GHS Gazette

By Jayden Chavez

On Tuesday April 28th, the Grants Pirates traveled to Belen to take on the Eagles for both teams’ final District baseball game. 

The Pirates, who were 7-0 in the District going into this game, were able to come out with a win solidifying their District title to finish 8-0 in 4A District 5. This win against their District rivals helped move Grants up in the State rankings where they are currently sitting at No. 8 (as of Thursday April 30th).

The Pirates dominated the whole game, racking up a total of 16 runs, while only allowing seven runs on the night. Sophomore Evan Taylor led the team, throwing 97 pitches, giving up eight hits and seven runs, five of which were earned runs.

Taylor finished the night with eight strikeouts. Some of the top hitters for the Pirates included senior Estevan Barela, who went three for five at the plate, with a walk and RBI. 

Sophomore Dereck Rhoades also had a good night at the plate, going three for five, scoring three runs and bringing in a run. And senior Zeth Villisana finished three for four on the night, while bringing in four runs and also scoring one himself. Villisana has been one of the Pirates’ best hitters in these district games.

The Pirates were scheduled to close out the regular season with their last official game being Friday May 1st, when they were set to host Los Lunas to take on the top-ten ranked Tigers.

The game is not a must win for Grants, but a win could help the Pirates’ 4A seeding argument. 

State Tournament seedings will be announced Sunday evening at www.nmact.org.