After performing impressively in several non-conference games to begin its season, the Dove Creek baseball team traveled to face Ignacio in its San Juan Basin League opener and lost a hotly contested contest, 7-5.

The game began positively for the Bulldogs, who scored three runs in the top of the first inning and led 4-2 after three innings of play. Consecutive two-run innings by Ignacio in the fourth and the fifth put the Bobcats ahead 6-4 however, and Dove Creek was unable to catch up.

Leading the Bulldogs at the plate were junior JD Dennison, who registered a hit and 2 RBIs, and freshman Hayden Gray, who smashed two doubles and drove in one run in four at-bats. Other Dove Creek players who recorded hits included Ryan Delano Martinez, Gauge Thompson, Kieron Huskey, Branson Smith and Tristen Jarmon.

Ignacio scored six runs total runs and two earned runs off Bulldogs starting pitcher Derek Kibel, who struck out two batters over four innings of work and was charged with the loss. Sophomore Ty Smith relieved Kibel on the mound and allowed one earned run over two innings of work and struck out two batters.

Ignacio’s offense was led by senior Trace Lovelace, who registered two hits in three at-bats and drove in two runs. Nathan Herrera, Rendon Maestas, Kai Roubideaux and Ian Weinrich also drove in runs for the Bobcats. Roubideaux pitched five innings and was credited with the victory.

Now 4-5 overall and 0-1 in the San Juan Basin League, Dove Creek will play in Dolores on April 5 before returning home to face San Juan High School’s junior varsity team on April 11.