GC Elite rolls in tourney opener

Pueblo, Colo (westernkansasnews.com)-Garden City catcher Thomas Solorio believes the biggest difference between this version of the Elite and last year’s Finney County Blues is simple: It’s pitching. 

“Last year we ran out of pitching,” he said. “This year, I don’t ever see us running out of pitching.”

Those arms were on full display again Friday night in the opener of the Tournament of Champions with Edgar Montoya tossing a five-hitter in an 11-2 victory over Pueblo West at Hobbs Field. 

After yielding a run in the bottom of the first and another in the third, Montoya scattered just two hits the rest of the way. 

His offense took the lead for good in the top of the second when Solorio singled home Derek Cook and Daven Acker. Moments later Jacob Rivas stole home to make it 3-1. 

Acker’s error in the third pulled West within a run, but Acker made up for his mistake with an RBI Single in the fourth to give Garden City (12-0) a 4-2 advantage. 

The Elite added three more runs in the fifth: A walk issued by Tyler Evans with the bases loaded followed by two run-scoring singles by Cook and Acker. 

The Elite closed the game out in the sixth with Logan Dechant’s sacrifice fly followed by (Edgar) Montoya’s two-run single to make it 10-2. Ivan Guiterrez scored the final run after Cook bounced into a fielder’s choice. 

Next up: Garden City vs. Colorado Instructional League-Saturday, June 21 11:30 a.m.

Box Score: gcelite_pueblowest

Other Scores: 

NBC

El Dorado 5, Dodge City 0

Liberal 3, Wellington 2

Saturday’s Games

Garden City Elite vs. Colorado Instructional League

Dodge City Senior Legion vs. Liberal 11 am; vs. Butler County Cubs 1 p.m. Ranger Tournament

NBC

Liberal at Wellington 7 p.m.

Dodge City at El Dorado 7 p.m.