The Taos Blizzard drop the Roswell Invaders 11-6 behind Mays early sacrifice fly

Six first-inning runs helped the Taos Blizzard (14-22) to an 11-6 win over the Roswell Invaders (30-8) at Joe Bauman Park on Friday.



Tyler Oldham racked up four RBIs on three hits for the Taos Blizzard. He homered in the first inning and singled in the fourth and fifth innings.

Shane Harold had an impressive outing against the Roswell Invaders lineup. Harold held the Roswell Invaders hitless over 1 1/3 innings, allowed no earned runs, walked none and struck out three.

Erick Gaylord racked up two RBIs on one hit for the Roswell Invaders. He doubled in the sixth innings.

Even though Steve Sanguliano allowed six runs over 5 2/3 innings he still recorded the victory, his second of the season. Sanguliano struck out six, walked three and gave up seven hits.

Nick Kovacs ended up on the wrong side of the pitching decision, charged with the loss. He allowed seven runs in two innings, walked none and struck out none.

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The Roswell Invaders best the Taos Blizzard in shootout 16-8

Jun 21 2013 12:00AM

Pitchers had a tough day during the game between the Roswell Invaders (30-7) and the Taos Blizzard (13-22), as the two teams put up 24 runs combined in a 16-8 the Roswell Invaders win.

The teams totaled 30 hits in the game.

The Roswell Invaders blew out the Taos Blizzard thanks to 18 hits, including zero extra base hits. The Roswell Invaders scored five runs in the fourth on an RBI double by Erick Gaylord, an RBI single by Chad Kruse, a three-run triple by Vincent Mejia, and a single by Goose Kallunki.

Mejia racked up four RBIs on two hits for the Roswell Invaders.

John Apostolo put himself in scoring position with two extra-base hits for the Taos Blizzard. He singled in the first inning and doubled in the second and ninth innings.

Johnathon Sa got the win, running his season record to 7-0. He allowed three runs over six innings. He struck out one, walked three and surrendered five hits.

Elliot VanCoaver (1-2) took the loss for the Taos Blizzard. He allowed eight runs in four innings, walked one and struck out five.

The Roswell Invaders hammered the Taos Blizzard pitching as six hitters had a field day, combining for 15 hits, 13 RBIs and 13 runs scored.

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The Taos Blizzard drub the Raton Osos 15-6

Jun 19 2013 12:00AM

The Taos Blizzard (13-21) pounded the Raton Osos (6-28) on Wednesday 15-6 at Taos Tundra.

A two-run double by Angel Gonzalez and a two-run single by Mike Castellano helped the Taos Blizzard score four runs in the fifth. The Taos Blizzard had three hits in the inning.

Chris Constantino racked up four RBIs on three hits for the Taos Blizzard. He singled in the first inning and doubled in the third inning.

Matt Lynch got on base three times in the game for the Raton Osos. He scored two runs and had one RBI. He tripled in the third inning.

Gonzalez recorded his third win of the year for the Taos Blizzard. He allowed four runs over four innings. Gonzalez struck out six, walked five and gave up four hits.

Will Casey (0-5) took the loss for the Raton Osos. He allowed eight runs in three innings, walked four and struck out four.

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The Blizzard will lose their leadin

The Blizzard will lose their leading hitter this week when Kyle Richardson, OF, retires from pro baseball and begins his medical studies at SUNY UPSTATE in Syracuse, NY. At the time of his retirement, Richardson was hitting .408, good enough for seventh place in the Pecos League. And he leaves as the leagues leading basestealer, swiping 19 bags in 22 attempts. Previously, he had played at St. Johns University and had gone with the Red Storm to the SuperRegionals last year. We wish Dr. Kyle all the best and thank him for his contributions to the Flakes!

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Roswell Invaders 13 Taos Blizzard 10 on Fathers Day in Taos

Jun 16 2013 12:00AM

Taos-The Roswell Invaders defeated

Taos-The Roswell Invaders defeated the Taos Blizzard 13-10 in Taos on Fathers Day. Andrew Shoemaker picked up the win for Roswell. Javy Perez got the loss for Taos.

Taos became the first team in Pecos League history to play three games in one day as they also played a doubleheader in Alpine, Texas 500 miles away. The Blizzard split the doubleheader in Alpine and lost at home to Roswell.

Ryan Normoyle and Goose Kallunki continued to lead the way for the Invaders. The pair combined for 7 hits and 5 rbis. "We continue to find ways to win." says Roswell Manager Chris Ebright

The Blizzard will not host Alpine on Monday as originally planned. As expected the Blizzard have had very thin mid week attendance for mid week noon games.

The Invaders and the Blizzard are making roster moves to bolster their pitching staffs. The Invaders have signed right handed pitchers Cass Ingruseson and Justin Choate both from SFA of the Southland Confrence. The Taos Blizzard will announce a series of roster changes Monday Morning.

The Roswell Invaders play Raton on Monday before playing two games in Trinidad on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Taos Blizzard are off on Monday before playing a home and home with Raton. Roswell and Taos will play a four game series in Roswell starting Thursday.

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Alpine Cowboys 21 Taos Blizzard 13

Jun 16 2013 12:00AM

Alpine Cowboys 21 Taos Blizzard 13

This game was played on 6/16/2013 at The Tundra at Taos

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Lights go out on Taos-Alpine game

Jun 15 2013 12:00AM

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Alpine Cowboys 3 Taos Blizzard 2

Jun 15 2013 12:00AM

Alpine Cowboys 3 Taos Blizzard 2

This game was played on 6/15/2013 at Kokernot Field

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Alpine Cowboys 2 Taos Blizzard 1

Jun 15 2013 12:00AM

Alpine Cowboys 2 Taos Blizzard 1

This game was played on 6/15/2013 at Kokernot Field

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Taos at Alpine rained out

Jun 14 2013 12:00AM

ALPINE, Texas -- Rain washed out Th

ALPINE, Texas -- Rain washed out Thursdays Pecos League game between Taos and Alpine, which will force a revamping of the upcoming schedule.

