Rattlers look for district win against Wolverines

The Tucumcari Rattlers have a short week to get over two weekend losses to the Wolverines before facing them again Friday at Texico.

The Rattlers, 6-8, 0-3, fell in double header action to the Wolverines, 17-1, 6-0, who are currently first in the District 5-3A standings.

"We had to make some adjustments in the roster due to losing two players," said Dwayne Roberts, Rattlers head coach.

Roberts said the shifts to fill the gaps placed a few players in positions they don't have a lot of experience covering. He said shifting players for a district double header was a risky move, but they had no choice in the matter.

The Rattlers lost both games against the Wolverines, 15-0, 26-1, Saturday at Tucumcari.

"The scores do not reflect how well the Rattlers played," Roberts said. "We had some great pitching from Billy Sandoval, who debuted on the mound against the Wolverines."

Roberts said then pitch count rule of 90 pitches before a player has to sit out for four days is still an issue they are addressing. He said the limit results in starters Zach Martinez and Josh Walker being pulled from the mound to save pitches for future district games.

Sandoval said while pitching and defense are being addressed, it was the offensive batting that the Rattlers struggled with against the Wolverines. He said the Rattlers batters need to get on base, the only way they can do that is hit the ball where the defense can't make a play.

Against the Wolverines, the Rattlers were able to hit the ball, but a stout defense resulted in limited base runner opportunities.

"We will be fine; we just need to believe in each other," Sandoval said.

Game time: 4 p.m. Friday at Texico

Other high school sports action

Baseball

Logan Longhorns, 0-12, 0-11

April 14

Lost 25-5 at Gateway Christian

Lost 18-1 at Gateway Christian

Grady/San Jon, 6-4-1

April 14

Won 11-0 vs Dora

Lost 4-1 vs Dora

Softball

Tucumcari Lady Rattlers, 8-5, 4-3

April 14

Won 12-10 vs Logan

April 15

Won 13-9 at Dexter (JV)

Logan Lady Longhorns, 2-4, 0-4

April 14

Lost 12-10 at Tucumcari