MEEKER | The Meeker High School baseball team picked up its first wins of the 2025 season last week, sweeping a doubleheader against the winless Moffat County Bulldogs in Craig. The Cowboys entered the matchup with an 0-8 record, while Moffat County stood at 0-10.
Meeker dominated the first game, earning a 10-0 shutout win behind a stellar performance from senior Carson Klinzmann. The right-hander threw four innings without allowing an earned run, giving up only two hits and striking out multiple batters. Klinzmann has now gone four straight appearances without issuing more than two walks.
He also contributed at the plate, reaching base in three of four trips and driving in a run.
Sophomore Said Rodriguez had a strong showing in the opener, going 1-for-3 with two runs scored and a stolen base. Junior Joseph Halstead reached base in all four plate appearances.
The Cowboys finished the game with a .531 on-base percentage — their highest mark since May 2024 — and secured their first win of the season, improving to 1-8.
In the nightcap, Meeker’s offense exploded for a season-high 18 runs in an 18-7 victory, pushing the team’s record to 2-8.
Sophomore Cade Mills made a significant impact both on the mound and at the plate. He pitched 4.1 innings, allowing just one earned run (three total) on two hits while striking out six. At the plate, Mills reached base in four of six plate appearances, stole three bases, scored three runs, and drove in a career-high five RBIs.
Freshman Logan Selby added to the offense, going 1-for-3 with two runs scored. Fellow freshman Hoyt Garcia also stepped up, scoring twice and reaching base in three of five plate appearances.
A few days later, the Cowboys returned home to Paintbrush Park to host the Rangely Panthers. Senior Carson Klinzmann once again led the way, throwing a complete game in rainy conditions. He gave up just one earned run and one unearned run on six hits while striking out nine batters, reaching the 200-strikeout milestone for his high school career.
“It means for me a great milestone that many pitchers aren’t able to accomplish in high school,” Klinzmann said. “It shows that I have truly worked hard for that accomplishment and it makes me feel better about my ability to pitch and as a ballplayer.”
Senior Finley Deming contributed offensively, going 1-for-2 with two RBIs and a run scored — a new career high for RBIs.
The 7-2 win marked Meeker’s third straight victory, improving its record to 3-8 overall and 1-3 in league play.
Originally scheduled to host the Olathe Pirates last Saturday a few days later, weather forced Meeker to travel to Parachute, Colo., while still serving as the home team. The Cowboys continued their winning streak, defeating Olathe 12-3 to improve to 4-8 (2-3 league).
Freshman Hoyt Garcia led the offensive charge, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs, two runs scored, and a stolen base. Junior Joseph Halstead also had a productive outing, reaching base in three of four plate appearances and adding two RBIs.
The Cowboys finished the game with a .452 batting average — their best since April 2024 — and consistently pressured Olathe’s outfield with well-placed hits.
Defensively, Meeker held Olathe freshman Bridger Vincent to 1-for-3 with two runs scored.
The four-game win streak marks a turning point for a team that started the season winless through eight games. Klinzmann credited the team’s mindset and energy for the turnaround.
“The team has become a thousand times better,” Klinzmann said. “Everyone is hype throughout the entire game no matter what. Everyone is hitting now with more confidence and making more plays without even thinking. This team is one I enjoy playing ball with and definitely leaves me confident for the future seasons after I’m gone.”
Earlier this week, Meeker traveled to Aspen for a doubleheader against the Aspen Skiers. The Cowboys entered the games with a 4-8 record, while Aspen stood at 2-9. Meeker will have the weekend off before heading to Rangely next Tuesday for another matchup with the Panthers at 2 p.m. The following day, the Cowboys return home to Paintbrush Park.