Barring more rain, the Blizzard and Cowboys will play a single game Friday, then a doubleheader Saturday (two seven-inning games) and a doubleheader Sunday.

Mondays game was originally scheduled to be played in Taos, but that game will be played as part of Sundays DH.

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Taos relief pitching coming together-tops White Sands 14-10

Jun 11 2013 12:00AM

Kyle Richardson gets a lead off single off Eric Zagone. (Photo by Josh Szwaczkowski)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

ALAMOGORDO — While White Sands was looking at two ...

Kyle Richardson gets a lead off single off Eric Zagone. (Photo by Josh Szwaczkowski)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

ALAMOGORDO — While White Sands was looking at two big innings as the reason for its 14-10 loss to Taos, Blizzard manager Matthew Leahy was crowing about both his relief pitching — something that suffered early in the season — and base running.

“We just had a couple of big innings where we gave up five in one inning and four in another and that was that,” said Pupfish manager Ernie Munoz. “Can’t give up big innings. Big innings are killing us.”

“Our relief pitching. Relief pitching. Relief pitching,” Leahy said. “Our bats, we’ll battle with anybody. White Sands has yet to prove they can do anything against our relief pitching. Our team has scored 14 runs before, and we will again. But to steal five bases in a game, that’s the most impressive thing. That what we strive to be; 85-90 percent successful on stolen bases.”

White Sands — once again the visitors in their own park — went up 3-

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Taos Blizzard 5 White Sands Pupfish 0

Jun 11 2013 12:00AM

Taos Blizzard 5 White Sands Pupfish 0

This game was played on 6/11/2013 at Griggs Park

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Taos out-pitches White Sands for 6-5 victory

Jun 10 2013 12:00AM

Pupfish starter Matt Gibbs faces down Blizzard starter Kody Gordan. (Photo by Josh Szwaczkowski)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

ALAMOGORDO — It was a pitcher’s duel...

Pupfish starter Matt Gibbs faces down Blizzard starter Kody Gordan. (Photo by Josh Szwaczkowski)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

ALAMOGORDO — It was a pitcher’s duel at the Aquarium Sunday afternoon, as Taos and White Sands fought to a 6-5 Blizzard victory. Both starters gave up all the runs with relievers on both teams pitching outstanding games.

It was something Taos manager Matthew Leahy has been waiting for all season.

"We did well," he said. "Like the last couple of games, we pitched. We pitched our way out of situations. And our bats will always have our backs. They’ll balance out, but our pitchers really stepped up to it today and pitched extremely well. One of the best-pitched ball games in the later innings that I’ve seen. This is the type of stuff, that with the right guys, it makes it a lot easier for the manager. And we got the right guys come in and it worked out well for us."

While the Pupfish got most of their runs in one big inning, the Pupfish chipped away.

White Sands starter Matt Gibbs allow

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Taos trades Gabe Aguilar to Winnipeg of the American Association

Jun 10 2013 12:00AM

The Taos Blizzard have traded Gabe

The Taos Blizzard have traded Gabe Aguilar to Winnipeg of the the American Association. The Left handed reliever pitched at University of New Mexico and is from El Paso. He will report later in the week.

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Chris Peacock bunts against Taos st

Chris Peacock bunts against Taos starter Elliot VanCoaver. (Photo by Josh Szwaczkowski)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

ALAMOGORDO -- Taos took only its second loss as the home team this year, falling 10-8 to White Sands in the Aquarium Saturday. Because the Blizzard only have 14 home games, theyll play a number of road games as the home team, and despite the loss, Taos manager Matt Leahy wasnt upset.

"We did a great job," he said. "We did a great job. We pitched well. We hit well. We ran well. At the end of the day we put a lot of pressure on a lot of their players. We did what we wanted to do. Ultimately, the win wasnt there, but I think we set ourselves up for a pretty good series."

For Pupfish player/manager Ernie Munoz, it was "Another win. Another step in the right direction. The pitchers came out and threw strikes out of the bullpen. We hit the ball again, like we have been. I think were probably averaging 15 hits in the last 10 games. Played solid defense. Just had a couple of little errors that were just probably due to the field, actually."

The Blizzard took the early lead, going up 2-0 in the first when Ryan Sonberg was hit, Blair Springfield doubled and Calvin Culver singled both in.

The Fish tied the game in the second on a Mike Mendoza single and the first of two home runs by George Ban, then took a 5-2 lead in the third. Munoz and Mendoza each singled then Ban hit his second dinger of the night, getting three more RBI. White Sands stretched the lead to 7-2 in the fourth when Jerry Gonzales homered, then Christian Ramirez reached on an error and came home on a Collins single, passed ball and another Ban RBI, this time on a sac fly.

"He had about 12 RBIs," Munoz laughed about his right fielder.

The Pupfish got another two runs in the fifth on singles by Flores, Gonzales, Ramirez and a put out. But Taos wasnt ready to throw in the towel.

They made it 9-4 in the bottom of the stanza when John Apostolo walked and came in on a Kyle Richardson triple. Richardson then scored on a triple. The Blizzard pulled within one on a big sixth inning.

Culver homered, then Will Arnold and Brennan May both singled and came in on a 2-RBI double by Louis Gonzales. With Chad Hadzinsky in for Peacock on the mound, Richardson doubled to score Gonzales and the game was much closer.

That left it up to the relievers, and only Taos Sean Gregory allowed any runs, giving up two-out singles to Gonzales and Ramirez and an RBI single to Munoz. Nick Alexander, Justin Mauldin and Ernesto Zaragaza shut the Blizzard down the rest of the way.

"Thats what we need coming out of the bullpen," Munoz said. "We just ask that they throw strikes and give us a chance and theyre starting to do that. So everything is falling into place."

Richard Ruff came in in the eighth to keep it close for Taos.

"Hes our project," Leahy said. "He did very well for us. Without his effort, we wouldnt have been in a situation to possibly come back there. Ultimately, if there were a game ball, it would have gone to Ruff."

