	2013 Trinidad Triggers News

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Kim Schultz named 2013 Pecos League Executive of the Year

Babe Ruths Car is moving to Trinidad

Trinidad Triggers Support Mount Carmel Fundraiser

JD Droddy will return to manage the Trinidad Triggers in the 2014 season.

Fifth-inning rally sparks blowout win for the Las Vegas Train Robbers 8-2

The Trinidad Triggers outdone by Stauff and the Las Vegas Train Robbers 5-2

Trinidad Triggers send Nick Mutz and Frank Florio to the New Jersey Jackals

Frank Florio 2013 Pecos League Hitter of the Year

The Trinidad Triggers 2013 Pecos League Playoff Team

The Raton Osos get on top of the Trinidad Triggers early but cant hang on in 2-1 loss

The White Sands Pupfish fall to the Trinidad Triggers 1-0

Trinidad Triggers 4 Raton Osos 2

Trinidad Triggers 8 White Sands Pupfish 6

Trinidad Triggers 11 White Sands Pupfish 5

White Sands Pupfish 9 Trinidad Triggers 3

Eric Yardley from the Trinidad Triggers signs with the San Diego Padres

Alpine Cowboys 6 Trinidad Triggers 5

Alpine Cowboys 10 Trinidad Triggers 8

Herman helps the Alpine Cowboys down the Trinidad Triggers 11-6

Alpine Cowboys 11 Trinidad Triggers 2

The Trinidad Triggers outdone by Barnett and the Santa Fe Fuego 8-5

Trinidad Triggers 11 Santa Fe Fuego 2

White Sands Pupfish 6 Trinidad Triggers 5

The Las Vegas Train Robbers top the Trinidad Triggers behind Walshs 3 hits 13-5

The Trinidad Triggers uses big seventh inning to beat the Santa Fe Fuego 13-2

LeMasters leads the Las Vegas Train Robbers to 10-9 win over the Trinidad Triggers

Alvarez leads the Las Vegas Train Robbers to 13-1 victory thanks to 8 strikeouts

Florio leads the Trinidad Triggers to 17-1 win over the Las Vegas Train Robbers

The Trinidad Triggers outdone by Wells and the Las Vegas Train Robbers 6-2

The Raton Osos get key pinch-hit in 5-4 victory over the Trinidad Triggers

The Trinidad Triggers escape the Raton Osos behind Waites 6 strikeouts 11-1

Trinidad Triggers 8 Raton Osos 1

Trinidad Triggers 8 Raton Osos 7

Veyna helps the Trinidad Triggers down the Roswell Invaders 8-7

Florios three-run blast propels the Trinidad Triggers past the Roswell Invaders 6-5

Erik Lambe Complete Game for Invaders in 6-1 Cosmic Victory

The Santa Fe Fuego take out the Trinidad Triggers with help from Maxwell 7-4

The Santa Fe Fuego make the most of 10 hits in 8-5 victory over the Trinidad Triggers

The Santa Fe Fuego drop the Trinidad Triggers 10-5 behind Langes early home run

The Trinidad Triggers top the Santa Fe Fuego behind Veynas 3 hits 15-14

Carranzas big day not enough as the Alpine Cowboys fall to the Trinidad Triggers 15-14

Alpine Cowboys 15 Trinidad Triggers 5

The Alpine Cowboys fall 12-4 at the hands of the Trinidad Triggers

DiMatteo helps the Trinidad Triggers down the Las Vegas Train Robbers 4-3

The Roswell Invaders take out the Trinidad Triggers with help from Normoyle 4-2

The Trinidad Triggers outlast the Roswell Invaders in high-scoring affair 9-8

Trinidad 22 Raton 11 on Fathers Day in Trinidad

Las Vegas Train Robbers 8 Trinidad Triggers 3

Trinidad Triggers 12 Las Vegas Train Robbers 1

Train Robbers win shootout over Triggers

Trinidad out-hits Vegas in northern showdown

Raton comeback vs. Trinidad just misses in 16-15 slugfest

Anthony Smith of Trinidad Triggers traded to El Paso of American Association

Strong pitching from both sides in close Trinidad win over Raton

Trinidad bats sizzle in victory over Raton

Triggers come from behind once again

Trinidad Triggers 9 Raton Osos 6

Controversy flares after rain washes out Trinidad-Roswell game

Lotti leads Alpine to 6-3 victory over Pupfish

Roswell Trinidad split in day-night doubleheader

Weather washes out three Pecos League games

Invaders hold off Trinidad comeback kids

Martinez walk-off home run gives Taos the victory

Triggers have another comeback vs. Taos

Trinidad Triggers 14 Taos Blizzard 9

Trinidad wins "best baseball game" with walk-off single

Triggers again edge Fuego with pitching

Trinidad win pitchers duel with 3-2 victory over Santa Fe

Triggers split with Pupfish after late-game rally

Pitcher Kuks hit two home runs including a grand slam for Pupfish

Pupfish hang on despite ninth-inning grand slam by DiMatteo

Robbers get first win of season, Triggers first loss

Triggers stage another late-game comback

Oh so close. Raton just misses in marathon vs. Trinidad

More good pitching, hitting lets Trinidad top Raton

Smith throws no-hitter for eight innings

Triggers out-hit Amarillo Sox in exhibition

Triggers edge Santa Fe in spring training

Trinidad Triggers reload for 2013!

Trinidad Triggers release their 2013 hats

Triggers take top Spring League hitters into spring training

Team name tells the story of Trinidad

Triggers hoping to recapture fan magic in 2013

Kim Schultz named 2013 Pecos League Executive of the Year

Dec 14 2013 12:00AM

The Pecos League is proud to announ

The Pecos League is proud to announce Kim Schultz as Executive of the Year.

The Trinidad Triggers faced numerous challenges coming into the 2013 season. No person was better suited to accept these challenges than Kim. When Trinidad was selected to be the host of the reality TV show no one knew how much work it would be to film a season. It was a hectic season in Trinidad with juggling the needs of a production crew along with major changes in local city government.

The City Government in Trinidad had complete turnover. After a successful first season the Pecos League didnt get a team in Pueblo and then ran into some field usage conflicts and was prepared to move the team to Raton. Kim regrouped the city, the college and the league and kept baseball in Trinidad as the lone Colorado Team. Then almost overnight Trinidad received news that they were selected to be the host city of the reality show that followed the Pecos League. This was a huge spark plug for the local Trinidad Economy. The City of Trinidads Summer Economy had a much brighter Summer solely because of the efforts of Kim.

Raton ultimately was awarded an expansion team and there was a fear that the Triggers would lose fans to Raton. Kim helped Raton get off the ground and the Pecos League thrived having teams in neighboring cities.

The Triggers made the playoffs for their second year and had their 2nd successful campaign off the field. Kim established Central Park and baseball as a melting pot for bringing people together in the summer in Trinidad and Raton. Raton was turned into an ally more than a rival.

The biggest compliment to Trinidad is the fact that it is the most popular place for teams to play on the road. The game day staff and the attention to detail lead by Kim helps put this in place.

2014 looks to be another good year in Southern Colorado for the Pecos League and for the Triggers.

Babe Ruths Car is moving to Trinidad

Nov 19 2013 12:00AM

BABE RUTH"S 1948 LINCOLN, Owned by

BABE RUTH"S 1948 LINCOLN, Owned by Mr. & Mrs. Lonnie Shelton, part-time residents of Trinidad. The car will have a permanent home in Trinidad upon completion of PUERTO de COLORADO, a major development scheduled to break ground within the next few weeks. The development is headed by Jay Cimino.

The car has been featured at several Triggers and has caused excitement with the fans and car collectors alike.

Trinidad Triggers Support Mount Carmel Fundraiser

Nov 18 2013 12:00AM

On November 9, 2013 the Triggers we

On November 9, 2013 the Triggers were in attendance and supporting a fundraiser for Mt Carmel Medical Center in Trinidad. Among the Triggers personnel attending were Director of Baseball Operations & Field Manager JD Droddy, Director of Business Operations Kim Schultz, Statistician Robert Schultz, and Host Family Coordinator Emily Olguin. The Triggers, in conjunction with Mr. & Mrs. Lonnie Shelton, donated a "Triggers Package" that was auctioned off for $700, all of which went to Mt. Carmel. Included in the package were an autographed bat and ball, a Triggers hat, the opportunity to be a "Trigger for a Day," and a ride in Babe Ruth"s 1948 Lincoln. The latter prize was contributed by Mr. and Mrs. Shelton.

After a spirited bidding competition, Mike Cimino of Colorado Springs placed the high bid on the package. The event was sponsored by Mt. Carmel. Mike"s father, Jay Cimino, is Chairman of the Mt Carmel Board of Directors. The Cimino family owns the Phil Long automobile dealerships, which is the Triggers" biggest sponsor. The auctioneer for the event was Lisa Camarillo, General Manager of Phil Long Toyota in Trinidad. The Triggers offices during the season are located in Phil Long Toyota"s dealership.

"We are happy to have the opportunity to support Mt. Carmel," Droddy said. "The Triggers want to thank the wonderful fans of Trinidad, Mr. & Mrs. Shelton, all of our great sponsors, and especially the Cimino family, Lisa Camarillo, and all the people associated with the Phil Long dealerships for their unwavering support of the Triggers. We look forward to being a part of the Trinidad community for many years to come."

JD Droddy will return to manage the Trinidad Triggers in the 2014 season.

Sep 18 2013 12:00AM

JD Droddy will return to manage the

JD Droddy will return to manage the Trinidad Triggers in the 2014 season. Droddy lead the Triggers to the playoffs and number four seed both in 2012 as an assistant and in 2013 as Field Manager. Rob Wornock will be the Triggers assistant coach. Rob helped the Triggers in Spring Training. Due to health reasons this might be Droddy"s last year but he wants to make one more run at a championship. JD will again manage the Galveston Sea Lions in the 2014 Pecos Spring League.

Nick Mutz signed with the San Diego

Nick Mutz signed with the San Diego Padres. The former 9th round pick with the Angels spent most of the 2013 season with the Triggers. When the season was complete he had several relief apperences for the New Jersey Jackals before signing with the San Diego Padres. He joins Eric Yardley who also pitched with the Triggers this year who signed with the San Diego Padres.

The Trinidad Triggers (33-26) had a tough outing on Friday, as the Las Vegas Train Robbers (34-24) dominated in a 13-5 win at Rodriguez Park.

The Las Vegas Train Robbers scored five runs in the seventh on , an RBI double by Will Walsh, an RBI double by Adam Kam, and a two-run error.

Lopez racked up three RBIs on two hits for the Las Vegas Train Robbers. He.

Ryan Wood got the win, running his season record to 1-2. He allowed four runs over four innings. Wood struck out one, walked six and gave up three hits.

Calen Hindricks (0-1) took the loss for the Trinidad Triggers. He allowed six runs in four innings, walked four and struck out three.

The Trinidad Triggers outdone by Stauff and the Las Vegas Train Robbers 5-2

Jul 27 2013 12:00AM

The Las Vegas Train Robbers (1-0) beat the Trinidad Triggers (0-1) 5-2 on Saturday behind Gary Stauff, who collected three hits. He singled in the second, fourth, and sixth innings.

Edison Alvarez picked up the win for the Las Vegas Train Robbers. Alvarez allowed two earned runs, nine hits and one walk while striking out five over eight innings of work.

Frank Florio racked up two RBIs on two hits for the Trinidad Triggers. He singled in the second inning and homered in the sixth innings.

Anthony Smith (0-1) was the games losing pitcher. He lasted just six innings, walked two, struck out three, and allowed five runs.

Fifth-inning rally sparks blowout win for the Las Vegas Train Robbers 8-2

Jul 27 2013 12:00AM

The Las Vegas Train Robbers (2-0) beat the Trinidad Triggers 8-2 in seven innings on Saturday after a five-run explosion in the fifth inning.

Randy Wells got a hit in each of his three at bats. He singled in the first, third, and sixth innings.

Atsushi Hebisawa picked up the win for the Las Vegas Train Robbers. Hebisawa allowed two earned runs, five hits and no walks while striking out five over six innings of work.

Frank Florio had a busy day at the plate, collecting two extra-base hits. He homered in the second inning and doubled in the fourth inning.

Benji Waite was charged with his first loss of the year. He allowed seven runs in five innings, walked four and struck out one.

Dillon Usiak, Andrew Lopez and Wells helped lead the Las Vegas Train Robbers. They combined for five hits and six RBIs.

