrance pitching game two. Having three or more pitchers will help Raton compared to relying on one or maybe two pitchers in the past. Even so it will be hard to fill the shoes of Krista Fissel who for three years was the only pitcher Raton had.

With two players out for the season, Brylee Medina and Rhiannon Barela, and the added pitchers the Lady Tigers are seeing players move around field giving them an added dynamic. The ladies also have a lot of young players that if they stay together will make for a strong team in the coming years.

Saturday the ladies too the early lead in game one but Robertson threatened with a rally in the fifth which tied the game at seven and then gave them the lead briefly before the Raton bats connected and pulled out the game.  

Game two was all Raton. Breannon Trujillo hit a bases loaded infield home run in the bottom of the sixth.

Caydence Sisneros makes the awkward catch and throw to first to make the out in the first game of the double header with Robertson.

Breannon Trujillo connects with the ball in one of her many hits during the double header with Robertson Saturday.

Safe at first a Robertson player makes it back to the bag before the throw to Christina Jaramillo Saturday afternoon.

Kalista Dorrance slides home for score in game one of the double header at Jim Wade Field.

Kalista Dorrance slides in under the tag at third.

The umpire signals safe as Alyssa Eggabrecht reaches out for the tag at home plate.

Mariah Romero starts the slide into second but runs into the Robertson second baseman for the out and a bloody nose.

The Raton Boys are a young team this year with only one senior on the team. But the boys have heart and while they are still making the young player mistakes they have managed to be in most all their games according to coach JR Alderette and the Saturday double header with Robertson was no exception.

Raton was in both games until late in the game when it seems one inning just does them in. Raton also went through their pitching staff which includes a couple of eight graders Dylan Lemons and Jason Parker.

The Boys games started late at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday allowing a couple of the Robertson players to take ACT tests. In game one Raton and Robertson were tied at five after five yet a rally and three run homer by Ryan Tafoya allowed Robertson to pull it out and win that game.

Again in the second game Raton stayed in it until the sixth when another rally by Robertson added four in the sixth and seventh for the win.

Safe at Third as the base runner makes it in just before the ball during the double header with Robertson Saturday afternoon.

Another play at second as the tag is made before the Robertson player makes it to second.

Senior Seth Parker slides to second and makes it before the ball Saturday afternoon.

Dante Mileta makes the bunt Saturday afternoon and then makes it to first base as Robertson was just a bit slow responding.

 

Ethan Washburn slides safe into second just outside the reach of the Robertson second baseman.

This was a close one and was called safe Saturday night as Cardinal Miguel Jauregui slides wide into third base as Brandon Romero goes for the tag.

Tagged on the leg but tagged none the less for the out was Colin Pedro as he leaps for the bag past third baseman Brandon Romero

Raton Ladies Bring Home Second Place

By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media

The State Spirit Competition was held at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho this last weekend and as usual it was tough emotional competition.

The state spirit competition is like no other in the state. It is a judged competition, not one that is decided at the buzzer by the score. This is one that takes two different routines and is compared to the other teams. This event is one that you have to experience to really understand the emotions and determination and talent of the ladies.

Raton Cheer and Dance teams have placed in the top five over the last several years. Watch the ladies perform each year and see the determination and the hard work they put into the routines. Yet a small bobble or a dropped flyer can upset the whole routine and deduct points. While it may only be a few points as you can see by the scoring a few points may mean the difference in one or two places.

Dance Results

3A St. Michael's    262.0  258.5  520.5

3A Raton               258.5  249.0  507.5

3A Sandia Prep     264.5  225.0 489.5

3A Hope Christian 245.5 239.0 484.5

3A Socorro            231.0  222.5  453.5

3A Taos                 202.5  207.0  409.5

3A Silver               207.5  191.0  398.5

3A Robertson       200.0  195.5  395.5

3A West Las Vegas 188.0 193.5 381.5

Cheer Results

3A Hope Christian 272.0  254.0  526.0

3A Raton               238.0  227.5  465.5

3A Taos                 244.0  220.5  464.5

3A Portales           241.0  203.0  444.0

3A Silver               205.5  206.5  412.0

3A St. Michael's   164.5  152.0   316.5

3A Lovington        156.5  149.0  305.5

3A Ruidoso           169.5  122.5  292.0

3A West Las Vegas 89.5 163.5  253.0

3A Robertson       127.5   102.5  230.0

After the performances Friday afternoon both Raton coaches were happy with their scores and knew Saturday would tell the story. Friday's routines are more structured and contain must have elements. Saturday the routines are allowed to be more freely structured so you will see different styles of performances.

