Trojans score early in second season win - #lakewoodnews

Thornton's boys' baseball team finally found success in the only place they've had any luck finding it this year: In non-league action. The Trojans logged just their second win of the season --; and their first since an early-season win over Fort Lupton --; when they topped visiting Golden April 14. Thornton, under coach Steve Wood, improved to 2-8, while the Demons dropped to 4-6 in the non-league encounter. For both teams, it's now back to their league campaigns.

Game summary

Thornton was able to jump out to a 3-0 lead after the first two innings. And even after allowing Golden to score two runs in the top of the third inning, the Trojans were able to put the game away late, scoring three more runs in the fifth inning.

Key moments

After two outs in the bottom of the first, the Trojans were able to come through with their first two runs on a two-out single by senior Jeff Rohrer. Senior Anthony Fox began the rally with a single and moved to third on an ensuing double by sophomore Steele Dove, before both were driven in by Rohrer' s single. The rally might have been more if not for Rohrer being thrown out at second base trying to stretch his RBI single into something more.

Junior Max Wilkins, the second batter in the second inning, led off scoring in that frame with a double, and then stole third, allowing him to score on a fielder's choice grounder by senior Alex Rodriguez.

Up 3-2 in the bottom of the fifth inning, the Trojans would score what would wind up being the winning run. After senior Darren Bartelo reached first base on a fielder's choice, senior Marcus Valdez followed with a walk, at which point he was replaced by pinch runner, junior Meech Candaleria. After Rohrer walked to load the bases, senior Charlie Mucino notched the game-winning RBI by drawing the base on balls. The Trojans went on to plate two more runs but needed just the one.

Key players/statistics

No player from either team was able to come through with more than one hit in the game. Fielding prevailed for the most part, as the ball was in play a lot: There were a total of four strike outs the entire game, three by Thornton and just one by Golden.

They said it

"I think today is the best that we have played in the past three years. Everyone had their right thoughts today and we put it together. We have a lot of good kids and it's really and energetic group. I'm so proud of the way we played today. We started well and it was a good finish. We are learning to drive to." --; Thornton coach Steve Wood.

"They beat us 18-0 last year so this was just a great win for us today. We've lost a bunch so far this season, but this game can be a turnaround for us." --; Thornton senior pitcher Marcus Valdez

"This seems like the first day we really came out to play. We just need this to help us get better and that's what we did today, play together. We were able to play well in the field and I think we all felt a lot more relaxed and were able to do what we needed to do. We were doing what coach taught us to do." --; Thornton senior Charlie Mucino.

"It's been tough, but we were able to do what we needed to today. We were at 1-7, but this is a good way to get ready for league. We came to play and this is an exciting win. We hit the ball and we made the plays in the field. We had a lot of energy and it's nice to know what it feels like to win. This is just great for us." --; Senior Thornton catcher Alex Rodriguez

"Obviously we're disappointed. We just didn't play well and we just couldn't hit the ball. We expected to win, and no matter the competition you have to go out and play hard. We just made too many mistakes. League starts ... We just have to step up and get the right swings on the ball." --; Golden coach Jackie McBroom.

"We just couldn't hit the ball today and we were slowed down. We gave them too many chances. We've got to get the wins in league, give our best efforts and get to the playoffs. It's been a good season, but we still have to give 100% and not look back." Golden sophomore Pablo Simon.

Going forward

Golden will host Arvada April 20 before traveling to Valor Christian April 23. Thornton will host Gateway April 20 and Wheat Ridge the following day, April 21. The Trojans then travel April 23 to Adams City.

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