Trinidad Triggers send Nick Mutz and Frank Florio to the New Jersey Jackals

Jul 27 2013 12:00AM

Trinidad Triggers send Nick Mutz to

Trinidad Triggers send Nick Mutz to the New Jersey Jackals.

Upon the completion of their season the Trinidad Triggers have sent Nick Mutz to the New Jersey Jackels of the Can-Am League. Mutz has pitched in the Angels Organization and is clearly one of the top three pitching prospects in the Pecos League.

The Trinidad Triggers 2013 Pecos League Playoff Team

Jul 25 2013 12:00AM

The Trinidad Triggers for the 2nd y

The Trinidad Triggers for the 2nd year in a row are the 4th place playoff team in the Pecos League. The Triggers beat Raton last night 2-1 to secure the 2nd seed in the Northern Division. The Triggers finished with a record of 38-31 and will play a three game series against the Las Vegas Train Robbers beginning tonight in Central Park.

The Raton Osos get on top of the Trinidad Triggers early but cant hang on in 2-1 loss

Jul 25 2013 12:00AM

The Raton Osos (13-54) jumped out to an early lead, but were unable to hold on and lost 2-1 to the Trinidad Triggers (38-31) on Wednesday.

The Trinidad Triggers took the lead in the fifth inning on an RBI single by Max Garza.

It was a good day at the plate for the Trinidad Triggers Wink Nolan. Nolan went 1-2, drove in one and scored one run. He homered in the fourth inning.

Chris Shaklee handled the Raton Osos lineup with ease, racking up six strikeouts. Shaklee allowed no earned runs on four hits and no walks over five innings.

Frank Florio 2013 Pecos League Hitter of the Year

Jul 25 2013 12:00AM

Frank Florio of the Trinidad Trigge

Frank Florio of the Trinidad Triggers is the 2013 Pecos League Hitter of the Year. Florio had 261 at bats with 16 Home Runs and a .410 batting average. He was the centerpiece of the Triggers lineup in the cleanup spot. Frank played first base and right field.

Trinidad Triggers 4 Raton Osos 2

Jul 23 2013 12:00AM

Trinidad Triggers 4 Raton Osos 2

This game was played on 7/23/2013 at Trindad Central Park

The White Sands Pupfish fall to the Trinidad Triggers 1-0

Jul 23 2013 12:00AM

Not even a strong hitting and pitching performance from Ernesto Zaragaza could carry the White Sands Pupfish (26-39) past the Trinidad Triggers (35-31) at Aquarium on Monday as the White Sands Pupfish suffered a 1-0 defeat.

It was a good day at the plate for the White Sands Pupfishs Zaragaza. Zaragaza went 2-2. He singled in the third and fifth innings.

The Trinidad Triggers couldnt get anything going as long as Zaragaza was pitching. The Trinidad Triggers managed just two hits off of the the White Sands Pupfishs pitcher, who allowed one earned run, walked four and struck out six during his six innings of work.

The White Sands Pupfish had no answer for Chris Tuttle, who kept runners off the basepaths in his appearance. The White Sands Pupfish managed just two hits off of Tuttle, who allowed no earned runs, walked one and struck out five during his five innings of work.

Scott Elitzky recorded his third win of the year for the Trinidad Triggers. He struck out none, walked none and surrendered no hits.

Zaragaza (2-3) took the loss for the White Sands Pupfish.

Trinidad Triggers 8 White Sands Pupfish 6

Jul 22 2013 12:00AM

Trinidad Triggers 8 White Sands Pupfish 6

This game was played on 7/22/2013 at Griggs Park

Trinidad Triggers 11 White Sands Pupfish 5

Jul 20 2013 12:00AM

Trinidad Triggers 11 White Sands Pupfish 5

This game was played on 7/20/2013 at Griggs Park

White Sands Pupfish 9 Trinidad Triggers 3

Jul 19 2013 12:00AM

White Sands Pupfish 9 Trinidad Triggers 3

This game was played on 7/19/2013 at Griggs Park

Alpine Cowboys 6 Trinidad Triggers 5

Jul 18 2013 12:00AM

Alpine Cowboys 6 Trinidad Triggers 5

This game was played on 7/18/2013 at Kokernot Field

Eric Yardley from the Trinidad Triggers signs with the San Diego Padres

Jul 18 2013 12:00AM

Eric Yardley has signed with the Sa

Eric Yardley has signed with the San Diego Padres and will join their rookie ball club as reported by Trinidad Manager JD Droddy. Eric pitched three times for the Trinidad Triggers. He had a great career at the University of Seattle.

Alpine Cowboys 10 Trinidad Triggers 8

Jul 18 2013 12:00AM

Alpine Cowboys 10 Trinidad Triggers 8

This game was played on 7/18/2013 at Kokernot Field

Herman helps the Alpine Cowboys down the Trinidad Triggers 11-6

Jul 17 2013 12:00AM

The Alpine Cowboys (36-24) beat the Trinidad Triggers (33-28) 11-6 on Wednesday at Kokernot Field behind Eric Herman, who collected three hits. He doubled in the sixth inning and singled in the first and eighth innings.

Frank Florio racked up two RBIs on three hits for the Trinidad Triggers. He singled in the third and fifth innings and homered in the eighth inning.

Bob Cook improved to 2-0 on the year by picking up the win for the Alpine Cowboys. He allowed four runs over six innings. He struck out three, walked two and surrendered five hits.

Dan Zlotnick ended up on the wrong side of the pitching decision, charged with his first loss of the year. He allowed six runs in zero innings, walked four and struck out none.

Alpine Cowboys 11 Trinidad Triggers 2

Jul 16 2013 12:00AM

Alpine Cowboys 11 Trinidad Triggers 2

This game was played on 7/16/2013 at Kokernot Field

The Trinidad Triggers outdone by Barnett and the Santa Fe Fuego 8-5

Jul 14 2013 12:00AM

Josh Barnett went 2-6 and hit a home run, sparking the Santa Fe Fuego (27-29) to an 8-5 victory over the Trinidad Triggers (32-26) on Saturday at Central Park. He singled in the second inning and homered in the fifth inning.

Frank Florio did his best to jumpstart the offense for the Trinidad Triggers, reaching base four times. He also drove in one runner. He doubled in the seventh inning and singled in the fifth and ninth innings.

Brian Hicks improved to 2-0 on the year by picking up the win for the Santa Fe Fuego. He allowed one run over one inning. Hicks struck out none, walked one and gave up two hits.

John Sullivan was charged with his second loss of the year. He lasted just one-third of an inning, walked two, struck out none, and allowed three runs.

Trinidad Triggers 11 Santa Fe Fuego 2

Jul 14 2013 12:00AM

Trinidad Triggers 11 Santa Fe Fuego 2

This game was played on 7/14/2013 at Trindad Central Park

White Sands Pupfish 6 Trinidad Triggers 5

Jul 12 2013 12:00AM

White Sands Pupfish 6 Trinidad Triggers 5

This game was played on 7/12/2013 at Trindad Central Park

The Trinidad Triggers uses big seventh inning to beat the Santa Fe Fuego 13-2

Jul 11 2013 12:00AM

The Trinidad Triggers (32-24) rolled over the Santa Fe Fuego (25-29) 13-2 on Thursday at Central Park after a seven-run rally in the seventh inning.

Wink Nolan went a perfect 5-5 at the plate for the Trinidad Triggers. He tripled in the fourth inning and singled in the second, sixth, seventh, and eighth innings.

Nick Rodesky got the win for the Trinidad Triggers thanks to six strikeouts. Rodesky allowed one earned run, four hits and two walks over seven innings.

Kevin Camacho (4-3) was the games losing pitcher. He lasted just six innings, walked one, struck out seven, and allowed four runs.

The Las Vegas Train Robbers top the Trinidad Triggers behind Walshs 3 hits 13-5

Jul 11 2013 12:00AM

An exceptional effort by Will Walsh carried the Las Vegas Train Robbers (32-21) to a 13-5 win over the Trinidad Triggers (31-24) on Thursday at Central Park.

Walsh hit two home runs for the Las Vegas Train Robbers. Walsh went 3-6 in the game with five RBIs and two runs scored. Walsh homered in the fourth inning.

The Las Vegas Train Robbers blew out the Trinidad Triggers thanks to 12 hits, including zero extra base hits. The Las Vegas Train Robbers scored three runs in the seventh on a solo home run by Ryan Lauer and a three-run home run by Lauer.

The Trinidad Triggers couldnt get anything going so long as Chuck Fontana was on the hill. The Trinidad Triggers managed just one hit off of Fontana, who allowed no earned runs, walked none and struck out two during his two innings of work.

Wink Nolan racked up two RBIs on two hits for the Trinidad Triggers. He singled in the fourth inning and homered in the sixth inning.

Atsushi Hebisawa improved to 5-1 on the year by picking up the win for the Las Vegas Train Robbers. He allowed two runs over five innings. Hebisawa struck out five, walked two and gave up three hits.

Benji Waite (5-3) took the loss for the Trinidad Triggers. He allowed eight runs in six innings, walked two and struck out four.

LeMasters leads the Las Vegas Train Robbers to 10-9 win over the Trinidad Triggers

Jul 9 2013 12:00AM

An exceptional effort by Ted LeMasters led the Las Vegas Train Robbers (31-21) to a 10-9 win in 10 innings over the Trinidad Triggers (31-23) on Tuesday at Central Park.

LeMasters rocked the Trinidad Triggers with two home runs. LeMasters went 3-5 in the game with two RBIs and two runs scored. LeMasters homered in the fourth and eighth innings.

Each team blasted the others pitching, and there were 19 total runs and 26 hits during the game. There were 12 pitchers used in the game as the two managers searched for any way to finish it off.

Ben Runyon improved to 1-1 on the year by picking up the win for the Las Vegas Train Robbers. Runyon struck out three, walked one and gave up two hits.

John Sullivan ended up on the wrong side of the pitching decision, charged with his first loss of the year. He lasted just one inning, walked two, struck out none, and allowed one run.

Alvarez leads the Las Vegas Train Robbers to 13-1 victory thanks to 8 strikeouts

Jul 8 2013 12:00AM

Sunday was a great day for Edison Alvarez, as Alvarez struck out eight batters to carry the Las Vegas Train Robbers (30-20) to a 13-1 victory over the Trinidad Triggers at Rodriguez Park.

Even in defeat, Frank Florio played well for the Trinidad Triggers (30-22).

It was a good day at the plate for the Trinidad Triggers Florio. Florio went 1-4, drove in one and scored one run. He homered in the seventh inning.

The Las Vegas Train Robbers had no answer for Florio, who kept runners off the basepaths in his appearance. Florio held the Las Vegas Train Robbers hitless over one-third of an inning, allowed no earned runs, walked none and struck out one.

The Las Vegas Train Robbers ran up the score, scoring runs at will until the final out. The Las Vegas Train Robbers scored five runs in the last three innings to finish off the blowout win. The Las Vegas Train Robbers scored five runs in the eighth on an RBI double by Dillon Usiak, an RBI single by Joey Haskell, an RBI single by Alvarez, a hit by pitch, and a sacrifice fly by Will Walsh.

Adam Kam racked up three RBIs on three hits for the Las Vegas Train Robbers. He singled in the fifth inning, homered in the sixth inning, and doubled in the eighth inning.

Chris Shaklee couldnt get it done on the bump for the Trinidad Triggers, taking a loss. He allowed eight runs in 5 2/3 innings, walked four and struck out six.

Florio leads the Trinidad Triggers to 17-1 win over the Las Vegas Train Robbers

Jul 8 2013 12:00AM

Monday was a great day for Frank Florio, as he hit two home runs to carry the Trinidad Triggers (31-22) to a 17-1 victory over the Las Vegas Train Robbers (30-21) at Central Park.

Andrew Lopez was the lone bright spot for the Las Vegas Train Robbers in the loss.

Lopez got on base three times in the game for the Las Vegas Train Robbers. He singled in the second and seventh innings.

The Trinidad Triggers had no answer for Lopez, who kept runners off the basepaths in his appearance. The Trinidad Triggers managed just one hit off of Lopez, who allowed no earned runs, walked none and struck out none during his one inning of work.

The Trinidad Triggers didnt let up, as they kept racking up runs until the end. The Trinidad Triggers scored four runs in the last three innings to finish off the blowout win. The Trinidad Triggers scored seven runs in the second on a passed ball, an RBI single by Matt Hunt, a home run by Jacob Fabry, a solo home run by Florio, and a passed ball.

The Trinidad Triggers relied on Nick Mutz to eat up innings en route to the win. Mutz allowed no earned runs, five hits and one walk while striking out six over eight innings of work.