As the awards were being presented Saturday emotions were running high and this year it was bitter sweet for the Raton TigerCats dance team as they scored higher than rivals Hope Christian and when the standings were announced the ladies were visibly happy. 

In the cheer competition this year saw a closer event as Portales has a new coach and was noticably improved this year and Taos was once again in the hunt as they were last year. Looking at the scores the middle three are fairly close, with Raton and Taos only one point apart. 

 

Miranda Luksich and Devon Gutierrez accept the second place trophy for the Raton TigerCats dance team Saturday in Rio Rancho at the State Spirit Competition.

2013 TigerCats Dance Team

    Autumn Hunnicutt, Cheyenne Starr, Devon Gutierrez, Heather Segura, Helen Segura
Kylie Fleming, Lakken Medina, Miranda Luksich, Moriah Daniel, Renee Martinez
Sabrina Valdez, Sarah Earle, Taylin Baker
Coach Kelli Gabriele, Coach Sue Holland

Kelli Ortiz and Hunter Garcia accept the second place trophy for the RHS Cheer team Saturday morning in Rio Rancho at the State Spirit Competition.

RHS Cheer Team

Alexandra Flores, Alyssa Aragon, Ashlynn Martinez, Brittany Sanchez, Cheyann Duran, Cody Stone, Hunter Garcia
Jessica Haynes, Kali Fanelli, Katie Flores, Kelli Ortiz, Natale Castellini, Nayelli Acosta, Nicole James
Rachael Sanchez, Raina Morphew, Sandi Lemons, Shania Sanchez, Coach Linda Ortiz, Coach Brenda Ferri

Trojans Continue District Winning Streak

By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media

The way this game started out it could have went either way as the crowd got loud and the play was deliberate. Wagon Mound at home and the defending District 1B champs hosted a much improved Maxwell Bears team.

Coming from no where only two years ago the Maxwell Bears have come a long way under coach Eloy Brazil. As the teams battled back and forth the defenses held strong and kept the score low. Wagon Mound was up 8-4 at the end of the first. Tough defense continued through the second period. When the buzzer sounded at halftime 19 - 16 game with Wagon Mound on top.

The third period however was a much different ball game as Maxwell went cold and Wagon Mound stoked the flames and went 26 points to 11 for the Bears. Then the fourth quarter turned around for Maxwell going 20-15. The points spread however was to much to over come for Maxwell and the Trojans were once again announced as the District 1B champions. Another factor in the game was made from the free throw line as Wagon Mound went 11 of 12 in the fourth quarter.

Maxwell    4  12  11  20  47
Wagon Mound  8  11  26  15  61

Maxwell High Point
Patrick Pacheco  21 4 of 6 at the line
Thomas Casper 8 1 of 4 free throws
Free Throws 11 of 27 attempts

Wagon Mound High Point
Jose Aguilar 17 8 of 9 free throws
Gabriel Cruz 14
Eric Olguin 17  8 of 8 free throws
Free throws 17 of 19 attempts

The District 1B champs Wagon Mound Trojans (not in order) Jose Aguilar, Darian Mareno, Andrew Martinez, Rio Armijo, Marcus Cruz, Gabriel Cruz, Danny Gray, Eric Olguin, coaches Bobby Clouthier, and P Olguin.

Jakob Smith and Danny Gray go for the rebound early in the game in Wagon Mound.

Thomas Casper goes in low for the lay-up as Trojan Danny Gray gets a hand up for the block

Patrick Pacheco draws the foul as Jose Aguilar (5) works his way down the court during the District 1B championship game.

Up for the rebound is Tristan Chavez and Jose Aguilar (5)

Patrick Pacheco squeezes in between Danny Gray and Eric Olguin as he moves inside for the lay-up during the championship game in Wagon Mound Friday night.

Lady Demons move forward to State Tourney

By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media

The Des Moines Lady Demons hosted the Class B district 1 championships Thursday night and played a much improved Mosquero Lady Pirates. The coaches for both teams are brothers and it is fun to watch how they play against each other.

The Lady Pirates had a slow start but once they got things going they stayed within striking distance for most of the first half of the game. Yet the hot hand of Dakota Martinez who scored eight 3-pointers on the night helped Des Moines widen the lead.

The Lady Pirates pulled to within 12 points in the second half yet were running out of steam and Des Moines widened the lead to 20 and more then more by the buzzer. Des Moines played a physical game as they always do and then went into a ball control game in the fourth working the shots inside.