Starter Elliot VanCoaver took the loss with seven runs in 3.2 innings, with Steve Sanguliano giving up another two.

The game was the Blizzards first to southern New Mexico -- theyve played in Alpine -- and if they dont melt, Leahy doesnt mind the southern hospitality.

"Its too hot," he laughed. "Its good.Its a good setup. Theyve got a good team over here, but at the end of the day Ill put our team against any team in the world. Weve got the right guys. Its just a matter of putting them in the right situations. And today we did that. Tomorrows another day. Well come back and well beat them up again."

The entire series will be played with Taos the home team, and Munoz said its not too different.

"I dont think it changed much. It was just a little awkward, wearing grey pants. But it was OK. We changed. Weve been wearing those white pants for months. It was exciting to me," he said.

And the Pupfish will just keep on keeping on, even against the northern squads.

"As long as we play our game the way we can, Im not worried about it," he said. "Were clearly not going to look past anybody, but were just going to come out and play our game."

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Triggers come from behind once again

Jun 9 2013 12:00AM

Jacob Fabry slides in safe at third

Jacob Fabry slides in safe at third as the ball comes in from left field Saturday night in Trinidad. (Photo by Marty Mayfield)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

TRINIDAD, Colo. -- It was a close game between Trinidad and Raton at Central Park Saturday night, but once again, the Triggers struck from behind for the 9-6 victory.

"I told the guys, its just another routine come-from-behind win for the Triggers," said Trinidad manager J.D. Droddy. "Thats how we play. If we cant get to your starting pitching well get to your relievers. Their starting pitcher did a heck of a job. He struck out 10 guys. Did a great job, but as soon as they took him out, we started pounding on them a little bit."

Osos manager Ray Hancock said almost exactly the same thing.

"We played a great game tonight. Starting pitcher went seven innings. Will Casey gave everything he had. We just could not help him out of the bullpen. The bullpen just gave up a couple of three hits. Loaded the bases. Brought another reliever in and he gave up a double that cleared the bases. We just couldnt get it going. There were no errors. Nine or 10 hits. The ballgame really should have been ours. Just dont have the pitching to close out the games, bottom line."

Raton drew first blood, getting one run off singles by Stedman Smith, Michael Lange and Zach Kreegar in the first. The Triggers took the lead in the bottom of the stanza on back-to-back home runs by Jacob Fabry and Sam DiMatteo, then went up 3-1 in the third on a Matt Hunt double and Fabry single.

But the starters got through the next few innings unscathed until the top of the sixth, when the Osos put up four runs to take a 5-3 lead.

With two outs, Kreegar hit a solo home run. Louie Saenz tripled and came home on a Nicholas Hinojo single. A single by Casey, a hit batter and a Smith single plated four runs for Raton.

But in the seventh, after Casey gave up a one-out single to Andrew Azzopardi, Logan Morelloi gave up a Bryce Miller single; Jesse Meier did the same to Matt Hunt; and Brian DelRosso gave up a 3-RBI double to Fabry, a DiMatteo triple and a wild pitch that scored DiMatteo.

Trinidad was back on top, 8-5.

Both teams put one run on the board in the eighth. Cody Langham scored on an error and Wesley Jones double while Miller homered for Trinidad to keep the difference three runs. Zach Leitten set the Osos down 1-2-3 in the ninth to earn the save.

The only errors in the game were from Trinidad, showing how much Raton has improved defensively since early in the season, and, Hancock said, "My hitting is about as good as anybodys, but I just cant keep giving up home runs and stuff like that. I cant defend against the home run."

Besides geting the win, Droddy described the game as "sort of a storybook night" for two of his players.

Fabrys family was in the stands, and he just missed hitting for the cycle, but still got on base four times with a walk, single, double and home run. Millers wife and little girl were there, and he came in to pinch hit in the seventh.

"I put him in to pinch hit, and he gets a hit and an RBI, so I left him in at second, and the next time he came up he hit a bomb," Droddy said. "He turned and waved at his little girl as he was coming in. It was a real sweet moment. One of the umpires said, "I got all goose-bumpy when he waved at that little girl."

It may not be another storybook night Sunday, but the two teams will face off again with Hancock hoping his pitching can hold up, and Droddy knowing his team can always come from behind.

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Pupfish visitors at Aquarium but still get victory

Jun 9 2013 12:00AM

Chris Peacock bunts against Taos st

Chris Peacock bunts against Taos starter Elliot VanCoaver. (Photo by Josh Szwaczkowski)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

ALAMOGORDO -- Taos took only its second loss as the home team this year, falling 10-8 to White Sands in the Aquarium Saturday. Because the Blizzard only have 14 home games, theyll play a number of road games as the home team, and despite the loss, Taos manager Matt Leahy wasnt upset.

"We did a great job," he said. "We did a great job. We pitched well. We hit well. We ran well. At the end of the day we put a lot of pressure on a lot of their players. We did what we wanted to do. Ultimately, the win wasnt there, but I think we set ourselves up for a pretty good series."

For Pupfish player/manager Ernie Munoz, it was "Another win. Another step in the right direction. The pitchers came out and threw strikes out of the bullpen. We hit the ball again, like we have been. I think were probably averaging 15 hits in the last 10 games. Played solid defense. Just had a couple of little errors that were just probably due to the field, actually."

The Blizzard took the early lead, going up 2-0 in the first when Ryan Sonberg was hit, Blair Springfield doubled and Calvin Culver singled both in.

The Fish tied the game in the second on a Mike Mendoza single and the first of two home runs by George Ban, then took a 5-2 lead in the third. Munoz and Mendoza each singled then Ban hit his second dinger of the night, getting three more RBI. White Sands stretched the lead to 7-2 in the fourth when Jerry Gonzales homered, then Christian Ramirez reached on an error and came home on a Collins single, passed ball and another Ban RBI, this time on a sac fly.

"He had about 12 RBIs," Munoz laughed about his right fielder.

The Pupfish got another two runs in the fifth on singles by Flores, Gonzales, Ramirez and a put out. But Taos wasnt ready to throw in the towel.