Shayne Miller couldnt get it done on the mound for the Las Vegas Train Robbers, taking a loss. He allowed eight runs in 1 1/3 innings, walked none and struck out three.

The Trinidad Triggers pounded the Las Vegas Train Robbers pitching, as six hitters combined for 12 hits, 16 RBIs and 14 runs scored.

The Trinidad Triggers outdone by Wells and the Las Vegas Train Robbers 6-2

Jul 7 2013 12:00AM

Randy Wells went 1-4 and hit a home run, sparking the Las Vegas Train Robbers (29-20) to a 6-2 victory in seven innings over the Trinidad Triggers (30-21) on Sunday at Central Park. He homered in the first inning.

Kager Hopkins got the win for the Las Vegas Train Robbers thanks to six strikeouts. Hopkins allowed one earned run on eight hits and one walk over seven innings.

Mike Mullen brought the heat against the Las Vegas Train Robbers during his outing. The Las Vegas Train Robbers managed just one hit off of the the Trinidad Triggers pitcher, who allowed no earned runs, walked none and struck out four during his two innings of work.

Nick Rodesky (1-1) was the games losing pitcher. He lasted just three innings, walked four, struck out one, and allowed four runs.

The Raton Osos get key pinch-hit in 5-4 victory over the Trinidad Triggers

Jul 6 2013 12:00AM

Derek Sampell was cold coming off the bench, but Sampell warmed up quickly as Sampell stroked a key pinch-hit double in the three to lead the Raton Osos (8-42) to a 5-4 win over the Trinidad Triggers (30-20) on Friday at Gabriele Park.

With the Raton Osos trailing by two in the third inning, Sampell came to the plate and doubled, scoring William Smalls.

The Raton Osos AJ Doyle was perfect at the dish, going 2-2. He tripled in the fourth inning and singled in the fifth inning.

The Trinidad Triggers couldnt get anything going so long as Richard Suniga was on the hill. The Trinidad Triggers managed just one hit off of Suniga, who allowed no earned runs, walked one and struck out seven during his three innings of work.

John Sullivan was effective even in defeat, mowing down six the Raton Osos batters and allowing zero runs.

Sampell recorded his first win of the year for the Raton Osos. He allowed one run over 2 2/3 innings. Sampell struck out one, walked none and gave up two hits.

Scott Elitzky (2-1) was the games losing pitcher. He lasted just 3 2/3 innings, walked one, struck out two, and allowed five runs.

The Trinidad Triggers escape the Raton Osos behind Waites 6 strikeouts 11-1

Jul 4 2013 12:00AM

Benji Waite hopes every outing could go as well as Wednesday, as Waite struck out six batters to carry the Trinidad Triggers (29-19) to an 11-1 victory over the Raton Osos (7-41) at Gabriele Park.

The biggest inning for the Trinidad Triggers was the second. In the inning the Trinidad Triggers scored seven runs.

Frank Florio got a hit in each of his two at bats. He singled in the second and eighth innings.

Despite the loss, the Raton Osos Nickolas Huff dominated the Trinidad Triggers batters, giving up one run and striking out seven.

Tim Sylvester (3-4) was the games losing pitcher. He allowed nine runs in four innings, walked six and struck out three.

The Trinidad Triggers Sam DiMatteo, Wink Nolan and Florio combined for six hits and five RBIs.

Trinidad Triggers 8 Raton Osos 1

Jul 4 2013 12:00AM

Trinidad Triggers 8 Raton Osos 1

This game was played on 7/4/2013 at Trindad Central Park

Trinidad Triggers 8 Raton Osos 7

Jul 2 2013 12:00AM

Trinidad Triggers 8 Raton Osos 7

This game was played on 7/2/2013 at Trindad Central Park

Veyna helps the Trinidad Triggers down the Roswell Invaders 8-7

Jun 30 2013 12:00AM

Jason Veyna drove in three runs, sparking the Trinidad Triggers (27-19) to an 8-7 victory in seven innings over the Roswell Invaders (34-14) on Sunday at Joe Bauman Park. He homered in the third inning.

Ryan Normoyle racked up two RBIs on two hits for the Roswell Invaders. He singled in the first inning and doubled in the second inning.

Chad Hardison looked sharp on the mound. Hardison held the Trinidad Triggers hitless over two innings, allowed no earned runs, walked one and struck out two.

Chris Shaklee recorded his fifth win for the Trinidad Triggers even though he allowed seven runs over seven innings. He struck out one, walked two and surrendered eight hits.

Jacob Cook (3-1) took the loss for the Roswell Invaders. He allowed eight runs in three innings, walked none and struck out one.

Florios three-run blast propels the Trinidad Triggers past the Roswell Invaders 6-5

Jun 29 2013 12:00AM

Three first-inning runs helped the Trinidad Triggers (26-18) to a 6-5 win over the Roswell Invaders (33-13) at Joe Bauman Park on Saturday.

A three-run home run by Frank Florio delivered the runs in the first. The Trinidad Triggers had one hit in the inning.

Florio led the Trinidad Triggers offensive threat, as he got on base four times in the game. He scored one run and had three RBIs.

Chris Tuttle got his fifth win for the Trinidad Triggers despite allowing five runs over five innings. He struck out two, walked five and surrendered five hits.

Dominick Ruscitti took the loss for the Roswell Invaders. He allowed six runs in five innings, walked five and struck out six.

Erik Lambe Complete Game for Invaders in 6-1 Cosmic Victory

Jun 28 2013 12:00AM

Erik Lambe threw a complete game fo

Erik Lambe threw a complete game for the Invaders allowing 8 hits striking out 10 and only walking 2. He also managed to get a base hit. Reggie Taylor continued his hot hitting for the Invaders going 3 for 4 with his third home run of the week. Patrick Johnson made his Invaders debut at shortstop scoring two runs.

Trinidad had an RBI Double from Wink Nolan. Trinidad has lost three in a row. The two teams will play three more games in this series.

The Santa Fe Fuego take out the Trinidad Triggers with help from Maxwell 7-4

Jun 27 2013 12:00AM

Jimmy Maxwell knocked in four runs, sparking the Santa Fe Fuego (20-22) to a 7-4 victory over the Trinidad Triggers (25-17) on Thursday at Central Park. He singled in the first, sixth, and eighth innings.

Charlie McCready looked sharp on the mound. The Trinidad Triggers managed just one hit off of the the Santa Fe Fuegos pitcher, who allowed no earned runs, walked two and struck out one during his three innings of work.

Jason Veyna did his best to jumpstart the offense for the Trinidad Triggers, reaching base three times. He scored two runs and had one RBI. He singled in the fifth inning.

Benji Waite ended up on the wrong side of the pitching decision, charged with his second loss of the year. He lasted just six innings, walked two, struck out five, and allowed five runs.

The Santa Fe Fuego make the most of 10 hits in 8-5 victory over the Trinidad Triggers

Jun 26 2013 12:00AM

The Santa Fe Fuego (19-22) and the Trinidad Triggers (25-16) both had scoring chances on Wednesday, but it was the Santa Fe Fuego that were able to capitalize on them as they pulled out an 8-5 win at Central Park.

Jimmy Maxwell racked up four RBIs on two hits for the Santa Fe Fuego. He doubled in the first inning and homered in the ninth inning.

Jared Bowser recorded his first win of the year for the Santa Fe Fuego. He struck out none, walked none and surrendered no hits.

Zach Leitten ended up on the wrong side of the pitching decision, charged with his fourth loss of the year. He lasted just one inning, walked none, struck out none, and allowed four runs.

The Santa Fe Fuego drop the Trinidad Triggers 10-5 behind Langes early home run

Jun 25 2013 12:00AM

The Santa Fe Fuego (18-21)s five first-inning runs built an early lead that helped bring home a 10-5 win over the Trinidad Triggers (24-15) on Tuesday at Fort Marcy Park.

Kellen Lee put himself in scoring position with two extra-base hits for the Santa Fe Fuego. He singled in the first inning, doubled in the third inning, and homered in the seventh inning.

Austin Carden picked up the win for the Santa Fe Fuego. Carden allowed three earned runs, 10 hits and one walk while striking out 11 over nine innings of work.

Frank Florio went a perfect 3-3 at the plate for the Trinidad Triggers. He doubled in the sixth inning and singled in the second and eighth innings.

Chris Shaklee couldnt get it done on the mound for the Trinidad Triggers, taking a loss. He allowed seven runs in seven innings, walked two and struck out eight.

Devonte Odums, Michael Lange, Lee and Charlie Calamia helped lead the Santa Fe Fuego. They combined for eight hits and nine RBIs.

The Trinidad Triggers top the Santa Fe Fuego behind Veynas 3 hits 15-14

Jun 25 2013 12:00AM

Monday was a great day for Jason Veyna, as he hit two home runs to carry the Trinidad Triggers (24-14) to a 15-14 victory over the Santa Fe Fuego (17-21) at Fort Marcy Park.

Veyna racked up six RBIs on three hits for the Trinidad Triggers. He homered in the third and sixth innings and singled in the eighth inning.

The two teams combined for 29 runs and 32 hits, including zero extra base hits. Managers of the two teams seemingly emptied their bullpens in search of the win, as there were 11 pitchers used in the game.

The Santa Fe Fuego couldnt get anything going so long as Scott Elitzky was on the hill. Elitzky held the Santa Fe Fuego hitless over two innings, allowed no earned runs, walked none and struck out one.

Kevin Camacho was charged with his second loss of the year. He lasted just two-thirds of an inning, walked five, struck out none, and allowed four runs.

Carranzas big day not enough as the Alpine Cowboys fall to the Trinidad Triggers 15-14

Jun 23 2013 12:00AM

Joel Carranza clubbed two home runs, but it wasnt enough to carry the Alpine Cowboys (21-18) to a win on Sunday, as the Alpine Cowboys fell to the Trinidad Triggers (23-14) 15-14 at Central Park.

Both squads had things going at the plate, tallying 29 runs and 32 hits, including zero extra base hits. Both bullpens were busy with 10 pitchers used in the game as the skippers of both squads tried to finish it off.

Frank Florio led the Trinidad Triggers offensive threat, as he got on base five times in the game. He scored three runs and had two RBIs. He singled in the fifth inning and homered in the sixth inning.

Zach Leitten got the win, running his season record to 1-3. He allowed one run over two innings. He struck out two, walked none and surrendered one hit.

Scott Hartling ended up on the wrong side of the pitching decision, charged with his second loss of the year. He lasted just 1 2/3 innings, walked two, struck out one, and allowed one run.

Alpine Cowboys 15 Trinidad Triggers 5

Jun 22 2013 12:00AM

Alpine Cowboys 15 Trinidad Triggers 5

This game was played on 6/22/2013 at Trindad Central Park

The Alpine Cowboys fall 12-4 at the hands of the Trinidad Triggers

Jun 22 2013 12:00AM

The Alpine Cowboys (20-17) didnt put up much of a fight on Friday, as the Trinidad Triggers (22-13) cruised to a blowout 12-4 win at Central Park.

The Trinidad Triggers scored five runs in the fifth on an RBI single by Benji Waite, an RBI single by Wink Nolan, , and a two-run single by Richie Serritella.

The Alpine Cowboys had the lead early, but couldnt hold off the Trinidad Triggers. The Alpine Cowboys led until the fifth inning, but the Trinidad Triggers took the lead back.

Jason Veyna racked up four RBIs on one hit for the Trinidad Triggers. He.

Waite got the win, running his season record to 4-1. He allowed four runs over seven innings. Waite struck out one, walked four and gave up six hits.

Brad Orosey ended up on the wrong side of the pitching decision, charged with his third loss of the year. He allowed seven runs in 4 2/3 innings, walked four and struck out three.

DiMatteo helps the Trinidad Triggers down the Las Vegas Train Robbers 4-3

Jun 20 2013 12:00AM

Sam DiMatteo went 2-3 and hit a home run, sparking the Trinidad Triggers (20-13) to a 4-3 victory in seven innings over the Las Vegas Train Robbers (20-15) on Thursday at Rodriguez Park. He homered in the first inning and singled in the third inning.

Andrew Lopez racked up two RBIs on one hit for the Las Vegas Train Robbers. He homered in the sixth inning.

Chris Shaklee got the win, running his season record to 3-0. He allowed three runs over seven innings. He struck out four, walked three and surrendered six hits.

Drew Evans (0-1) took the loss for the Las Vegas Train Robbers. He lasted just four innings, walked two, struck out five, and allowed three runs.