The Des Moines Lady Demons Class B District 1 champs  Front row Alexis Wingo, Reinda Rivale, Rayelle Rivale, Makenna Hittson   Back row assistant coach Dudy Martinez, Dakota Martinez, Aunna Walker, Jordyn Bannon, Samantha Green, coach Freddy Libby

 Mosquero    4  11  8   6  29
Des Moines 15 13 13 21 62

Mosquero High Point
Taylor Libby 15 0 for 1 free throws
Free Throws 7 of 17 attempts

Des Moines High Point
Dakota Martinez 30  8 3-pointers 2 of 2 free throws
Aunna Walker 15  6 of 8 free throws
Free throws 13 of 23 attempts

Lady Pirates Gabby Vigil (55) Barrett Ray and Emily Goret team up on Lady Demon Aunna Walker during the game Thursday night.

Another struggle for the ball as Barrett Ray and Gabby Vigil try to get the ball away from Reinda Rivale during the Class B District 1 championship game Thursday evening in Des Moines

This time its Aunna Walker trying to take control as Gabby Vigil and Lori Mitchell try to get their hands on the ball.

Dakota Martinez puts up another one of her eight 3-pointers Thursday night in Des Moines during the championship game.

 

Springer Sweeps District Championships

By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media

It was a Questa Springer matchup, both boys and girls, for the District 1A championship held in Springer Saturday night that was all but boring with both games seeing tie scores.

The Springer Lady Red Devils took off with a quick six point lead by Kyra Laumbach and they slowly spread it out enjoying the lead for the first half of the game. That lead would grow to as much as 12 points with the help of 3-pointers and close in shots as Springer worked the ball and worked it inside for the shot.

Second half action would see the Springer lead slip away and for a brief time late in the third period the Questa Lady Wildcats took the lead. With the crowd in the ball game the Lady Red Devils took control and by the end of the third were up by eight and would control that lead through the fourth.

At the buzzer Springer owned the title of District 1A champs for 2013.

The 2013 District 1A champs Jordan Scott, Kyra Laumbach, Angelica Montoya, Kara Burton, Tiana Garcia, Kylie Daugherty, Cordilia Tafoya, Michelle Finkbone, Coach Thomas Ybarra.

Again in the boys game Springer took a quick lead but it was a fast paced and physical game that soon saw the six point lead that Springer held at the end of the first quarter slip into a tie game in the second quarter. Again the crowd was in the game and Springer pulled away but by no means was it a stable lead.

As the buzzer ended the first half Springer lead the game by eight. The second half of the game was still a fast paced game with the lead slipping away then a turnover would change the momentum some and Springer would once again widen the lead.

Both teams worked the ball and drove it inside for points. The difference came when one or the other team would miss a basket. The other team would take advantage and work the ball in for points. it was back and forth like that for the remainder of the game. Yet when the final buzzer blew it was Springer who once again held the District 1A title.

The Springer Red Devils District 1A Champs,  Coach Jimmy Apodaca, Christian Chavez, Joey Wade, Sam Garcia, John Montoya, Uriel Urquijo, Isaac Cordova, Isaiah Garcia, Anthony Romero, Darren Montoya, assitant coach Johhny Lee Chavez, in the back is Brandon Frye, Austin Decker, Carlos Urquijo, Tyler Blake,

Girls Game
Questa     7  19  13  14  53
Springer 19 15  13  15  62

Questa High Point
Britney Cisneros 10 4 of 7 free throws
Free Throws 12 of 26 attempts

Springer High Point
Kyra Laumbach 27 4 of 6 free throws
Free Throws 16 of 28 attempts

Boys Game
Questa     16  10  17  14  57
Springer  22  12  15  21  70

Questa High Point
Jesus Ortega 27 1 of 3 free throws
Justin Torres 20  0 of 1 free throws
Free throws 5 of 8 attempts

Springer High Point
Joey Wade 30  8 of 7 free throws
Sam Garcia 20 4 of 7 free throws
Darren Montoya 12  4 of 8 free throws
Free throws 15 of 26 attempts

Oops there goes the ball as Kyra Laumbach stumbles into the paint early in the game. Kyra didnt do that often as she went to the paint and up for the first six points of the game and ended the night with 27 points for Springer.

Angelica Montoya goes to the floor to keep the ball during the District 1A championship game in Springer Saturday night.

Kylie Daugherty makes it look easy as she heads for the basket unopposed.

Sam Garcia drives the paint for the lay-up to widen the early lead for Springer during the District 1A championship game Saturday night in Springer.

Springer worked the ball and took it inside often as Darren Montoya does here against Agustin Rael for two of his 12 points on the night .

Zack Gallegos (10) and Kendal Cordova put the squeeze on Joey Wade as he drives the lane for the lay-up on his way to two of his 30 points.