They made it 9-4 in the bottom of the stanza when John Apostolo walked and came in on a Kyle Richardson triple. Richardson then scored on a triple. The Blizzard pulled within one on a big sixth inning.

Culver homered, then Will Arnold and Brennan May both singled and came in on a 2-RBI double by Louis Gonzales. With Chad Hadzinsky in for Peacock on the mound, Richardson doubled to score Gonzales and the game was much closer.

That left it up to the relievers, and only Taos Sean Gregory allowed any runs, giving up two-out singles to Gonzales and Ramirez and an RBI single to Munoz. Nick Alexander, Justin Mauldin and Ernesto Zaragaza shut the Blizzard down the rest of the way.

"Thats what we need coming out of the bullpen," Munoz said. "We just ask that they throw strikes and give us a chance and theyre starting to do that. So everything is falling into place."

Richard Ruff came in in the eighth to keep it close for Taos.

"Hes our project," Leahy said. "He did very well for us. Without his effort, we wouldnt have been in a situation to possibly come back there. Ultimately, if there were a game ball, it would have gone to Ruff."

Starter Elliot VanCoaver took the loss with seven runs in 3.2 innings, with Steve Sanguliano giving up another two.

The game was the Blizzards first to southern New Mexico -- theyve played in Alpine -- and if they dont melt, Leahy doesnt mind the southern hospitality.

"Its too hot," he laughed. "Its good.Its a good setup. Theyve got a good team over here, but at the end of the day Ill put our team against any team in the world. Weve got the right guys. Its just a matter of putting them in the right situations. And today we did that. Tomorrows another day. Well come back and well beat them up again."

The entire series will be played with Taos the home team, and Munoz said its not too different.

"I dont think it changed much. It was just a little awkward, wearing grey pants. But it was OK. We changed. Weve been wearing those white pants for months. It was exciting to me," he said.

And the Pupfish will just keep on keeping on, even against the northern squads.

"As long as we play our game the way we can, Im not worried about it," he said. "Were clearly not going to look past anybody, but were just going to come out and play our game."

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Taos Blizzard 7 Las Vegas Train Robbers 5

Jun 7 2013 12:00AM

Taos Blizzard 7 Las Vegas Train Robbers 5

This game was played on 6/7/2013 at Rodriguez Park

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By Karen Boehler

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

LAS VEGAS -- Information on Thursday Taos/Las Vegas game in Las Vegas again was unavailable, with no statistics or play-by-play.

The only information found was a final score, which indicates the Train Robbers beat Taos 16-3.

Taos manager Matt Leahy left the following message.

"Nothing too exciting about tonights game, other than it didn"t rain soon enough," he said. "We tip our hats to LV, they beat us up pretty good, but in the end its only one game. We will be ready for the them tomorrow."

The teams are scheduled to play a double header Friday beginning at 4 p.m. to make up for Wednesdays rain out.

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By Karen Boehler

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

LAS VEGAS, N.M. -- It was a low scoring affair in Las Vegas Tuesday night, with the pitching dominating early and Taos coming away with a 6-3 victory over the Train Robbers.

Angel Gonzales pitched what Blizzard manager Matt Leahy called "five strong innings," shutting the Robbers down through four while only allowing one unearned run in the fifth when Jimmy Haskell singled, advanced on an error, then, two outs later, came home on an Andrew Lopez single.

Gonzalez might have gone further, but tweaked a muscle in the bottom of the fifth while helping Taos go up 3-1.

The inning started when Brennan May singled, Jimmy Martinez walked and Gonzales singled, scoring May. Kyle Richardson singled to load the bases, then, one out later, Blair Springfield hit a 2 RBI double.

The Blizzard made it 4-1 in the sixth when John Apostolo walked and scored on a May double, then added a final two runs in the seventh when Khyle Dimino singled and came home on a 2-RBI home run by Springfield.

Shayne Miller, "pitched very well," shutting the Train Robbers down in the sixth, but in the seventh he walked Las Vegas starter Derek Martinez, who advanced on a passed ball and came home on a Matt Grosso single. Eric Berkowitz and Adam Dimino, in his first pitching experience, allowed the final Vegas run in the eighth when Will Walsh walked and came home on a Gary Stauff single.

Steve Sanguiliano then "Came out and shut the door for the last two innings," Leahy said.

The five Taos pitchers allowed only six total hits with six strikeouts.

Offensively, Springfield drove in four of the Blizzard six runs, going 2-for-4 with a double and home run. The second baseman also had a "couple of gems" defensively.

The victory puts the Blizzard at 8-13 overall, and 6-1 in games where they batted last. Theyll have to try to win as the visitors Wednesday and Thursday as they again face Las Vegas at Rodriguez Field.

Las Vegas coach Casey Dill did not return calls for comment, and PointStreak statistics and play-by-play were not available for the game. Books provided by the Blizzard helped with the story

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By Karen Boehler

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

LAS VEGAS, N.M. -- It was a low scoring affair in Las Vegas Tuesday night, with the pitching dominating early and Taos coming away with a 6-3 victory over the Train Robbers.

Angel Gonzales pitched what Blizzard manager Matt Leahy called "five strong innings," shutting the Robbers down through four while only allowing one unearned run in the fifth when Jimmy Haskell singled, advanced on an error, then, two outs later, came home on an Andrew Lopez single.

Gonzalez might have gone further, but tweaked a muscle in the bottom of the fifth while helping Taos go up 3-1.

The inning started when Brennan May singled, Jimmy Martinez walked and Gonzales singled, scoring May. Kyle Richardson singled to load the bases, then, one out later, Blair Springfield hit a 2 RBI double.

The Blizzard made it 4-1 in the sixth when John Apostolo walked and scored on a May double, then added a final two runs in the seventh when Khyle Dimino singled and came home on a 2-RBI home run by Springfield.

Shayne Miller, "pitched very well," shutting the Train Robbers down in the sixth, but in the seventh he walked Las Vegas starter Derek Martinez, who advanced on a passed ball and came home on a Matt Grosso single. Eric Berkowitz and Adam Dimino, in his first pitching experience, allowed the final Vegas run in the eighth when Will Walsh walked and came home on a Gary Stauff single.

