RANGELY | The Rangely High School baseball team kicked off its 2025 season with a win, defeating Grand Valley 10-6 on the road in Parachute, Colorado. The victory snapped a four-game losing streak that dated back to last season.
Senior Marcos Quintana played a crucial role in the Panthers’ season-opening win. On the mound, he struck out six batters over three innings while allowing just one earned run on three hits and no walks. At the plate, Quintana went 3-for-3 with two RBIs, two runs scored, and three stolen bases. His performance set a new career low in walks, finishing with zero.
Junior Braden Lucas also contributed to the Panthers’ success, scoring a run and stealing a base. He reached base four out of five times, helping the team post a .200 batting average, a .375 on-base percentage, and zero home runs.
Two days later, the Panthers traveled to Nucla for a doubleheader against the Mustangs. In the first game, Rangely avenged last season’s loss to Nucla with an 8-3 victory.
Sophomore Casen Hinkle led the way, scoring two runs and stealing a base. He reached base twice in four plate appearances, setting a new career high in runs scored. Junior Landon Bollinger also made an impact, going 1-for-3 with a run scored. The team finished game one with a .087 batting average and a .382 on-base percentage. The victory improved the Panthers’ record to 2-0.
In the second game, the Panthers suffered their first loss of the season, falling 4-2. Despite the defeat, Quintana delivered another standout performance. He pitched two scoreless innings, allowing no hits or runs, setting a new career low in earned runs. Offensively, he went 1-for-2 with a triple and an RBI. The team posted a .083 batting average and a .214 on-base percentage in game two, leaving Nucla with a 2-1 overall record.
The Panthers hosted North Fork for their home opener, seeking redemption for a loss to the Miners in April 2024. However, the Miners once again came out on top, defeating Rangely 14-4.
Six Panthers recorded hits, including Quintana, who went 2-for-4 with a career-high three RBIs. Sophomore Bradley Lambros notched his first hit of the season. The team finished with a .267 batting average, a .290 on-base percentage, and zero home runs. The loss dropped Rangely’s record to 2-2 overall and 1-1 in the 2A Western Slope League.
With this past Tuesday’s scheduled game against the Meeker Cowboys postponed to a later date. The Panthers return to action Friday with a road matchup against Denver Christian at 6:30 p.m. They will continue their weekend with games against Monte Vista at 9 a.m. and Byers at 2 p.m. Saturday. Good luck to the Panthers as they look to get back in the win column and like always Go Panthers!
By JARED HENDERSON |