The Roswell Invaders take out the Trinidad Triggers with help from Normoyle 4-2

Jun 19 2013 12:00AM

Ryan Normoyle went 3-3 at the plate as the Roswell Invaders (29-7) took home a 4-2 victory over the Trinidad Triggers (19-13) at Central Park on Wednesday. He singled in the first, third, and fifth innings.

Jacob Cook looked sharp on the mound. The Trinidad Triggers managed just three hits off of Cook, who allowed two earned runs, walked two and struck out five during his six innings of work.

Jacob Fabry paced the Trinidad Triggers at the plate. Fabry went 2-4, drove in one and scored one run. He singled in the first inning and homered in the sixth inning.

The Roswell Invaders had no answer for Zach Leitten, who kept runners off the basepaths in his appearance. Leitten held the Roswell Invaders hitless over one inning, allowed no earned runs, walked none and struck out three.

Chris Tuttle (4-1) took the loss for the Trinidad Triggers. He lasted just seven innings, walked five, struck out seven, and allowed three runs.

The Trinidad Triggers outlast the Roswell Invaders in high-scoring affair 9-8

Jun 18 2013 12:00AM

Fans were treated to a high-scoring affair Tuesday as the Trinidad Triggers (19-12) outscored the Roswell Invaders (28-7) 9-8 in 11 innings.

The teams totaled 23 hits in the game.

Frank Florio racked up five RBIs on three hits for the Trinidad Triggers. He doubled in the first inning, homered in the fifth inning, and singled in the seventh inning.

Scott Elitzky got the win, running his season record to 2-0. Elitzky struck out none, walked one and gave up one hit.

Ryan Richardson was charged with his first loss of the year. He lasted just one-third of an inning, walked none, struck out one, and allowed one run.

Trinidad 22 Raton 11 on Fathers Day in Trinidad

Jun 16 2013 12:00AM

Trinidad-The Trinidad Triggers defeated the Raton Osos 22 to 11 in Trinidad on Fathers Day. The Osos used seven pitchers allowing 16 hits 22 runs with 17 walks in a nine inning game. Trinidad’s starting pitcher Levi Austin didn’t fare much better allowing 7 hits and 10 runs in 2-2/3 inning.

The freefall continues for the Osos pitching staff. The Osos have lost 12 games in a row and currently only have two rotational starters that give them a chance to compete in ballgames. “We need arms and we need them now.” says Osos Manager Ray Hancock.

After the game it was announced that Charles Sarnak will be the assistant coach in Raton for the 2nd half of the season. Raton has been the only team in the Pecos League will one coach and their record has reflected that. Charles has just completed his assignment in the Pecos Developmental League in Houston and will report to Raton on Wednesday.

The Osos host Roswell one game on Monday before playing consecutive home and home series with Taos, Vegas and Santa Fe. The Triggers host Roswell on Tuesday before hosting Alpine t

Trinidad Triggers 12 Las Vegas Train Robbers 1

Jun 15 2013 12:00AM

Trinidad Triggers 12 Las Vegas Train Robbers 1

This game was played on 6/15/2013 at Rodriguez Park

Las Vegas Train Robbers 8 Trinidad Triggers 3

Jun 15 2013 12:00AM

Las Vegas Train Robbers 8 Trinidad Triggers 3

This game was played on 6/15/2013 at Rodriguez Park

Train Robbers win shootout over Triggers

Jun 14 2013 12:00AM

Sam DiMatteo slides safely into into home. (Photo by Emily Olguin)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

TRINIDAD, Colo. — The two-team race for No. 1 in the Pecos League no...

Sam DiMatteo slides safely into into home. (Photo by Emily Olguin)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

TRINIDAD, Colo. — The two-team race for No. 1 in the Pecos League northern division tightened up a bit Thursday as No. 2 Las Vegas (16-13) edged No. 1 Trinidad (18-9) 11-9 in another game that came down to the wire.

“Our offense continued to fight, even though we got down early and continued to score runs,” said Train Robber manager Casey Dill. “Our bullpen pitched very well. Threw strikes. Struck guys out and we ended up on top tonight.”

“I thought both teams gave good effort tonight,” said Trigger manager J.R, Droddy. “We came out on the short end but these are two very good hitting ball clubs, and the pitching on both sides was better than the score indicates.”

Trinidad took an early lead. going up 1-0 in the first when Matt Hunt was hit, advanced on a balk and came in on a Sam DiMatteo double.

The Triggers made it 5-0 in the second on a Jason Venya double; error that put Andrew Azzopardi on first; Hu

Trinidad out-hits Vegas in northern showdown

Jun 13 2013 12:00AM

Manager J.D. Droddy and catcher Andrew Azzopardi argue with the umpire over a call. (Photo by Emily Olguin)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

TRINIDAD, Colo. — The most ...

Manager J.D. Droddy and catcher Andrew Azzopardi argue with the umpire over a call. (Photo by Emily Olguin)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

TRINIDAD, Colo. — The most important series in the league to this point is going on in Trinidad, where the northern division No. 1 Triggers are battling with No. 2 Las Vegas. And thanks to a huge fourth inning vs. Train Robber starter Edison Alvarez — who was pulled after 3.2 innings — Trinidad took the opener 16-12.

“We got another win tonight over Las Vegas,” said Trinidad coach J.D. Droddy. “Put another game between us and them in the standings, which is the main thing we wanted to accomplish.”

Alvarez, one of the top pitchers in the league, struggled from the start, giving up two runs in the first on a Matt Hunt single, Sam DiMatteo double and Mike Goldy single. The Triggers led 4-0 after two on an RBI single by Jacob Fabry and a Vegas error, with the Robbers finally getting on board in the third when Joey Haskell walked and Randy Wells doubled.

Las Vegas cut the lead to one

Raton comeback vs. Trinidad just misses in 16-15 slugfest

Jun 12 2013 12:00AM

Zack Kreeger does it again, this time for a 2-run homer to tie the game for the Osos.(Photo by Marty Mayfield)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

RATON — The losing manag...

Zack Kreeger does it again, this time for a 2-run homer to tie the game for the Osos.(Photo by Marty Mayfield)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

RATON — The losing manager in Tuesday’s hit-fest between the Triggers and Osos — a 16-15 finale that Trinidad manager J.D. Droddy called “a typical Pecos League pitcher’s duel” — was actually a bit happier than the winner.

Expect, again, for pitching, Raton manager Ray Hancock sounded OK with what he saw.

“Played a really good game tonight, but as usual our starting pitching let us down big time,” he said. “We were seven runs in the hole before we even got started, which put a big damper on everything. But my players did well. We had three home runs. I”m very happy with my defense. Vey happy with my hitting.”

“Our pitching didn’t hold up too well tonight, frankly,” Droddy said. “This was not our finest hour, quite frankly. But we did hit and kept hitting and finally brought Benji (Waite) in to put out the fire at the very end and we squeaked out a one runner

Anthony Smith of Trinidad Triggers traded to El Paso of American Association

Jun 12 2013 12:00AM

Anthony Smith of the Trinidad Trigg

Anthony Smith of the Trinidad Triggers has been traded to the El Paso Diablos of the American Assocation. Smith was the ace of the Triggers Staff and was in his second season with the Triggers. Numerous teams showed interest in Smith as a reliever but his best option was to goto the American Association as a starter. Anthony will join the team in Laredo and start one of the games against the Laredo Lemurs.

In two years he started 17 games for the Triggers, he went 7-1 in 2012 and 4-1 in 2013 and was staff ace both seasons.

Strong pitching from both sides in close Trinidad win over Raton

Jun 11 2013 12:00AM

Mike Goldy gets a hit deep into left field. (Photo by Emily Olguin)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

TRINIDAD, Colo. — Raton still didn’t get its seventh win of the s...

Mike Goldy gets a hit deep into left field. (Photo by Emily Olguin)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

TRINIDAD, Colo. — Raton still didn’t get its seventh win of the season, but after a crushing loss Sunday, they kept things close Monday in a 6-2 loss in Trinidad.

“I want to tip my hat to Raton,” said Trigger manager J.D. Droddy. “Basically, they got clobbered badly yesterday, and they could have rolled over and died, but they didn’t. They came back fighting and gave us plenty of game today. So I want to make sure I have that verbal tip of the hat, because they played very well.”

“We just didn’t get the hitting, but I’m very happy about tonight, actually,” said Raton manager Ray Hancock. “Willie (Frederick) went seven. He gave us everything he had. Kept us in the ball game. It’s one of those deals where we just got beat. But it was a very good ball game.”

Trinidad got their first run off Frederick in the second, scoring on a Frank Florio home run. They didn’t add another until the fourth, when Will Leo

Trinidad bats sizzle in victory over Raton

Jun 10 2013 12:00AM

Mike Goldy gets congratulations after hitting a home run. (Photo by Kim Schultz)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

TRINIDAD, Colo. — It was not a pretty night in Trinida...

Mike Goldy gets congratulations after hitting a home run. (Photo by Kim Schultz)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

TRINIDAD, Colo. — It was not a pretty night in Trinidad if you were a Raton fan. Maybe not even a Trinidad fan, said Trigger manager J.D. Doddy of his team’s 23-5 crushing of the cross-border rival Osos.

“it wasn’t that much fun,” Droddy said. “You might think it might be fun to be on the winning side, but it really wasn’t that much fun. It was just one of those things that happened. They didn’t have the pitching to stop our hitting.”

For one, two, maybe even three innings, the game was fairly close.

Raton went up 1-0 in the top of the first when Vincent Smarelli reached on a fielder’s choice and came home on a Michael Lange single.

Trinidad didn’t score until the bottom of the second when they took a 2-1 lead on a walk to Frank Florio and doubles by Mike Goldy and Will Leonard.

A Jacob Fabry single, Florio double and Goldy single made it 3-1 in the third, then Florio made it

Triggers come from behind once again

Jun 9 2013 12:00AM

Jacob Fabry slides in safe at third

Jacob Fabry slides in safe at third as the ball comes in from left field Saturday night in Trinidad. (Photo by Marty Mayfield)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

TRINIDAD, Colo. -- It was a close game between Trinidad and Raton at Central Park Saturday night, but once again, the Triggers struck from behind for the 9-6 victory.

"I told the guys, its just another routine come-from-behind win for the Triggers," said Trinidad manager J.D. Droddy. "Thats how we play. If we cant get to your starting pitching well get to your relievers. Their starting pitcher did a heck of a job. He struck out 10 guys. Did a great job, but as soon as they took him out, we started pounding on them a little bit."

Osos manager Ray Hancock said almost exactly the same thing.

"We played a great game tonight. Starting pitcher went seven innings. Will Casey gave everything he had. We just could not help him out of the bullpen. The bullpen just gave up a couple of three hits. Loaded the bases. Brought another reliever in and he gave up a double that cleared the bases. We just couldnt get it going. There were no errors. Nine or 10 hits. The ballgame really should have been ours. Just dont have the pitching to close out the games, bottom line."

Raton drew first blood, getting one run off singles by Stedman Smith, Michael Lange and Zach Kreegar in the first. The Triggers took the lead in the bottom of the stanza on back-to-back home runs by Jacob Fabry and Sam DiMatteo, then went up 3-1 in the third on a Matt Hunt double and Fabry single.

But the starters got through the next few innings unscathed until the top of the sixth, when the Osos put up four runs to take a 5-3 lead.

With two outs, Kreegar hit a solo home run. Louie Saenz tripled and came home on a Nicholas Hinojo single. A single by Casey, a hit batter and a Smith single plated four runs for Raton.

But in the seventh, after Casey gave up a one-out single to Andrew Azzopardi, Logan Morelloi gave up a Bryce Miller single; Jesse Meier did the same to Matt Hunt; and Brian DelRosso gave up a 3-RBI double to Fabry, a DiMatteo triple and a wild pitch that scored DiMatteo.

Trinidad was back on top, 8-5.

Both teams put one run on the board in the eighth. Cody Langham scored on an error and Wesley Jones double while Miller homered for Trinidad to keep the difference three runs. Zach Leitten set the Osos down 1-2-3 in the ninth to earn the save.

The only errors in the game were from Trinidad, showing how much Raton has improved defensively since early in the season, and, Hancock said, "My hitting is about as good as anybodys, but I just cant keep giving up home runs and stuff like that. I cant defend against the home run."

Besides geting the win, Droddy described the game as "sort of a storybook night" for two of his players.

Fabrys family was in the stands, and he just missed hitting for the cycle, but still got on base four times with a walk, single, double and home run. Millers wife and little girl were there, and he came in to pinch hit in the seventh.