Steve Sanguiliano then "Came out and shut the door for the last two innings," Leahy said.

The five Taos pitchers allowed only six total hits with six strikeouts.

Offensively, Springfield drove in four of the Blizzard six runs, going 2-for-4 with a double and home run. The second baseman also had a "couple of gems" defensively.

The victory puts the Blizzard at 8-13 overall, and 6-1 in games where they batted last. Theyll have to try to win as the visitors Wednesday and Thursday as they again face Las Vegas at Rodriguez Field.

Las Vegas coach Casey Dill did not return calls for comment, and PointStreak statistics and play-by-play were not available for the game. Books provided by the Blizzard helped with the story

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Martinez walk-off home run gives Taos the victory

Jun 4 2013 12:00AM

Jimmy Martinez is mobbed by his Bli

Jimmy Martinez is mobbed by his Blizzard teammates after hitting a pinch-hit, walk-off home run. (Photo by John T. Denne)
By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

TAOS -- For the Taos Blizzard, theres nothing like the home-field advantage, even though they wont actually play at home much this season.

Monday, the Blizzard faced off against Trinidad on the home-field Tundra, winning 6-5 on a walk-off home run to go 5-1 when theyve had the last out. The big difference Monday, said Taos manager Matt Leahy, was "We pitched. We finally pitched.

"Our starting pitcher (Kenny McDowell) went seven innings. Did very well. Our relief pitchers came in after him and let up a run or two, but Kody Gordan, our new signee, he came in and he really shut the door in the eighth and ninth inning. Had four strikeouts in two innings."

Trinidad had to play catch up all night, but thats nothing new for the Triggers, and manager J.D. Droddy thought theyd come back again.

"It was a close game," he said. "We trailed most of the game and caught up and I thought we were going to have another of our comebacks, but they hit a home run off our reliever."

The Blizzard went up 2-0 in the second when Cody Coffman singled, Brennan May was hit and John Apostolo reached on a fielders choice. McDowall then reached on an error that scored May, and Apostolo came home on a passed ball.

Trigger starter Chris Shaklee walked the first two batters he faced in the third, and an error and sacrifice later, they both scored, making it 4-0 Taos.

Trinidad put a pair on the board in the fourth when Bryce Miller singled, advanced on an error and came home on a Mike Goldy single. Goldy advanced on a single by Andrew Azzopardi, a wild pitch and scored on a passed ball.

Goldy doubled to open the sixth and scored on a Wink Nolan single, then the Colorado squad took a brief lead in the seventh, plating two runs.

Jacob Fabry tripled and came home when Miller singled, then two out, two walks and two pitching changes later, Nolan singled to make it 5-5.

But this game, the Blizzard battled back, tying the game in the seventh on a Culver double and Coffman single, then winning it in the ninth when pinch hitter James Martinez hit a walk-off home run.

"They played well," Droddy said. "They hit a walk-off home run in the ninth. It was just kind of a flat game for us. We didnt play well."

Leahy thought otherwise, at least in regards to the pitching.

"The pitchers did well. The pitchers did well, to be honest to the other side, to Trinidad," he said. "They threw a sinker baller, sinker baller/cutter kind of guy who kept our guys off balance pretty well. Our guys were complaining that he was going in and out and really not letting us get comfortable in the box. Our game plan all along was get to their bullpen."

And they did, with Gordan getting the win in his first appearance with the team.

Taos now travels to Las Vegas to face the Train Robbers, but theyll be the home team for the opening two games, which Leahy likes a lot.

"We bat last in the next two games and we plan on taking them both," he said.

The Triggers (12-6) travel to Roswell (16-5), where the first place teams in each division will face off. After a long drive to Taos, a noon game then another long drive to Roswell, Droddy isnt sure how his squad will fare.

"I think were very tired. Well see how we do tomorrow," he said.

The Triggers will give Levi Austin his first start after coming out of the bullpen earlier in the season.

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By Karen Boehler

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

TRINIDAD, Colo. -- For the second day in a row, Trinidad came out on top of a close game vs. Taos, topping the Blizzard 11-6 in a game Trinidad manager J.D. Droddy sounded quite happy about.

"Overall, I thought we played very well," he said. "We did make quite a few errors, especially early in the game, but we also made some fantastic plays, too. And we pitched very well. We hit well. We hustled the whole game and it was just an overall good effort. And near the end of the game, especially, we were playing very well."

Taos went up first, scoring on two Trigger errors -- errors were one thing neither side was short of Saturday -- but Trinidad came back with two runs in the bottom of the stanza, taking advantage of two hit batters by Taos starter Elliot VanCoaver, a walk and a wild pitch.

Trinidad also saw right fielder Frank Florio injured on the opening play of the game when he went down on an unusually wet patch of grass. He was taken out of the game and his condition is unknown at this time.

Both starting pitchers kept the second scoreless, but Trigger Anthony Smith saw another three errors in the third, which led to four Taos runs.

Khyle Dinimio and Chris Constantino doubled and Calvin Culver and Cody Coffman singled, but all four runs were unearned.

That put Taos up 5-2, but while they would only score one more run, the Triggers kept chipping away.

They closed the gap to 5-4 in the fourth on one hit and two errors.

The Blizzard added their last run in the top of the fifth on an error and a passed ball, but the Trinidad tied it at 6-6 in the fifth when Jacob Fabry was hit and stole second, Nolan singled and stole second and both scored on a Will Leonard single.

The Triggers added another two runs off reliever Steve Sanguliano in the sixth when, with two outs and a runner on second, Fabry walked and Sam DiMatteo hit a 2 RBI single. They put a final three runs on the board in the seventh.

None of the Taos runs were earned, which gave Droddy reason to be happy with his pitching staff, including relievers Lee Hall, Levin Austin and Scott Elitzky, who just joined Trinidad after being traded from Roswell.

