Peter Dindinger — NMMI Sports Press
Behind another masterful pitching performance from Luis Patron, the New Mexico Military Institute Colt baseball team made quick work of the Ruidoso Warriors with a 10-0 win in five innings on Tuesday evening at NMMI Ballpark.
Patron threw a one-hitter with 11 strikeouts. He had a no-hitter through three innings.
“It’s the third game in our schedule. We knew were going to be challenged,” said NMMI head coach Charlie Ward. “Luis is a tough pitcher. He’s one of the top in the state.
“We got to see some guys make plays on defense. Good team effort. We’re 3-0.”
Patron struck out the side to start the game in the top of the first.
With two walks issued and a single hit by Tegin Maloney, the Colts had the bases loaded with no outs in the bottom half of the frame.
Alexys Valverde hit into a double play to bring in pinch-runner Gael Garza.
Norberto Valencia started a two-out rally with an RBI single and then Bailey Mego drew a six-pitch walk with the bases loaded to extend NMMI’s lead to 3-0.
Patron tallied three more strikeouts in the top of the second despite allowing his first baserunner of the game after issuing a walk.
After back to back singles by Maloney and Luis Patron V., the Colts were threatening once again in the bottom of the second after Valverde drew a walk to load the bases.
Valencia came through in the clutch with a two RBI single to make the score 5-0.
Valverde later scored on a wild pitch while Nicholas Rice drove in Valencia on a ground out to second to give the Colts a 7-0 advantage.
Patron retired the Warrior batters in order in the top of the third to keep the shutout intact.
Ruidoso got its first hit in the top of the fourth when Logan Sandoval hit a two-out single. The Warriors left two runners stranded in the inning after Patron tallied a strikeout to work his way out of the jam.
Needing just three runs to end the game via the 10-run rule, Patron V. hit a two RBI single to centerfield in the bottom of the fifth while Sergio Gonzales slid safely into home after legging out an inside-the-park home run that was hit over the head of the Ruidoso centerfielder.
Valencia finished 3 for 3 with three singles and three RBI. Valencia has driven in six runs in seven plate appearances.
Maloney tallied three singles to go 3 for 4 with a stolen base.
Patron V. went 2 for 3 with two singles, a walk and two RBI to add to NMMI’s 10 total hits.
On the mound, Patron is 2-0 with 25 strikeouts in two outings. He has walked just two batters in 10 total innings pitched.
>> UP NEXT: NMMI competes at the 22nd annual Hal Bogle tournament in Dexter, beginning next Thursday at 10 a.m. with an opening round game against Capitan.
NMMI 10, Ruidoso 0 (5)
RUID……00000 — 0 1 2
NMMI…...34003 — 10 10 0
Josiah Saiz, Caleb Crawford (3). Luis Patron. W — Patron. L — Saiz. 2B — None. 3B — None. HR — NMMI: Sergio Gonzales.
Records — Ruidoso (2-1); NMMI (3-0).