Elite splits on day two of TOC; local scoreboard

Pueblo, Colo (westernkansasnews.com)-Winning their first 12 games was definitely an accomplishment; even if that streak ended in one of the most competitive summer tournaments in the plains.

For the first time this summer, Lyle Befort’s team got a taste of the losing end of things-falling to the Colorado Instructional League 13-8 in day two of the Tournament of Champions at Hobbs Field.

But it was the way they lost that was most alarming. After falling behind 1-0, Garden City (13-1) bounced back with a five-run second fueled by Daven Acker, Ivan Gutierrez and Jacob Rivas slapping RBI hits.

The Elite extended the lead to 6-1 in the third when Logan Dechant doubled and then came around to score on Rodriguez’s fielder’s choice.

But the wheels fell off in the fourth, thanks in large part to a frame littered with errors and walks. Colorado plated six runs to take a 7-6 advantage. The elite finished the afternoon with six miscues.

Colorado scored five more in the fifth-amazingly on just one hit to put the game out of reach.

Acker allowed nine runs on seven hits in 4 1/3 innings of work. Jesse Ruiz pitched an inning of relief and allowed four runs.

Box Score: gcelite_coloradoinstructional

Elite 14, Pueblo Central 11

In a game dominated by offense, Garden City scored in every inning but one (fourth).

Thomas Solorio slugged four hits in five plate appearances-driving in three runs. In fact, the top four guys in the order (Daven Acker, Jacob Rivas, Solorio and Zapata) were a combined 11-for-17 at the dish.

Trailing 6-5 heading into the third, Garden City (13-1) made their move. After Ivan Rodriguez swiped home to tie the game, Acker yanked a two-run-double to give the Elite a 8-6 lead. Solorio followed with a rope, two-RBI double before coming around to score on a wild pitch-giving Garden City an 11-6 advantage.

On the hill, Gutierrez allowed 10 runs on 10 hits and walked four. Daniel Flores pitched three-solid innings of relief-surrendering a run on two hits.

Next up: 3rd place game-Garden City vs. Colorado Long Ball-12:30 p.m.-Sunday, June 22

Box Score: gcelite_pueblocentral

Other Scores

NBC

Wellington 2, Liberal 1

Dodge City 7, El Dorado 4

Legion

Dodge City 4, Liberal 0 (Ranger Senior Tournament)

Butler Cubs def Dodge City in extra innings (Ranger Senior Tournament)

Dodge City 12, Hooker (Okla.) 0 (4 innings)–Ranger Senior Tournament

Sunday’s Schedule

Dodge City vs. Great Bend 11 a.m. (Ranger Senior Tournament)