"He came in and closed out the night," Droddy said. "It was not a save situation, but he came in, closed out the night. Kept them off the board. Were just really pleased with everybodys effort. Were 11-5 now. Were playing some good baseball. Were just hoping to continue it."

Theyll try to get that next win over the Blizzard Sunday in a game set for 2:05 p.m. in Central Park.

Trinidad Triggers 14 Taos Blizzard 9

Trinidad Triggers 14 Taos Blizzard 9

This game was played on 6/2/2013 at Trindad Central Park

Trinidad wins "best baseball game" with walk-off single

The Triggers celebrate after a come

The Triggers celebrate after a come-from-behind victory over Taos. (Photo by Emily Olguin)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

TRINIDAD, Colo. -- Its not often you hear both the winning and losing coach raving about a game, but that was the case FRiday as Trinidad down Taos 8-7 on a walk-off single by Sam DiMatteo that capped a well-pitched, well-hit, back-and-forth match.

"It was a great game," said Trinidad manager J.D. Droddy. "We out-hit them all night, but we had to come from behind in the ninth to win."

"Best baseball game Ive been a part of in a long time, and at the end of the day, you tip your hat to Trinidad," said Taos manager Matt Leahy. "They had pretty much just one more hit than us at the right time. J.D. and I talked and heck, it could have gone either way for the longest time. We both wouldnt have changed a thing we did during the game, so well live to see another day and it was fun."

The biggest inning anyone had all day was three runs, with most innings getting just a run or two on the board.

Taos struck first in the first when Khyle Richardson reached on an error, stole second and came in on a single by Chris Costantino.

The Blizzard made it 3-0 in the top of the second on an Eric Berkowitz single and John Apostolo RBI double. Kyle Richardson then singled and Apostolo came home on a putout.

The Triggers closed the gap to 3-2 in the bottom of the stanza when Frank Florio doubled, Mike Goldy singled and both came home on an Andrew Azzopardi single.

Taos added another two in the third when Chris Coffman walked and Louis Gonzales homered but Trinidad had the one big inning in the fourth, scoring three to tie the game at 5-5.

Florio walked, Goldy singled then Azzopardi hit into a fielders choice that left runners on second and third. Jason Venya loaded the bases with a single then Wink Nolan singled and, combined with a Taos error, three runs came across.

But the Blizzard re-took the lead in the fifth when Gonzales was hit, balked to second , advanced on a put out and scored on a passed ball.

Trigger reliever Kellen Quintana, in for Grant Ledbetter, and Taos starter Berkowitz had scoreless innings in the sixth and seventh -- both sides went 1-2-3 in the seventh -- then both teams added a run in the eighth.

Gonzales gave Taos a brief two-run lead with his second home run of the night, then Blizzard reliever Shayne Miller hit Goldy, gave up a single to pinch hitter Bryce Miller then, with two outs, an RBI single to Nolan before going out for Richard Ruff, who got the third out.

That set up the fireworks in the ninth, as Benji Waite came in for Trinidad and did what hes been doing all season: shut down the opposition. And, down 7-6, the Trigger hitters came through.

Matt Hunt was hit, went to third on a Jacob Fabry double and tied the game on a wild pitch. DiMatteo then hit the first pitch he saw for a single, scoring Fabry to take the victory.

"Guys came through as always," Droddy said. "This is what I love about this team. If were within striking distance, Im very confident we can strike. Were winning one-run ball games. Were winning in the top and the bottom of the ninth. The guys just have no quit in them at all. Weve got some great players, great guys, and it was just a great win for us."

And, he said, Taos played well.

"They (Taos) pitched pretty well. They played pretty well. But in the end we came through again and this is what our guys have done all year: come through when the chips are down. They come to bat. Thats all I can say. I love these guys. They just dont quit. They never think theyre out of it."

Leahy returned the compliment, singling out two Triggers.

"Matt Hunt is one of the best shortstops in the league, if not the best shortstop in the league, and hes just a spark plug that I offered probably 15 players on my roster in trade for," he said. "I love the kid. If I ever start a team again, hes going to be my first pick overall. And Andrew Azzopardi, the catcher for Trinidad, he just handles pitchers so well."

And even though his team just missed the victory -- "They had the last at bat, and thats what it comes down to, sometimes," Leahy said -- hes happy with what he saw.

"They had the last at bat, and thats what it comes down to, sometimes."

"To watch the game, to be a part of it, is something special today. Hopefully this is the picture that well paint for the rest of the series and we can take a couple of games while were here and play some good baseball."

Saturdays rematch is set for 6:05 p.m. at Central Park in Trinidad.

Train Robbers top Blizzard

The Blizzard"s Gary Stauff slides b

The Blizzard"s Gary Stauff slides back to first base as Train Robbers infielder A.J. Alexander attempts to tag him out. Alexander starred for Las Vegas" own New Mexico Highlands University and was an assistant baseball coach at West Las Vegas this past spring. (Photos by Dave Kavanaugh, Las Vegas Optic)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

LAS VEGAS -- The Train Robbers got their second win in as many home games Thursday with an 8-5 victory over Taos.

Because of a lack of internet at Rodriguez Park, detailed information, including stats and play-by-play, is not available for the game. However, bith managers spoke about the matchup.

"It was a good baseball game," said Las Vegas manager Casey Dill. "It was another good dame between two good teams. Our team hit the ball a little better than they did. We hit the ball with runners in scoring position. We played solid defense. I dont think we had an error all game. Our starter, Greg Fowler, had a great outing. It was great to have one of our starters, other than Edison (Alvarez) or Atsushi (Hebisawa), come out and have a good outing. Gregs only going to continue to get better. He had some early-season kind of issues to this point, but hes only going to continue to get better. Tonight was a very positive outing for him. He pitched well against a very good hitting team. And we hit the ball in clutch situations. We stole some runs from them. We put the ball in the gap with runners in scoring position and we won a good baseball game."

Because of the condition of the field in Las Vegas -- two players were injured Tuesday on the rough grass -- Taos manager Matt Leahy opted to play his practice squad players, and saw some strong efforts.

