With both teams lining up rosters filled with players returning next season, the 2026 season series between Dolores and Dove Creek offered a preview of what fans can expect in years to come.
The Bears bounced back from Dove Creek’s 2025 three-game sweep of Dolores by taking two of their three meetings this spring, including a 16-6 victory Monday afternoon at Joe Rowell Park.
Dolores (6-8) jumped out early with three runs in each of the first two innings before the Bulldogs finally got on the board with two runs in the third.
Freshman Kooper Thomas led Dolores with four hits and three RBIs, while juniors Gus Vaughn and Levi Hampton combined for six hits and eight runs scored.
After Dove Creek (4-10) pulled within 7-4 in the top of the fifth inning, the Bears answered with three runs in the bottom half and put the game away with a six-run sixth inning to invoke the 10-run mercy rule.
Dove Creek freshman Kycen Gritz paced the visitors with three hits, including two doubles, and junior Cael Beanland added two hits.
Dolores senior Tristan Adie drove in two runs, and DCHS junior Konner Spigner matched the total.
Hampton started on the mound for head coach Brandon Range’s club and struck out 13. The Bears defense played clean baseball behind him, committing just two errors.
Dolores returns home to face Center on Thursday, Apr. 23, with a 2 p.m. opening pitch. Dove Creek is set to face Center on Friday morning at 11 a.m. before meeting Nucla later in the day at 3 p.m. at the Soper Sports Complex.
