RBC I Talk about getting off to a good start.
Rangely High School’s baseball team blasted Altamont, Utah, 13-6 in the season opener and hasn’t looked back. The Panthers swept doubleheaders last week against Altamont and Coal Ridge.
“They did great,” said coach Wes Torsell. “They’re really swinging it. We scored 10 or more runs in every game but the last one, when we only played three innings because it got dark.”
Kacey Denny had the hot bat in the opener, collecting five singles in five at-bats.
“I was very impressed with him,” Torsell said.
His brother Kody Denny was the starting pitcher in the first game, while Daniel Garcia opened the second game.
“They both were lights out,” Torsell said.
Dillon McTague started the opener against Coal Ridge, while Travis Witherell got the call in the second game. Kindal Cushman came on in relief in all four games.
“They all did great. They threw a lot of strikes,” Torsell said.
Rangely is scheduled to play its home opener at 2 or 2:30 p.m. Friday against Steamboat Springs. The Panthers start league play Saturday with a doubleheader at Paonia.
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Weather permitting, Meeker High School’s baseball team will host Hayden on Saturday. If that happens, it will be the Cowboys’ first time to play on their home field.
Saturday’s doubleheader was originally scheduled to be played in Hayden.
“But they have too much snow, so it was moved to here,” said Joel Matrisciano, Meeker head coach. “I hope our field will be ready. We’re hoping by Saturday the weather will be cleared out again.”
The Cowboys, who have dropped doubleheaders at Vernal, Utah, and against Roaring Fork, have had trouble even practicing outside — let alone on a baseball field — because of the weather.
“We’re improving, but we need dry fields and some time outside,” Matrisciano said. “We haven’t even officially been on our diamond yet. Saturday will be the first day, and that will be the day we play games.”