"Javier Perez pitched very, very well," Leahy said, allowing only two earned runs. "So at the end of the day, our starter got into the sixth inning again, for two days in a row. You cant complain about that."

Michael Castelano picked up several stolen bases and Zach Dandrea had a pinch-hit 2-RBI single.

As for the field conditions, "Its not that bad, but its not that good," Leahy said. "But, it is what it is. Were here. Were trying to do our best every day. Ar the end of the day, both starting pitchers pitched pretty well today."

Dill praised Train Robber shortstop Joey Haskell, calling him the teams MVP at this point in the season.

"He continues to do great things every night with the bat," the manager said. "With the glove. Tonight he came up on his own, had a bunt single, which is another element to his game. He can hit. He can field. He has a great arm. Joey Haskells been doing great things for us."

The Blizzard now head north to Trinidad, where theyll play a four-game series, with three games in Colorado and one in Taos, while Vegas faces Santa Fe for three, two at home and one in the CIty Different.

Solid effort by Taos, Las Vegas ends with close Blizzard victory

Taos runner Khyle Dimino is thrown

Taos runner Khyle Dimino is thrown out attempting to steal second. Tag made by second baseman Randy Wells. (Photo by John T. Denne)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

TAOS -- Taos came back home Wednesday to the friendly confines of the Tundra, and despite an unusually strong wind blowing in from left field, the Blizzard got back on the plus side of the ledger with a 10-7 victory over the Train Robbers.

"It was a very good baseball game today," said Las Vegas manager Casey Dill. "Both teams played good all the way around. Good pitching. Good defense."

"We beat up Las Vegas pretty good today," said Taos manager Matt Leahy, with the rest of his abbreviated comments simply about the pitching. "Angel Gonzales threw very well. Shayne Miller threw excellent. Mike Russo, Eric Berkowitz and Sean Gregory came in and got the save. Very, very strong. The best pitching performance of the year. And thats about it. Pitching, pitching, pitching."

Well, there was a little hitting, but with play by play and accurate stats again unavailable, a detailed story is not possible.

The game was cl;ose early, with the Train Robbers going up 1-0 in the first; Taos taking a 2-1 lead in the second; then Vegas tying it at 2-2 in the third. The Blizzard another run in the fourth and three in the fifth to go up 6-2, but the big Robber inning was the sixth, when they sent Gonzales to the showers with five runs.

But while Michael Kershner shut the Blizzard down in the bottom of the stanza, Anthony Nalepa and Reggie Hochstedler had a tough time shutting them down in the seventh, giving up four runs on four his and two walks.

The relievers for both sides kept the rest of the game scoreless, with Taos holding on for the win.

"They had one kind of big inning there at the end," Dill said. "I wont say that our bullpen completely let us down, but we took a one-run lead into the seventh inning and (our) pitcher came in and he didnt do a terrible job. Gave up a walk and a couple of hits. Couple of chips over the infielders heads. And it led to some runs. It was a well-played game by both teams."

And while several Train Robber runs came in on home runs -- Andrew Lopez and Ryan Lopez sent balls out of the park -- Dill said the 30 mile-per-hour winds coming in from left field were a factor.

"(They) affected our style of baseball a lot, because we tend to hit the ball out of the ball park and put the ball in the gap and the wind really affected us today," he said, notonmg three or four shots were caught right on the warning track "that on any other day would have been gone." "That cost us a few runs. Not that Im going to blame the wind on a loss. It was a well-played game by both teams, and at the end of the day, they had an inning that went a little bit better than one of ours and it gave them the win."

The win agains moves Las Vegas to even in the win-loss columns, and Dill is looking to take a third victory over the Blizzard at home Thursday.

"If we could win three out of four games every series, then were going to be in great shape," he said. "So were definitely going out there looking for the series win tomorrow. Get us back on the winning track. Were playing great baseball right now. If we can continue to play baseball the way we have been the last 10 games, then were going to continue to win a lot of games. So yeah, looking forward to getting back back at home in front of the home crowd and getting back on the winning track."

That game is set for 7 p.m. at Rodriguez Field.

Train Robbers celebrate home opener with victory over Taos

Train Robber catcher Ryan Lauer tag

Train Robber catcher Ryan Lauer tags out a Taos runner at home. Las Vegas won its home opener 17-6 to climb over the .500 mark at 7-6. (Photo by Dave Kavanaugh, Las Vegas Optic)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

LAS VEGAS -- After a delay in starting their home season because of poor field conditions, the Las Vegas Train Robbers finally celebrated their home opener Tuesday with an 18-6 victory over Taos.

While the win -- which moved the Train Robbers onto the plus side of the ledger -- was nice, manager Casey Dill was more happy to see the strong support from the city.

"It was great to finally play at home. We had some great fans out there. They were really into it and the field played a lot better than I thought it would play and, of course, its always nice to get a win."

The crowd included more than 200 fans, including some from the top echelons of city government.

"It was a great opening night," Dill said. "We had the mayor and the entire city council here. The mayor has actually come to one of our games in every place weve played this year, so its good to see support at the highest levels of the community."

The game itself was pretty much a blowout by the home squad, but it didnt start out that way. Atsushi Hebisawa, who went six, and Kenny McDowell, 4.2, kept the game scoreless through three. Vegas finally got on the board in the bottom of the fourth with an RBI double by John Hotta, then the Blizzard tallied three in the top of the fifth.

James Martinez singled, Zach DAndrea and Jordan Chiero doubled and Louis Gonzales singled. But the bottom of the fifth saw the Robbers break things wide open.

They scored four runs on four hits -- including a triple by Joey Haskell -- and sent McDowall to the showers.

"Kenny McDowall did very well," said Taos manager Matt Leahy. "There were a few pitches he left up and they capitalized on that."

And, as has been the case this season, the Blizzard bullpen pretty much imploded.

After Taos added another run in the top of the sixth on an Adam Dimino double and Elliot VanCoaver single, Las Vegas came back with five more in the bottom of the stanza; five more in the seventh -- a Matt Grosso triple and doubles by Chris Wilson and Adam Kam were big factors --and three more in the eighth.

