Taking the field on a day in which the weather felt more like summer than early spring, members of the Dove Creek High School baseball team performed well for the second consecutive game and beat Dolores, 9-4.

The early-season game, which took place in Dolores on March 13, began as a pitcher’s duel as both teams failed to score during the first inning. After the Bulldogs’ offense broke through with one run in the top of the second inning, Dolores batters returned the favor by plating two runs of their own in the bottom of the frame.

Starting the game on the mound was senior Derek Kibel, who utilized his consistent fastball to limit Dolores to two hits and no earned runs. Four walks and several errors in the field led to four unearned runs however, and after Dolores scored a run in the bottom of the fifth inning, the game was tied, 4-4.

From that point forward, Dove Creek seized control as the team plated four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning and one run in the bottom of the seventh to lock down the victory. Sophomore Ty Smith relieved Kibel on the mound and did not allow a run over the final three innings.

Dove Creek was led at the plate by junior Kieron Huskey, who went 2-4 with a double and an RBI. Freshman Branson Smith drove in three runs for the Bulldogs, and freshman Ty Smith drove in two runs. JD Dennison and Kibel each had an RBI.

After failing to win a game last season, Dove Creek is now 2-0 on the year and will play its next games at the Ignacio tournament on March 17. Dolores is now 1-1 on the season and will return to the field at the Pagosa tournament on March 16.