A’s Pummel New Mexico

Dodge City, Kan (westernkansasnews.com)-In the summer of 2013, the A’s couldn’t buy a hit. On opening night in 2014, they had a slew of them. 

Ben Craft finished 4-for-5 with two RBIs at the plate while starter Trent Lare allowed just one hit over six innings as Dodge City pounded out 27 hits in a 20-1 victory over New Mexico Tuesday night at Cavalier Field. 

“I really won’t have a feel for this team for a week or so,” Head Coach Phil Stephenson said. “Guys will be coming in all week long so it will definitely be interesting.”

Interesting was a unique way to describe this one. In the first-Dodge City (1-0) got a lead-off double by Brad Jarreau who would come around minutes later on a double steal to give the A’s a 1-0 advantage. 

It stayed that way until the sixth when the Dodge City bats awoke. With one out, Ben Craft lifted a solo shot over the center-field fence. Dan O’Neil, Carson Crites and Landon Eason followed with three straight extra base hits. That was enough to chase Diablos starter Michael Chavez. Unfortunately Curtis Hines fared no better. 

Tyler Albert, Brennan Bozeman and Dan Pellinen stroked run-scoring singles.

Dodge City added five runs in the fourth; three in the fifth and five in the sixth. 

A’s pitching allowed just two hits. Dylan Norris allowed the only Diablos run in the seventh on a passed ball that allowed Ryan Cubillos to score. 

Chavez allowed seven runs on nine hits before leaving after two innings.