The Blizzard got their final runs in the seventh -- on a CHiero single, error and RBI single by Gonzales -- and ninth -- when Brennan May doubled in Bobby McLaughlin.

The normally hot Blizzrd bats cooled off a bit -- not that 17 hits could be construed as cool -- but with only four extra-base hits and 10 runners left on base, they didnt convert as well as they have.

The field conditions, Leahy said, contributed a bit to their problems.

"Its playable, but our first baseman (Chiero_ dislocated his thumb on a ground ball and our center fielder (May) sprained his knee."

Dill agreed the surface still isnt perfect, but is just happy to be home.

"It still has a ways to go, but the improvements that have been made are significant, especially given the short amount of time that weve had," he said. "And it will only continue to get better. The grass will continue to grow and theyll continue to work on it every day for us, so theyre (the city) doing great things for us."

The teams will be back at it Wednesday, this time at noon in Taos, and Leahy said theyll be looking for a win.

"Tomorrow well come back, full force, ready to go," he said. "At the end of the day its baseball. We all love playing it. Its just one of those things where it hasnt gone our way the past couple of days, but were getting to the turn and just have to make the turn in a positive way and once we start coming together, it will be a lot better than it is now. I"m not happy with the play, but, at the end of the day, its another day."

It was football Monday in Taos as Train Robbers pound Blizzard 24-7

Taos manager Matt Leahy takes a tur

Taos manager Matt Leahy takes a turn on the mound for the Blizzard. (Photo by John T. Denne)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

TAOS -- Balls were flying out of the Tundra in Taos every which way Monday, but not off the bats of the Blizzard. Las Vegas played its first game in the ski town, pounding out 28 hits en route to a 24-7 victory. (Neither play-by-play nor accurate stats were available, so statistics may be incorrect.)

"We can hit. Theres no doubt about that," said Train Robber manager Casey Dill. "We had a great game. Aside from the hitting, Edison (Alvarez) threw well. I dont hink we made an error on defense. It was a good team win all the way around."

Alvarez went the distance, allowing only seven runs on 10 hits total, and three runs and four hit through eight complete.

"He threw a great game," Dill said. "He went out there and he did what he does every game. He throws strikes. He gets ground balls. He gets guys out. Hell give us a chance to win every game, and if we score 24 runs, we shouldnt have a problem doing that."
 "Edison can pitch," agreed Taos manager Matt Leahy. "Hes a damn good pitcher. All in all, he had us today. But were ready to face him whenever he comes back, because we want another chance at him, too."

The demolition started early, with the Train Robbers putting up eight runs in the first inning and never looking back.

"We got unlucky," Leahy said. "They hit us hard in the first inning and at the end of the day we just tip our hat. They came out swinging and they beat us."

Vegas added another four runs in the second, one in the third and two in the fourth, leading 15-0 before the Blizzard finally got on the board, putting up three in the bottom of the fourth.

Blair Springfield opened the stanza with a double and came home on a Cody Coffman single. Two outs later, John Apostolo doubled, Leahy -- who started at catcher, moved to second and even pitched -- hit a 2-RBI single to give Taos three runs, but that was all the scoring the Blizzard would see until the bottom of the ninth. Las Vegas, meanwhile, added three in the fifth, one in the sixth, two in the eighth and three in the ninth.

The only inning the Robbers didnt score was the seventh, when reliever Drew Evans allowed only two hits.

"We had some good relievers," Leahy said. "Shane Miller and Drew Evans shut the door. One of them got unlucky with a pop fly that landed over the fence. Thats going to happen when youre at 7,000 feet." There were four shots out of the park by Vegas: Joey Haskell, Randy Wells, Ted LeMasters and Gary Stauff each had bases-clearing shots.

Taos took advantage of Alvarez complete game to tee off him just a bit in the ninth, scoring a final four runs on an Alex Loftin double; Christopher Ciatti single; two walks; a passed ball; singles by Jordan Chiero and Chris Culver; and a fielders choice before Alvarez struck out the flinal Blizzard batter.

"Were good. Thats all I can say," Dill said when asked what accounted for all the hitting. "I dont know how to explain it. We were hitting line drives all over the ball park."

Dill didnt make one substitution, making for big stats for his hitters.

Haskell was 6-for-7 with six runs and 3 RBI; Wells 5-for- 6 with four runs and 5 RBI; Chris Wilson 4-for-7 with three runs; Matt Grosso, LeMasters and Gary Stauff each 3-for-6 -- Grosso two runs and RBI; LeMasters two runs and 4 RBI; Stauff two runs and 5 RBI; and Andrew Lopez 2-for-5 with three runs and 2 RBI.

Leahy gave 23 players a chance to see action, with pinch hitter CUlver going 2-for-2 with 1 RBI.

"Thats what we try to do," Leahy said of the liberal substitutions. "Its for player development, and its tough to develop when youre losing by that much, but guys were getting tired when we got down to the late innings, so we chalk it up, we tip our hat and at the end of the day we get ready for tomorrow. Well see them again for the next couple of days and our pitchings set up so were ready to rock and roll."

Tuesday, Taos head to Vegas for the Train Robbers home opener. That game was delayed because of problems with Rodriguez Field, but the players were headed to a welcome dinner Monday night, then, Dill said, theyll play Tuesday.

"Theyve been doing work every day," Dill said. "They had an expert come in and tell them exactly what they needed to do to get the field ready for opening day and theyve been doing those things. Whether weve had enough time to make that happen, I dont know. Well find out tomorrow."

But whatever happens, hes looking forward to playing at home because of the strong community support theyve been receiving.

"The support from the community has been there from Day 1," Dill said. "I came from a place last year where there wasnt support from the community. The leaders in the community, like the mayor, the city manager, the Chamber of Commerce, all these people, (theyre) doing everything they can to keep us here and make us feel comfortable. It makes you feel like youre a little bit more home. LIke they want you to have success."

Opening pitch is set for 7 p.m.