"I put him in to pinch hit, and he gets a hit and an RBI, so I left him in at second, and the next time he came up he hit a bomb," Droddy said. "He turned and waved at his little girl as he was coming in. It was a real sweet moment. One of the umpires said, "I got all goose-bumpy when he waved at that little girl."

It may not be another storybook night Sunday, but the two teams will face off again with Hancock hoping his pitching can hold up, and Droddy knowing his team can always come from behind.

Controversy flares after rain washes out Trinidad-Roswell game

Jun 8 2013 12:00AM

Frank Florio gets a piece of the ba

Frank Florio gets a piece of the ball, sending it out for one of his two singles for the game. (Photo by Robert Bailey)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

ROSWELL -- Fridays Pecos League game betwen Trinidad and Roswell at JOe Bauman Field ended in a flurry of controversy -- not because of anything that happened on the field, but because of what came out of the sky.

With the Triggers pounding the Invaders 11-3 in the bottom of the third, a storm that had threatened all night moved in, first with lightning that caused the umpires to call a temporary halt to proceedings, then with wind and pounding rain that lasted about 20 minutes.

But even when there was no rain, no one made any moves to cover the field -- or, at least, the pitchers mound and batters box -- and by the time the storm passed over, both those parts of the field were unplayable.

"We called (groundskeeper) Charlie (Ward, who was on vacation)) and we dont have a tarp," said Roswell manager Chris Ebright. "We dont have diamond dry. We dont have kitty litter. The infield is playable. Its great. Its the pitchers mound and home plate. We were told by our grounds crew that we did not have any (tarps.)"

Trinidad manager J.D. Droddy was fuming, claiming the game was called because of the score.

"Of course Im not happy. We were lied to," he said. "The sabotaged it, because they didnt play.We were beating the hell out of them. Lack of integrity and Im disappointed with Chris Ebright because he played dumb."

While Droddy wants the game to be resumed in Trinidad, Ebright said itll be picked up in Roswell.

"Im hoping its get made up in Trinidad, because thats what should happen," Droddy said. "They sabotaged the game. It should be resumed in Trinidad. Thatll be up to the commissioner. But equity says it shouldnt happen, because they sabotaged the game."

"It will be at our place," Ebright said. "They come back the end of June and I do believe the rules say we pick up where we left off. Like we did the last game, and just take it from there. The infields perfect, but its the pitchers mound and the batters box and where the catchers at its unplayable, and we had no affect on this decision. It was the umpires. We were told by the grounds crew and we looked in the shed and we do not have tarps."

Expect some possible fireworks when the Invaders travel to Trinidad June 16.

"If they think this teams better than us, theyre full of crap," Droddy said. "Theyve been playing at home. Weve been playing on the road. This team is no better than ours and Im not sure theyre as good, and well see when the season is over."

Trinidad Triggers 9 Raton Osos 6

Jun 8 2013 12:00AM

Trinidad Triggers 9 Raton Osos 6

This game was played on 6/8/2013 at Trindad Central Park

Lotti leads Alpine to 6-3 victory over Pupfish

Jun 7 2013 12:00AM

It was pitcher vs. pitcher in the t

It was pitcher vs. pitcher in the third inning Thursday as Pupfish Chris Anklem tried to leg out a bunt while Cowboy Bob Cook fielded the ball. (Photo by Josh Szwaczkowski)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

ALAMOGORDO -- After an error-filled, high scoring game at the Aquarium Wednesday, the Cowboys and Pupfish battled in a pitchers duel Thursday, with Alpine coming out on top in the ninth, 6-3.

Still, Alpine coach Ryan Stevens wasnt completely happy.

"Not happy with the (three) errors, but I was really proud of the way the pitchers threw today," he said. "They put up a gutsy performance, and it reminded me of last years pitching staff the way they put it together."

Cowboy starter Bob Cook, a rookie, threw a strong six innings.

"It was his first start and he came out and he pitched his heart out," Stevens said. "I thought it was a gutsy performance and I thought our bullpen looked really good."

The scoring started in the second when Cowboy Brycen Bell hit a shot out of the park. The Pupfish tied it up in the third when Brett Mendoza and J.J. Costantino singled, with Mendoza coming home on a sac fly by Christian Ramirez.

Another home run -- this by Logan Lotti, his first of two in the game -- made it 2-1 Alpine in the fifth, then once again White Sands tied it up when Jerry Gonzales singled, stole second and came home on a Mark Leacox single in the sixth.

Both starters -- Chris Anklam and Cook -- went out in the sixth -- and relievers D.J. Stinsman, Mike Castrignano and Jeremy Burright allowed one run for each team in the seventh, keeping it tied at 3-3.

Alpine scored when Eric Herman singled, stole second and came home on a Carranza double. The Pupfish got their run when Costantino singled, advanced on a wild pitch and scored on an error by Burright.

Justin Mauldin and Sean Kistler kept the eighth scoreless, then Ernesto Zaragaza was tagged for the winning runs in the top of the ninth.

We hit the ball," Stevens said. "We didnt drive in enough runners, but in the top of the ninth, Logan Lotti took a 92-mile-per-hour fast ball and parked it.

"Whoever that 20-year-old that (White Sands manager) Ernie (Munoz) just brought in, he was throwing gas. The first one he blew by Lotti, then the second one he took it deep."

"It was just a pitch we shouldnt have thrown in that situation, was all," Munoz said. "Lotti did a great job hitting that pitch."

After that, Carranza, Casanova Donaldson and Bell each singled, with Bell bringing in two runs, then Scott Hartline came in in the bottom of the ninth and shut the Pupfish down.

But despite the loss, Munoz was much happier than the past few games.

"We played well," he said. "Our starter, Chris Anklem, went, I think, six innings strong. I guess we made a couple of bad decisions on pitches there in the last inning. Gave up a home run here and double there, and before you knew it it was 6-3."

Friday, the teams wrap up their third series at the Aquarium in the first month of Pecos League play, and both manager know its the little things that will make the difference.

"Weve got to clean up the errors. Weve got to drive runners in and I need more out of the relief pitchers," Stevens said.

"Well be fine," Munoz said. "We never really separated. We just got a little comfortable for a couple of days there. We know its going to be a grind and we know what were looking at here and we just want to get to the playoffs, however thats going to happen."

Roswell Trinidad split in day-night doubleheader

Jun 7 2013 12:00AM

Invader Danny Batista has the out a

Invader Danny Batista has the out at first as Matt Hunt tries to get back before the ball. (Photo by Robert Bailey)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

ROSWELL -- It was night and day at Joe Bauman Stadium Thursday, not only literally -- as Roswell and Trnidad played a makeup late-afternoon/early evening doubleheader -- but in the way the teams split the two games.

The Triggers won the Wednesday carry-over game 7-3 on solid pitching while the Invaders both had pitching in game two, and took advantage of a plethora of Trigger errors.

Trinidad 7, Roswell 3

For most of the opener -- which was supposed to be played Wednesday but was postponed after two innings because of a massive dust storm -- it looked like the only run the home team was going to get was a first-inning score from the original night.

Trinidad pitcher Dylan Porter gave up one run on nine hits and a walk through the eighth, while the Trigger defense kept all but one of those runners from scoring, and the offense tallied five runs through eight, then added two in the ninth for a 7-3 victory.

"I cant say enough about Dylan Porter," said Trinidad manager J.D. Droddy. "He had been in the rotation and he wasnt finding it and I put him in the pen. And the first time out of the pen he pitched well. So he actually started yesterday. He pitched the two good innings then he came back and finished the job. Thats nine innings in two days. Complete game. Pitched a little over 100 pitches between the two days. Just an awesome job. Awesome job. I cant say enough about him. And he even got a hit or two."

"He kept us off balance," agreed Invader manager Chris Ebright. "Him and the catcher were right on track with each other and those games youve just got to tip your hat and move on to the next one."

Roswell got on the board Wednesday night on first-inning singles by Chad Kruse and Ryan Normoyle, a sacrifice bunt by Roger Bernal and a sac fly by Vincent Mejia. But after that, the game was all Trinidad until the bottom of the ninth.

With Ed Kohout on the mound Thursday in place of Jacob Cook -- strictly because of pitch count -- the Triggers picked up where they left off Wednesday. With Jason Venya on first and Porter on second, Matt Hunt singled to load the bases, then Jacob Fabry put Trinidad on top with a 2-RBI double. One out later, the third run came in on a ground out and the Triggers never again trailed.

They added one run in the sixth when Sam DiMatteo singled and came home when Frank Florio tried to stretch a single into a double.

Matt Hunt singled off reliever Ryan Richardson to open the eighth, advanced on an error and scored on a DiMatteo single. Trinidad then added two final runs in the ninth when Andrew Azzopardi singled, Venya reached on an error and Hunt hit a 2 RBI single.

The Invaders got their first runs on the day in the ninth when Andrew Deeds and pinch hitter Mike McCarthy each singled; then, two outs later, a wild pitch and error brought two runs in.

Despite the late runs, Porter went the distance -- the first complete game for Trinidad this year -- with five strikeouts and only the first-inning run earned.

For the Invaders, the problem was not hits -- they had hits -- but timely hits,and nine runners left on base.

"I remember bases loaded, two outs, and Roger Bernal lined out to the third baseman," Ebright said. "We had first and second and big Danny Batista up, and he hit a hard ball, line-drive right to the second baseman and double play. Thats the game of baseball. A couple of feet either way and the score might have been totally different. But it was just one of those days. I think we were a little sleepy. We didnt come prepared for that first one, but we woke up for the second."

They certainly did, turning the tables on the Triggers.

Roswell 14, Trinidad 6

"We played really well (Game 1), contrast to this last game we got nine errors," Droddy said. "We cant expect to win with nine errors. Thats all I can say."

"We took advantage of their errors and this game; we got hits when we needed to," Ebright said. "Eric Lambe did a good job. Chad Hardison came in and did what he was supposed to do and we had a couple of errors that gave them a few runs but overall, Ill take it."

After the Triggers put up one run in the first -- off a fielders choice, walk and Mike Goldy single -- Roswell went up 4-1 in the bottom of the stanza, getting only three hits but scoring on three errors.

"We gave them six outs in the first inning and it just went downhill from there," Droddy said. "The loss is not (starter Benji Waitess) fault. Its none of the pitchers fault. (Scott) Elitzky pitched fine, too. Our fielding was terrible and it happens. Im not going to say anything to the guys about it. They know what happened. This game goes in the category of forget about it, and thats what were going to do."

In addition to the errors and a walk, the Invaders got singles from Normoyle, McCarthy and Reggie Taylor. The Triggers added one run in the third on a Hunt double and DiMatteo single, then Roswell broke it wide open in the fourth, scoring six runs on four hits, two errors and a walk.

The hits came from Mejia and McCarthy, who each doubled, and Deeds and Lambe, with singles.

Trinidad got back on the board in the sixth, scoring two when Jacob Fabry singled and DiMatteo homered, but the Invaders added another four in the bottom of the stanza off inning opening singles by Batista and Deeds, three more Trigger errors and a dropped third strike.

Proving once again theyre never out of it, Trinidad scored two runs in the seventh -- the final inning of the doubleheader -- with singles from Fabry and DiMatteo and a two-run error.

The teams wrap up the four-game series Friday, with both managers looking for a victory.

"Wed like to win each series at home," Ebright said. "Wed like to win anywhere, but win the series at home and split on the road is what we like to try and do. Were going to come out and well play good baseball. Weve got Andrew Shoemaker going, and these guys are good Their better than they played today. So well get our minds right tomorrow and come back and play some good baseball."

"We would definitely like to get a split," Droddy said. "We think were as good a ball team as they are, and weve been playing on the road nearly all season so far. We get to play at home in June and July and we think well do better. I personally think were evenly matched with them. I think us, Las Vegas and Roswell are probably the top three teams in the league. Maybe with Alpine. I think those are the top four teams in the league and I think any of those four teams can beat any of the other three any time. And were going to split tomorrow."

Weather washes out three Pecos League games

Jun 6 2013 12:00AM

Triggers gather in the outfield, ba

Triggers gather in the outfield, barely visible through the dist blowing in from left. (Photo by Robert Bailey)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

Wednesday night was not a good night for Pecos League teams, as weather played havoc with the schedule..

Heavy rainstorms in north central New Mexico washed out both the Taos/Las Vegas game and the Santa Fe/Raton matchup.

This Blizzard/Train Robber game will be made up Friday as a doubleheader, while the Raton game is expected to be made up during a future series between the two teams.

