MEEKER | What does it take to build a successful youth baseball team in Meeker? The 13U Meeker Blue squad is showing that hard work, teamwork and strong community support go a long way.
The team has delivered an exciting season, and last Saturday’s game was no exception. As Meeker High School held its graduation ceremony and festivities, the 13U Blue team hosted Rifle’s White team at Paintbrush Park in a game with high stakes. A win would earn Meeker the No. 1 seed in the Colorado River Valley Little League division and a direct bye to Friday’s championship game.
Case Conway got the start on the mound for Meeker, pitching four strong innings. He allowed just three hits, one run and one earned run. Conway faced 15 batters and threw 62 pitches — 42 of them for strikes.
Matteus Rykhus came in for relief, pitching the final two innings. He gave up no hits or runs, walked three batters and faced eight overall. Rykhus threw 38 pitches, 21 of them for strikes.
After the game, Head Coach Torrey Rykhus said the team’s cohesion made the difference.
“I think everybody just worked together as a team. No one player had to do too much,” he said.
“All of these kids have great relationships — they work really well together, which was the difference in today’s game.”
On the offensive side, Matteus Rykhus also led the charge at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored and one RBI. Owen Little contributed as well, reaching base twice with a hit and a walk and scoring two runs.
Meeker went on to win the game 10-1, clinching the top seed and a spot in the championship game.
“It feels great,” Coach Rykhus said. “These kids work really hard — practicing in rain, sleet and cold temperatures. That’s how Colorado springtime is. They work their tails off to get here. They deserve it.”
Meeker’s defense also held Rifle’s standout player, Kai, to just one hit and one RBI in a single at-bat.
As for preparation this week, Rykhus said he’s keeping things simple.
“It’s summertime and they’re kids — just treat it like any other week,” he said.
The biggest challenge ahead?
“Time to focus. It’s summertime, so these kids want to stay out having fun. Just stay focused and keep baseball fun so they can do both,” Rykhus said.
Meeker Blue will compete in the Colorado River Valley Little League Championship game at 7:30 p.m. Friday. The game is currently scheduled to be played in Rifle, but as the No. 1 seed, Meeker is working with the league to host the game at home. Good luck to the team as they look to finish their season on top.
Meeker’s 13U Blue team earned the No. 1 seed and a bye to the Colorado River Valley Little League championship game, set for 7:30 p.m. Friday. Pictured front row, from left: Dillon Koenig, Owen Little, Daxten Koenig, Santi Rodriguez, Brantley White. Back row, from left: Head Coach Torrey Rykhus, Tyler Follman, Lucas Simpson, Case Conway, Matteus Rykhus, Emiliano Carrillo. Not pictured: Gael Rodriguez, Rylan Ivy, Graysin Erickson, Carson Blunt and Coach Billy Ivy.
