Broncos beat Claude Mustangs

By Sandy Anderberg

The Bronco baseball team stayed the course against a good Claude team at home Saturday and defeated them 5-4. Earlier in the week, the Broncos clobbered West Texas High 14-4.

The Broncos made a huge statement in the opening inning of the WT game and scored nine runs in three innings to take a commanding lead. Trevor Cobb hit a two-run double and an RBI double by Rowdy Speed catapulted the Broncos to the lead and defensive plays by Cole Ward stopped a Comanche attempt to score in the inning. Speed would rack up two more RBIs from two hits later in the game.

Pitcher Dusty Rice (3 1/3 innings) got the win for the Broncos striking out eight and walking five. He only gave up four hits. Chance McAnear was also on the mound for the Broncos and was hitless just under two innings. He allowed no runs or walks and struck out one batter.

The Broncos sealed their win in the bottom of the fourth scoring five more runs as Adam Topper ripped a single that scored Cobb.

“We hit the ball better today and defense was able to make plays,” coach Brad Elam said.

The Broncos used early momentum to gain a head start on Claude on Saturday, but let them back in the game at the end of the third. But Clarendon did not quit and was not going to be denied a win as they continued to stay focused.

They were able to gain one run in the fourth and put up two more in the sixth to take a one-run lead after the Mustangs scored one run in the fifth.

“What a great game,” Elam said. “We avenged a 2-21 whipping the last time we played them. (It) was a very satisfying win and Adam (Topper) pitched a tremendous game. We can always count on Adam to keep us in a game and give us a chance to win.”

Elam went on to say that Topper pitched seven good innings and only had to throw 80 pitches. Elam was pleased with the Broncos’ defensive effort in the win.

“We made plays on defense, including our fifth double play, almost turned a sixth,” Elam said. “Pitching and defense was the key and we preformed well.”

Elam was just as pleased with the Broncos’ hitting.

“We are improving every game,” Elam said. “The last time we played them, we didn’t hit very well, but this time, we were able to put runs on the board.”

Dusty Rice had two stolen bases and scored twice and Dillon Nickell had tow big hits including a double and he singled in the go ahead run in the sixth. Charles Mason, pinch runner, scored a run in the sixth on a passed ball. Cobb reached base twice and scored two runs. Cole Ward came up with a big two RBI single in the first inning and also played good defense when he made a game-saving catch in the fence in left field.

“I am very pleased with the effort and the win,” Elam said.

The wins put the Broncos at 10-5 on the year and 5-2 in District. As of press time, the Broncos and Mustangs were tied for the top spot in the District race.

The Broncos be on the road to Follett on Friday, April 19, at 4:00 p.m. and play their last regular season game at home on Monday, April 22, against Booker.

Lady Broncos softball results were not available at press time.