Things were even more interesting in Roswell, where the Triggers and Invaders got through two innings -- Roswell was leading 1-0 on first-inning singles by Chad Kruse and Ryan Normoyle, a sacrifice bunt by Roger Bernal and a sac fly by Vincent Mejia.

Neither team scored in the bottom of the second, then, just as the Invaders took the field, a huge wind/dust storm blew in from left field, obscuring any chance of seeing the ball.

The officials called a brief delay, then Jason Venya walked and pitcher Kellen Quintana hit a ball high into left that literally got lost in the blowing dust, dropping in for a single.

After that, another delay was announced and eventually both managers and the officials, with approval from commissioner Andrew Dunn, agreed to postpone the game until Thursday at 4 p.m., when the teams will pick up where it left off, then, following the conclusion of Game 1, play a seven-inning second game.

Invaders hold off Trinidad comeback kids

Jun 5 2013 12:00AM

Roswell pitcher faced only one batter through the minimum through five innings, getting the win with five strikeouts. (Photo by Robert Bailey)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer
...

Roswell pitcher faced only one batter through the minimum through five innings, getting the win with five strikeouts. (Photo by Robert Bailey)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

ROSWELL Its unusual when the losing manager is happier with his team than the winner, but that was the case Tuesday in Roswell.

The Invaders edged Trinidad 12-10, but gave up all 10 of the Trigger runs in the last four innings.

We played bad baseball in the second half,ï¿½ said Roswell manager Chris Ebright. Unacceptable baseball in the last three or four innings. Our hitters came out. Did great. (Starter) Jonathan Sa did great, I think the first 6-1/3, 6-2/3s. Our relievers have to throw strikes. Thats unacceptable baseball in the last three or four innings, and something weve got to work on, think about.

ï¿½We didnï¿½t play well for at least seven innings today, said Trinidad manager J.D. Droddy. ï¿½But whether we play well or we play poorly, youve got to get 27 outs on us and our guys never think weï¿½re out of it. The last hitter who came

Martinez walk-off home run gives Taos the victory

Jun 4 2013 12:00AM

Jimmy Martinez is mobbed by his Bli

Jimmy Martinez is mobbed by his Blizzard teammates after hitting a pinch-hit, walk-off home run. (Photo by John T. Denne)
By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

TAOS -- For the Taos Blizzard, theres nothing like the home-field advantage, even though they wont actually play at home much this season.

Monday, the Blizzard faced off against Trinidad on the home-field Tundra, winning 6-5 on a walk-off home run to go 5-1 when theyve had the last out. The big difference Monday, said Taos manager Matt Leahy, was "We pitched. We finally pitched.

"Our starting pitcher (Kenny McDowell) went seven innings. Did very well. Our relief pitchers came in after him and let up a run or two, but Kody Gordan, our new signee, he came in and he really shut the door in the eighth and ninth inning. Had four strikeouts in two innings."

Trinidad had to play catch up all night, but thats nothing new for the Triggers, and manager J.D. Droddy thought theyd come back again.

"It was a close game," he said. "We trailed most of the game and caught up and I thought we were going to have another of our comebacks, but they hit a home run off our reliever."

The Blizzard went up 2-0 in the second when Cody Coffman singled, Brennan May was hit and John Apostolo reached on a fielders choice. McDowall then reached on an error that scored May, and Apostolo came home on a passed ball.

Trigger starter Chris Shaklee walked the first two batters he faced in the third, and an error and sacrifice later, they both scored, making it 4-0 Taos.

Trinidad put a pair on the board in the fourth when Bryce Miller singled, advanced on an error and came home on a Mike Goldy single. Goldy advanced on a single by Andrew Azzopardi, a wild pitch and scored on a passed ball.

Goldy doubled to open the sixth and scored on a Wink Nolan single, then the Colorado squad took a brief lead in the seventh, plating two runs.

Jacob Fabry tripled and came home when Miller singled, then two out, two walks and two pitching changes later, Nolan singled to make it 5-5.

But this game, the Blizzard battled back, tying the game in the seventh on a Culver double and Coffman single, then winning it in the ninth when pinch hitter James Martinez hit a walk-off home run.

"They played well," Droddy said. "They hit a walk-off home run in the ninth. It was just kind of a flat game for us. We didnt play well."

Leahy thought otherwise, at least in regards to the pitching.

"The pitchers did well. The pitchers did well, to be honest to the other side, to Trinidad," he said. "They threw a sinker baller, sinker baller/cutter kind of guy who kept our guys off balance pretty well. Our guys were complaining that he was going in and out and really not letting us get comfortable in the box. Our game plan all along was get to their bullpen."

And they did, with Gordan getting the win in his first appearance with the team.

Taos now travels to Las Vegas to face the Train Robbers, but theyll be the home team for the opening two games, which Leahy likes a lot.

"We bat last in the next two games and we plan on taking them both," he said.

The Triggers (12-6) travel to Roswell (16-5), where the first place teams in each division will face off. After a long drive to Taos, a noon game then another long drive to Roswell, Droddy isnt sure how his squad will fare.

"I think were very tired. Well see how we do tomorrow," he said.

The Triggers will give Levi Austin his first start after coming out of the bullpen earlier in the season.

Triggers have another comeback vs. Taos

Jun 3 2013 12:00AM

Trigger first baseman Frank Florio

Trigger first baseman Frank Florio tries to keep the Taos runner close. (Photo by Emily Olguin)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

TRINIDAD, Colo. -- A lot of pitchers saw time on the mound in Trinidads final home game this stand vs. Taos, and when it was all over, the four pitchers the Triggers sent to the mound did a better job than the eight the Blizzard threw, giving them a 14-9 victory as they head to the final game of the series Monday in Taos.

"We still are making too many errors, but we are doing what we need to do to win the ball game," said Trinidad manager J.D. Droddy. "We never think were going to lose. We get behind and we just keep plugging away."

And thats pretty much what happened Sunday at Central Park.

The Triggers did jump on top first, going up 4-0 in the second when the scored on two walks and four singles, with pitcher Chris Tuttle getting 2 RBI and Matt Hunt and Frank Florio one each in the stanza.

Taos came back with three runs in the fourth, scoring on back-to-back singleds by Jordan Chiero and James Martinez followed by a 2 RBI double by Russ Burroughs; then a walk and two more singles, with Khyle Dimino bringing in Burroughs.

Matt Hunt walked, stole second and third in the bottom of the stanza to make it 5-3 Trinidad, but the Blizzard had a big fifth off reliever Mike Mullen, going up 7-5.

Again, it was mostly singles that led to the scoring, with Chiero and Martinez getting one baggers, then, with two outs, Wes Moody singling in Chiero and Kyle Richardson plating two on a double. An error brought in the last runner.

But that Trinidad never-say-die attitude showed in the sixth as the Triggers put up another four spot, the big blow a 2 RBI double by Reichie Serritella after singles by Hunt, Florio and Wink Nolan.

The Blizzard loaded the bases in the top of the seventh but stranded those runners after Mullen bore down, then Trinidad put yet another four runs up, on three hits and an error.

Taos got one run in the eighth on a solo home run by Calvin Culver, but the Triggers matched that scoring with a Bryce Miler dinger (following a double in the seventh.)

Taos kept hitting to the end, getting a final run in the ninth on a two-out single by Dimino and an error, but Culver flew out off reliever Scott Elitzky for the days final out.

Noting that Tuttle -- who had no decision -- "did not have his best start," Droddy said he wasnt unhappy with the pitching. "Our pitchers did fine. Tuttle actually did fine. He was just struggling and he reached a pitch limit and I took him out."

Once again, the Taos problem was the pitching, said manager Matt Leahy.

"We played all right. We just pitched ourselves into trouble. Pitched ourselves out of some trouble. At the end of the day, weve just got to pound the right pitches in the right situation."

Combined, the eight Blizzard pitchers allowed 14 runs, all but two earned, with seven walks.

Both managers agreed their batters did their jobs -- "We always hit great. Statistically, we have one of the most potent offenses in all of baseball," Leahy said -- and Droddy was pleased with the other aspects as well.

"We hit. We ran the bases really well. We just keep hustling. Hustle, hustle, hustle," he said. "Steal the bases, putting pressure on the other team and we just find a way to win. I think we were probably out-hit and they had fewer errors but we won the ball game by a comfortable margin."

The teams now head to Taos for a game at noon Monday, and Leahy is looking forward to getting home.

"Were what? Four and 1 in games we had the last hit?" he said "So if we can bat last, and weve got a lot of those games coming up here, its just a matter of if we can get to .500 by the middle of June, I think were set up good for the stretch."

Trinidad Triggers 14 Taos Blizzard 9

Jun 2 2013 12:00AM

Trinidad Triggers 14 Taos Blizzard 9

This game was played on 6/2/2013 at Trindad Central Park

By Karen Boehler

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

TRINIDAD, Colo. -- For the second day in a row, Trinidad came out on top of a close game vs. Taos, topping the Blizzard 11-6 in a game Trinidad manager J.D. Droddy sounded quite happy about.

"Overall, I thought we played very well," he said. "We did make quite a few errors, especially early in the game, but we also made some fantastic plays, too. And we pitched very well. We hit well. We hustled the whole game and it was just an overall good effort. And near the end of the game, especially, we were playing very well."

Taos went up first, scoring on two Trigger errors -- errors were one thing neither side was short of Saturday -- but Trinidad came back with two runs in the bottom of the stanza, taking advantage of two hit batters by Taos starter Elliot VanCoaver, a walk and a wild pitch.

Trinidad also saw right fielder Frank Florio injured on the opening play of the game when he went down on an unusually wet patch of grass. He was taken out of the game and his condition is unknown at this time.

Both starting pitchers kept the second scoreless, but Trigger Anthony Smith saw another three errors in the third, which led to four Taos runs.

Khyle Dinimio and Chris Constantino doubled and Calvin Culver and Cody Coffman singled, but all four runs were unearned.

That put Taos up 5-2, but while they would only score one more run, the Triggers kept chipping away.

They closed the gap to 5-4 in the fourth on one hit and two errors.

The Blizzard added their last run in the top of the fifth on an error and a passed ball, but the Trinidad tied it at 6-6 in the fifth when Jacob Fabry was hit and stole second, Nolan singled and stole second and both scored on a Will Leonard single.

The Triggers added another two runs off reliever Steve Sanguliano in the sixth when, with two outs and a runner on second, Fabry walked and Sam DiMatteo hit a 2 RBI single. They put a final three runs on the board in the seventh.

None of the Taos runs were earned, which gave Droddy reason to be happy with his pitching staff, including relievers Lee Hall, Levin Austin and Scott Elitzky, who just joined Trinidad after being traded from Roswell.

"He came in and closed out the night," Droddy said. "It was not a save situation, but he came in, closed out the night. Kept them off the board. Were just really pleased with everybodys effort. Were 11-5 now. Were playing some good baseball. Were just hoping to continue it."

Theyll try to get that next win over the Blizzard Sunday in a game set for 2:05 p.m. in Central Park.

Trinidad wins "best baseball game" with walk-off single

Jun 1 2013 12:00AM

The Triggers celebrate after a come

The Triggers celebrate after a come-from-behind victory over Taos. (Photo by Emily Olguin)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

TRINIDAD, Colo. -- Its not often you hear both the winning and losing coach raving about a game, but that was the case FRiday as Trinidad down Taos 8-7 on a walk-off single by Sam DiMatteo that capped a well-pitched, well-hit, back-and-forth match.

"It was a great game," said Trinidad manager J.D. Droddy. "We out-hit them all night, but we had to come from behind in the ninth to win."

"Best baseball game Ive been a part of in a long time, and at the end of the day, you tip your hat to Trinidad," said Taos manager Matt Leahy. "They had pretty much just one more hit than us at the right time. J.D. and I talked and heck, it could have gone either way for the longest time. We both wouldnt have changed a thing we did during the game, so well live to see another day and it was fun."

The biggest inning anyone had all day was three runs, with most innings getting just a run or two on the board.

Taos struck first in the first when Khyle Richardson reached on an error, stole second and came in on a single by Chris Costantino.

The Blizzard made it 3-0 in the top of the second on an Eric Berkowitz single and John Apostolo RBI double. Kyle Richardson then singled and Apostolo came home on a putout.

The Triggers closed the gap to 3-2 in the bottom of the stanza when Frank Florio doubled, Mike Goldy singled and both came home on an Andrew Azzopardi single.

