MEEKER | After building a four-game win streak, the Meeker High School baseball team hit the road last week to face the Aspen Skiers. The Cowboys entered the matchup with momentum, coming off a 12-3 win over the Olathe Pirates and aiming to continue their success against a 2-9 Aspen team. However, Meeker’s streak came to an abrupt end with back-to-back losses in a doubleheader.
The Cowboys were shut out 10-0 in the first game and fell 9-5 in the second. Despite the loss, five different Cowboys recorded hits in Game 2, including sophomore Said Rodriguez, who went 2-for-4 with three RBIs and a double.
Meeker struggled offensively in the first game, finishing with a .133 batting average and a .235 on-base percentage. In Game 2, the Cowboys improved slightly, posting a .200 batting average and .314 on-base percentage. Neither game saw a home run from the Meeker lineup.
Head coach James Romansky cited Aspen’s offense as a key factor in the losses.
“Aspen is a very good offensive team this season,” Romansky said. “They made a lot of hard contact and had great two-strike approaches. We hit the ball well, but a lot of our base hits didn’t drop. We had Klinzman on the mound, who was going to give us our best shot. Good teams hit, and they out-hit us. We didn’t struggle—sometimes you get beat playing a decent ball game.”
Romansky said he sees progress in the team, particularly in Game 2.
“We battled in Game 2, scored more runs, played better defense, and hit the ball better than in Game 1,” he said. “I see no regression in our team—just a couple of tough losses to a good team.”
Despite the setbacks, Romansky remained encouraged by his team’s effort and growth.
“We made good plays on the field, pitched well overall, and we certainly hit the ball,” he said. “Said Rodriguez, Cade Mills, and Carson Klinzman hit particularly well. Our young guys are making hard contact against teams full of seniors and juniors. We’re younger and competing well, which spells good years to come.”
This week, the Cowboys face a packed schedule. On Tuesday, they traveled to Rangely to take on the Panthers—a team Meeker beat 7-2 earlier this season at home April 17th, 2025. Romansky emphasized the importance of staying focused despite the prior win.
“We can take no team lightly,” he said. “Complacency is the thief of victory, and all we can do as a staff is keep them focused on competing to the fullest of their ability. The players must show up to play every single day.”
On Wednesday, the Cowboys hosted Steamboat Springs at Paintbrush Park for a doubleheader. The Sailors entered the matchup with a 9-8 record. Romansky noted the challenge of facing Steamboat after playing Rangely the day before.
“Steamboat will be a challenge on a few levels,” he said. “They’re a good program, and we always want to compete against the best. But since we’re playing Rangely the day before, we won’t have access to some pitchers. League games come first, and pitching will be tight. Without a rest day, we’ll be short on resources, but we’ve got to go play well.”
The Cowboys will hit the road again Friday to face the 15-2-1 Coal Ridge Titans, one of the top teams in the region. Their previous game was postponed due to weather earlier in the season.
“Coal Ridge is certainly a team you want to see early,” Romansky said. “It allows a young team like ours to see great baseball and strive to meet that standard. I’m looking for the team to rise to the occasion, play a full seven innings, keep us within striking distance, and attempt an upset.”
On Saturday, Meeker will return home to host Cedaredge at Paintbrush Park. The Bruins defeated Meeker 6-3 earlier this season.
“We’re in a different situation now,” Romansky said. “We had only about a week of field time before that game. They’ll see a different Meeker team this time.”
With such a demanding week ahead, Romansky discussed his strategy for managing the pitching staff and his broader goals for the team.
“There’s a set number of pitches and mandatory rest days,” he said. “We’ll put our best forward, pitch to bad contact, and play defense to keep pitch counts low. The goal is always the postseason—play well to get more games. But above that, it’s about getting our young team varsity reps and developing their skills for the next few years.”
As the 2025 regular season nears its end, Romansky reflected on the team’s growth.
“From day one to now is a world of difference, top to bottom,” he said. “We’re a better team at the plate, on the mound, and in the field. It’s important for developing players to recognize their improvement. I’ve seen progress in every guy on this team. I’m fortunate to get the opportunity to coach them.”
The Cowboys currently hold a 4-10 overall record and sit at 2-3 in league play, placing fourth in the 2A Western Slope League.
