Broncos fall to River Road

By Sandy Anderberg

The Broncos outhit the Wildcats four to one but were not able to post the runs on the board and suffered a 2-4 loss last week.

According to coach Brad Elam, Bryce Hatley had a hot bat for the Broncos going one for four from the plate, driving in one run and scoring one run. Hatley also homered in the third inning. Zack LaRoe was on the mound and did a great job against River Road holding them hitless for over four innings. He allowed no earned runs, walked four, and struck out six.

The Broncos were able to post a run in the third and one in the sixth when Hatley homered.

On Friday, the Broncos smashed Wellington 17-2 in five innings. The Broncos exploded in the fourth inning when they scored 10 of their 17 runs. Andy Davis got things rolling on an RBI single, and then Nathan Shadle slammed a two-run single. Hatley connected on an RBI single, and LaRoe made good on an RBI double. Nick Shadle scored once, and brother Nathan doubled again for the Broncos before the inning was done.

Chance Lockhart was on the mound and Wellington struggled against his pitching. Lockhart allowed no earned runs, walked no hitters, and struck out four in his two innings on the plate. Kade Hunsaker hit an RBI double and Shadle struck again with a two-run single to top off the scoring.

Over the weekend the Broncos played in a tournament in Fritch. They defeated Dalhart 14-2, and then beat Fritch 7-5, before losing to San Jacinto 4-15. They took on Dimmit in the last game and earned an 8-3 win.

Elam was pleased with the performance by the Broncos in the tournament.

“We had a very good spring break,” he said. “We got to play outside in the nice weather and get four good games in. I was very pleased with the way we played in every game. Minus one inning, we had a very strong tournament.”

Elam also said several players got to play in a lot of different spots.

“We are still looking for the right mix once district comes around,” Elam said. “Seven different pitchers saw action, and I was very pleased with the way they performed. I thought we made a few too many errors in the field, but we have not had a chance to work much outside due to weather. Offensively, I though we hit the ball well. I thought our base running was good as well, and we are looking good heading into district in two weeks.”

The Broncos will play at home against Shamrock on Friday, March 20, at 4:00 p.m. Thursday and Saturday, the Bronco JV will play in the Nazareth tournament.