Taos added another two in the third when Chris Coffman walked and Louis Gonzales homered but Trinidad had the one big inning in the fourth, scoring three to tie the game at 5-5.

Florio walked, Goldy singled then Azzopardi hit into a fielders choice that left runners on second and third. Jason Venya loaded the bases with a single then Wink Nolan singled and, combined with a Taos error, three runs came across.

But the Blizzard re-took the lead in the fifth when Gonzales was hit, balked to second , advanced on a put out and scored on a passed ball.

Trigger reliever Kellen Quintana, in for Grant Ledbetter, and Taos starter Berkowitz had scoreless innings in the sixth and seventh -- both sides went 1-2-3 in the seventh -- then both teams added a run in the eighth.

Gonzales gave Taos a brief two-run lead with his second home run of the night, then Blizzard reliever Shayne Miller hit Goldy, gave up a single to pinch hitter Bryce Miller then, with two outs, an RBI single to Nolan before going out for Richard Ruff, who got the third out.

That set up the fireworks in the ninth, as Benji Waite came in for Trinidad and did what hes been doing all season: shut down the opposition. And, down 7-6, the Trigger hitters came through.

Matt Hunt was hit, went to third on a Jacob Fabry double and tied the game on a wild pitch. DiMatteo then hit the first pitch he saw for a single, scoring Fabry to take the victory.

"Guys came through as always," Droddy said. "This is what I love about this team. If were within striking distance, Im very confident we can strike. Were winning one-run ball games. Were winning in the top and the bottom of the ninth. The guys just have no quit in them at all. Weve got some great players, great guys, and it was just a great win for us."

And, he said, Taos played well.

"They (Taos) pitched pretty well. They played pretty well. But in the end we came through again and this is what our guys have done all year: come through when the chips are down. They come to bat. Thats all I can say. I love these guys. They just dont quit. They never think theyre out of it."

Leahy returned the compliment, singling out two Triggers.

"Matt Hunt is one of the best shortstops in the league, if not the best shortstop in the league, and hes just a spark plug that I offered probably 15 players on my roster in trade for," he said. "I love the kid. If I ever start a team again, hes going to be my first pick overall. And Andrew Azzopardi, the catcher for Trinidad, he just handles pitchers so well."

And even though his team just missed the victory -- "They had the last at bat, and thats what it comes down to, sometimes," Leahy said -- hes happy with what he saw.

"They had the last at bat, and thats what it comes down to, sometimes."

"To watch the game, to be a part of it, is something special today. Hopefully this is the picture that well paint for the rest of the series and we can take a couple of games while were here and play some good baseball."

Saturdays rematch is set for 6:05 p.m. at Central Park in Trinidad.

By Karen Boehler

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

SANTA FE -- SAnta Fe broke a small skid Thursday with a big win over Trinidad, pounding the Triggers 18-7 in a game that saw only two scoreless innings for the Fuego.

"I feel elated," said Santa Fe manager Bill Moore. "I feel like we turned around a streak. We were on a little three-game slide and we certainly stopped that and here we go the other direction for a few games, I hope."

Play-by-play and accurate stats were not available, but the box score shows that while the Fuego were hitting Trigger starter Zach Leitten hard, Fuego hurler Kevin Camacho was shutting Trinidad down.

"Kevin was pretty damn good," Moore said. "He threw strikes. He pounded, pounded, pounded at the strike zone. He gave up runs in the fifth inning, I think he cave up four runs, if my memory is good, which it isnt, we came right back in and got five right back. Its called an answer-up inning. When the other team scores, you have to come in and do it, too. We were able to do that the two innings that they scored."

The only two innings where the Triggers scored were the sixth and eighth. The visitors put up four in the sixth and Santa Fe matched that and added one in the bottom of the stanza; and three in the eighth, when the Fuego did the same thing.

Trinidad manager J.D. Droddy didnt sound too disappointed with the loss.

"We had our lunch handed to us today. It happens," he said. "I told our team, this counts as one loss just as though we lost 2-1, so to forget about it. We may get beat this bad again. In this league, it happens. We lost our focus today. Despite giving up 18 runs, I thought we pitched pretty well. We just didnt give them any support behind them."

Leitten gave up seven runs through five, but one declared error and a few mental mistakes made things worse than they could have been, Droddy said.

"He didnt have his best stuff. He had velocity on his fast ball. It wasnt moving too much. Had a really nasty slider. But he pitched well enough to have gotten out of it in a lot better shape than he did."

The home-run friendly Fort Marcy Park surrendered three shots Thursday: Bryce Miler had one for Trinidad whole Devonte Odums and Bryson Sims sent balls sailing for Santa Fe.

Sims shot was his first outside of spring training, and Moore laughed when asked about the shot.

"What I expected from Bryson when we broke camp was to be a day-off guy," the manager said. "When we needed to give somebody a day off, Bryson would go out and play adequately and perform well. I dont know what to do with him now. Hes been in the lineup five, six games in a row and hes hitting the ball well and playing good defense. I think maybe Brysons earned himself an everyday spot for a while."

With the game well out of hand in the ninth, Droddy gave two reserves time at the plate. James Hall, who was celebrating his birthday, and Calen Hindricks, both got a chance to hit.

"Both reserves, but it was an opportunity," Droddy said. "They want to play too and they work hard and they deserved it."

Trinidad now heads home to face Taos, while Santa Fe travels to Las Vegas. Both series are first-time matchups in the Pecos League, and Moore sounds excited to make the hour drive up the road.

"I expect a great series," he said. "(Train Robber manager) Casey Dill is one of my favorite managers. I think the little rascal can coach a ball club. I think he puts good players on the field and manages them to give them the best opportunity to win. If they execute, were in for a battle. Period."

Phil Grondin contributed to this story

By Karen Boehler

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

SANTA FE -- Fort Marcy Park in Santa Fe is known as a hitters paradise. A high-scoring park where balls naturally fly out, especially over the short right-field fence. So to see a 4-3 game there says a lot about both teams pitching. And thats exactly what happened Wednesday, as the Triggers topped the Fuego 4-3.

"I feel good," said Trinidad manager J.D. Droddy. "The Fuego have given us three really, really good games. Its the kind of game thats real baseball, as I heard someone say a little while ago. Not typical Pecos League games at all. It was what? 4-3 and we had to shut the door in the ninth inning with our super closer, Benji Waite. It was just a great game. Good play on both sides."

"Were pitching very well," agreed Fuego manager Bill Moore. "Last three games, I think weve throw the ball as well as we have all summer long. Were just not getting the big hits."

Neither side got the big hits Wednesday, as the only multi-base hit was a double by Trigger Matt Hunt. Trinidad just managed to scrape out that one extra run.

"Hitters did well," Droddy said of his squad. "(Larry) Rodriguez pitched a very good game, but we got some hits and we got a lead. He kept Santa Fe in it. Rodriguez is an outstanding pitcher. Not a bad hitter, either. It was just a fun game to watch."

Moore wasnt quite as happy with his offense, noting Santa Fe was 3-for-13 with runners in scoring position.

"Thats tough. Youve got to get big players to make big hits, and the last night weve not been able to do that. Were going to shuffle the deck, deal them out again tomorrow and see what happens."

The first run came in the top of the first when Matt Hunt reached on one error and scored on another. The next runs didnt come until the fifth, when both teams scored.

Trinidad put up one run when Jason Venya reached on an error, advances on a Wink Nolan single and came home on an out.

The Fuego got their first run off Trigger Chris Shaklee, who gave up a Bryson Sims single. Sims then stole second, advanced on a wild pitch and scored on a single by Josh Barnett.

It was Shaklees first start of the season, coming out of the bullpen with limited pitches, and Droddy said he threw a great game.

Trinidad got another run in the sixth, scoring on back-to-back two-out singles by Mike Goldy and Nolen and walks to Venya and Richie Serritella. That walked-in run sent Rodriguez to the showers, but Josh White closed out the stanza without any more damage.

The Triggers added their final run in the seventh when White walked Hunt, then Charlie McCready allowed a Sam DiMatteo single and Hunt scored on an out.

But then it was Trinidads turn to sweat as Santa Fe came back with runs in the eighth and ninth.

With one out in the eight, Jimmy Maxwell walked, went to second and third on wild pitches by Dylan Porter, then scored when Kyle Zimmerman singled. Santa Fe closed the gap in the ninth when Sims and Barnett both walked, then moved up a base on a balk by Benji Waite. A putout scored Sims, but Waite knuckled down, getting a final strikeout to end the close game.

The big difference in the game were the Fuego errors.

"We had good, solid pitching from every guy who went out there," Moore said. "The four that they put up, I think only one was earned. We made some errors. We dropped a couple of fly balls. Both of those runs scored. We bobbled a throw. That run scored. When youre scuffling with the bat, its hard to give away runs."

Droddy also wasnt quite as happy with his defense as he was with other parts of the game.

"We were not up to par on defense," he said. "Weve struggled a little bit. I tried to build the team on speed and defense. The speeds there. The defense, we still have a little bit of work to do. This field plays a little different than the ones weve been playing the last few games. I know White Sands, their field is really hard, and the ball bounces a whole lot differently than it does here, for example. And ours at home is somewhat in between. We still have some work to do on defense, but were getting there."

The win is the fourth in a row for Trinidad, and third in a row over Santa Fe. Droddy said hell throw fast-ball pitcher Zach Leiten Thursday, with the goal the same as always.

"We always expect to win and tomorrows no exception," he said. "We do realize well probably lose a game or two before this 70 game season is over, but every time we take the field we expect to win."

Moore is still considering how hell tweak his lineup to get back on the winning side of things.

"Im taking a good long look at the scorebooks and seeing if maybe I can shake it up a little bit. I dont know. I havent made up my mind yet."

First pitch is 6 p.m. at Fort Marcy.

Phil Grondin contributed to this story

Triggers again edge Fuego with pitching

May 29 2013 12:00AM

By Karen Boehler

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

TRINIDAD, Colo. -- For the second day in a row, Trinidad eked out a close victory over Santa Fe, winning 7-5 after a last-inning comeback try by the Fuego.

"We played well," said Trigger manager J.D. Droddy. "We got six great innings out of Chris Tuttle. He threw exactly 100 pitches, so he was just right on schedule for six innings. Which is more than he usually throws."

Tuttle, who got the win, got a little roughed up in the first, when, with one out, Charlie Calamia reached on an error, advanced on a Devonte Odums single and fielders choice, the scored on a passed ball. Kyle Zimmerman then singled in Larry Rodriguez to put Santa Fe up 2-0.

But the Trggers matched that in the bottom of the stanza when Jacob Fabry walked, Sam DiMattero singled and Frank Florio hit an RBI single. DiMatteo scored when Mike Goldy hit into a fielders choice.

For the next two innings, Tuttle and Austin Carden, who started for the Fuego, kept the hitters off board. Trinidad took a lead in the bottom of the fourth when Andrew Azzopardi got his first home run of the season. The Triggers made it 4-2 in the fifth when Fabry singled, advanced on two out then came home on a Goldy single, but Santa Fe closed the gap in the sixth on an error and two outs.

One of only two Trinidad errors, "It was really a team win. We played good defense," Droddy said. "We played much better on both sides of the ball tonight."

Offensively, they plated another two runs in the sixth when Jason Venya walked, Richie Serritella and Matt Hunt singled, Hunt getting and RBI, and DiMatteo doubled in Serritella.

Brandon Jourdan came in to get the final out, then Austin Parker gave Azzopardi his second RBI of the day when he doubled in Wink Nolan, who had singled.

The reliever -- Charlie McCready for Santa Fe and Levi Austin, shut the opposition down in the eighth but the Fuego tried to take advantage of the Triggers newest thrower in the ninth.

Austin walked Zimmerman and Bryson Sims, hit Chris Carrera, then threw a wild pitch that scored Zimmerman. He got his first two outs on strike outs, but then gave up an RBI single to Calamia before getting Odums to fly out to right.

"He pitched three good innings, throwing 90-93 miles an hour all night," Droddy said of his reliever. "We had a little bit of a control issue but not too bad for his first outing."

The manger said Austin came in at a good time, when team needed him, and will probaby pitch one more game out of bullpen before moving into the starting rotation.

With Austin in the lineup, Droddy sounds positive about his starting lineup.

"Chris Tuttle and Tony Smith have just been rock solid," he said. "Its Chris third win since May 28."

Offensively, DiMatteo, Goldy and Azzopardi each had two hits for the Triggers. SAnta Fe only had four hits from four different batters.

Wednesday, the action moves to Fort Marcy Park, which Droddy laughingly described as "The pitchers favorite place to throw."

First pitch is at 6 p.m.

Trinidad win pitchers duel with 3-2 victory over Santa Fe

May 28 2013 12:00AM

Trigger"s Anthony Smith slides into

Trigger"s Anthony Smith slides into third base safe but was called out by the infield umpire. (Photo by Marty Mayfield)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

TRINIDAD, Colo. -- Santa Fe came back to Trinidad for the first time in the 2013 season, and both the Trigger and Fuego pitchers threw masterful games, with the home town squeaking out a 3-2 victory.

"It was a well-played baseball game," said Santa Fe manager Bill Moore. "They out-hit us tonight. I thought the pitching was very good from both clubs. Their guy, Tony Smith, threw very well. I think he had nine strikeouts. And our guy, John Sintes, just battled him pitch for pitch. And we just got out hit."

"Tony Smith continues to just be rock solid," agreed Trinidad manager J.D. Droddy. "He pitched a five hitter. Went eight innings. Gave up two runs. James Coon, whos been injured and is still not 100 percent, but hes the best we had in the bullpen and he came in and shut them down with his injured arm."

And thats pretty much the story.

There were no runs and only one hit in the first 2-1/2 innings. In the bottom of the third, Smith and Matt Hunt both singled. (Another example of pitchers hitting well in the Pecos League.) Jacob Fabry reached on a fielders choice and Sam DiMatteo brought in Hunt with a single then Fabry scored on a ground out.

The Fuego got their first run in the fourth when Devonte Odums singled, then, with two outs, Jimmy Maxwell walked and Kyle Zimmerman doubled in Odums.

The nights third story, according to Droddy, was Jason Venya, who returned to the Trigger lineup. With two outs in the bottom of the fourth, Venya homered, making it 3-1 Trinidad.

"He got the night off to a good start," Droddy said. "In his second at bat, he hit a home run which turned out to be the difference in the game. We are so pleased to have Jason back. Were thrilled to have Tony pitching like he does and Im really proud of James Coon, gutting it out with a hurt arm, and he ended up striking out the last batter to put it away."

But before that, Smith went eight, allowing only one more run, a home run by Odums in the eighth. Sintes went the distance for Santa Fe, giving up three runs on eight hits with seven strikeouts, then Coon set the Fuego down 1-2-3 in the ninth for the save.

The other highlight of the game was defense, as both teams played almost error-free ball.

"There was one error combined between the two teams," Moore said. "Our second baseman had a ground ball that he booted. It didnt hurt us. Just baseball."

The division rivals meet again Tuesday at Central Park, and Moore is looking for another strong pitching performance.

"Austin Cardens on the hill for us tomorrow night, and Austins been very good the last two times out," he said. "Hes 2-0, and I dont know the exact number but I think his ERA has gotta be right at 3.00, which if you hold a team to three runs, it gives you a pretty good chance to win. I expect well come out. Weve been here before. Weve lost the first game of a series and come back and taken care of business. And I expect the same from our guys."

First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m.

Phil Grondin contributed to this story

Triggers split with Pupfish after late-game rally

May 27 2013 12:00AM

Pupfish manager J.D. Droddy argueso

Pupfish manager J.D. Droddy arguesover a foul ball while a photographer with a documentary film crew catches the action. (Photo by Josh Szwaczkowski)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

ALAMOGORDO -- It was another thriller for the fans at the Aquarium Sunday, as the Pupfish and Triggers again battled right down to the wire, with the Triggers taking an 11-10 ninth-inning victory over the home team.

And, just like Saturday, Sunday saw a pitcher hit a home run. This time, it was Trigger Benji Waite, who came in to pitch with one out in the seventh and gave up one run in the eighth.

But trailing 10-9 in the top of ninth, Waite hit a one-out blast to tie then game, then, with two outs, Jacob Fabry homered for the win.

"It was another night for pitchers, but we did have the two home runs on the night, one by our closer and one by our captain," said Trinidad manager J.D. Droddy. "It was a fun game."

Maybe not so much early, as White Sands jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first, scoring when J.J. Costantino walked, Jerry Gonzales and Ernie Munoz both singled and Cody Collins doubled. The home team made it 5-0 in the third when Munoz doubled and scored on a George Ban single.

That lead held until the fifth, when Trinidad finally got on board.

Bryce Miller walked then, with two outs, Fabry, Sam DiMatteo and Frank Florio all singled, with Mike Goldy hitting a 3 RBI double to cut the Pupfish lead to 5-4.

White Sands came back in the bottom of the stanza when Munoz walked, Collins was hit and Mendoza doubled them in. Mendoza made it 8-4 when he scored on a Ban sacrifice.

Grant Ledbetter left the mound after six -- "He wasnt throwing his best game but he gutted it out. Got six innings for us," Droddy said -- but he wrapped up his time on the mound with a scoreless inning.

In the seventh, Trinidad put two runs on the board with a Fabry single, a hit batter, two walks and a put out. One more out and Miller singled to make it 8-7. But the "Fish gave themselves a cushion, scoring when reliever Jason McCurry walked and and allowed a Chris DeBiasi single. Waite then came on and struck out Joey Friedman but a wild pitch plated Ban.

The Triggers went up in the top of the eighth on singles by Fabry, DiMatteo and Goldy, and an RBI double by Wink Nolan, but the Pupfish again came back, going up 10-9 when Costantino singled, Munoz was intentionally walked and Collins hit an RBI single.

That set up the ninth-inning fireworks that ended with the Trigger come-from-behind win.

"We like to score early and often and this time we scored often late," Droddy laughed, noting that the events of the last few nights make the decision to go to National League rules look like a wise one.

"The pitchers are hitting. They let the pitchers hit this year and theyre taking advantage of it," he said.

Ledbetter was 2-for-3 for Trinidad with a double and a run scored, while Waite had the home run, giving him ones across the board.

Both teams hit well, with Fabry 4-for-4 with four runs and an RBI; DiMatteo 3-for-5 with three runs; Goldy 3-for-5 with 5b RBI; and Nolan 3-for-4 with 2 RBI. On the other side, manager/catcher Munoz was 2-for-2with three runs and 2 RBI; Gonzales was 3-for-4 with two runs; Collins 2-for-4 with one run and 3 RBI; and Costantino 2-for-4 with two runs.

Winning in front of a small crowd of Trigger fans as well as Pupfish, Droddy said, "It was a big victory, so we split the series with them."

And, going by the baseball adage, "win at home, split on the road," the manager was pleased.

"Absolutely," he said. "We were hoping to win three, but that didnt happen, and today we had to win to get the split and we did what we had to do."

Trinidad now heads home where theyll face Santa Fe for the first time this year in a four-game, home and home series.

The Pupfish will again host Alpine, with the big difference the presence of Munoz, who wasnt yet on board during the first series.

Pitcher Kuks hit two home runs including a grand slam for Pupfish

May 26 2013 12:00AM

Pupfish hang on despite ninth-inning grand slam by DiMatteo

May 25 2013 12:00AM

Pupfish Matt Gibbs throws to a Trin

Pupfish Matt Gibbs throws to a Trinidad batter during Fridays game at the Aquarium. (Photo by Josh Szwaczkowski)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

ALAMOGORDO -- For the third night in a row, it was a down-to-the-wire game at the Aquarium in Alamogordo. Friday, the Pupfish edged Trinidad 9-7 after the Triggers came back from a 9-3 deficit in the ninth with a grand slam home run by Sam DiMatteo, but Nate Alexander bore down to get the final outs.

Pupfish manager Ernie Munoz said he wasnt concerned as the Triggers closedvthe gap.

"I wasnt worried the whole time," he said. "We had our closer (Alexander) in with a huge lead, something hes not used to, so his job is when were in a closer game. Two or three runs. So once that home run happened I think he got more comfortable."

For most of the game the scoring was on the White Sands side of the scoreboard, and Trigger manager J.D. Droddy had kind words for the winners.

"It was a very exciting ballgame in Alamogordo tonight. We came up on the short end but I thought we played pretty well," he said. "White Sands played well. They made some excellent plays. (J.J.) Constantino in center field made a fantastic diving catch that cost us maybe one or two runs. Their starting pitcher, (Matt) Gibbs), did an excellent job. One of my players called him "a crafty pitcher. I agree with that. He doesnt have overpowering stuff but he did a great job. I congratulate White Sands on a hard-won victory and the fans really enjoyed it."

Neither side scored in the first, but after Joey Friedman tripled in the second, he was thrown out on a fielders choice by Jerry Gonzalez, then Gonzales came around on a walk and error.

Trinidad went up 3-1 in the third. Dylan Porter reached on a fielders choice and scored on a Matt Hunt single and Jacob Fabry double. Mike Goldy then doubled Hunt and Fabry in.

But the Pupfish came back in the bottom of the stanza, scoring when Christian Ramirez singled, went to second on an error and came home on a single by George Ban. Cody Collins then walked, Chris DeBiasi was hit, and Ban came in on an out. Gonzales then singled in Collins to make it 4-3, and from then until the ninth, all the scoring came from the "Fish.

The fourth looked a lot like the fifth from the White Sands perspective.

Constantino and Ramirez singled, then, after Ban hit into a fielders choice, Constantino scored on a Collins single; Ban scored on a single by Andrew Parrish; and Collins and Parrish scored on a 2 RBI single by DeBiasi.

In the fifth, Gonzales singled, advanced on two outs and scored on a passed ball, then things quieted down until the top of the ninth.

Will Leonard and Andrew Azzopardi singled and Richie Serritella was hit to load the bases. That set up DiMatteos heroics, and, on an 0-1 count, he blasted a shot out the park.

But Alexander, who came in in relief in the top of the inning, struck out Hunt; got Fabry to ground out and, after walking Goldy, struck out big Trigger hitter Florio to end the inning and game.

Munoz, who just managed Friday, sounds happy with what hes seeingf.

"Were playing well," he said. "Our starters did well today. Matt threw a great game today. I think he went seven. He had six strikeouts. Didnt give up too many hits (six). George Ban, our left fielder, he had a few hits in there (3-for-5, two runs, 1 RBI) and a huge defensive play in the outfield. We had a talk last night after the game, and I think the wheels are going to start rolling here."

And, after several days with numerous errors, the Pupfish only had two.

"I was really happy with our defense. That was part of the conversation we had with the team last night. We just have to start making the routine plays, and we did that to the best of our ability tonight."

The teams will be back at it Saturday with a 6 p.m. start at the Aquarium.

"It was a good ball game and well come back tomorrow expecting to take the lead in the series," Droddy said. "We always expect to win and tomorrows no different. Weve got a great team. Theres no quit in them. I love my guys. They play hard. Weve got a lot of talent and were coming back to play hard again and hope maybe the White Sands fans will turn out and get their moneys worth. They certainly got their moneys worth tonight."

By Karen Boehler

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

ALAMOGORDO -- White Sands almost pulled off an amazing comeback for the second day in a row.

Almost.

Down 10-2 in the bottom of the ninth at home against Trinidad, the Pupfish put up five runs on a walk, fielders choice, single and two home runs, then loaded the bases with two outs before player/manager Ernie Munoz struck out for the final out.

Oh so close.

"I did have a strikeout to end the game. Came up in the big situation and wasnt able to capitalize. But thats baseball," Munoz said.

For the Triggers, it was a big on-the-road win after two losses at home, and manager J.D. Droddy blamed the late-inning Pupfish comeback on his pitching.

"As Ive told you before, Im trying to find a bullpen," he said. "Its middle relief that weve got to find. Im very pleased with the starting pitching. Im very pleased with the closer. Weve just got to beef up middle relief."

The Triggers didnt have any huge innings, but scored in four different stanzas to take the big late lead, and Droddy also liked that.

"We hit early and often, which is the way we have been playing," he said. "We didnt play that way last night against Las Vegas, but even the first night when they beat us, we hit early and often. We got 17 hits."

Trinidad went up 2-0 in the first when Jacob Fabry singled and scored on the first of five White Sands errors.

Sam DiMatteo, who reached third on the error, came in on a Frank Florio single.

Starters Chris Tuttle (Trinidad) and Chris Anklam (White Sands) kept things scoreless through the next two innings, but the top of the fourth saw the Triggers biggest inning of the game.

After Florio singled, Mike Goldy homered to put them up 4-0. With one out, Andrew Azzopardi doubled, Miller reached on an error and, with two outs, Matt Hunt singled to make it 6-0.

White Sands got their first run in the bottom of the stanza when Munoz and Cody Collins singled, Mike Mendoza was hit to load the bases and George Ban hit a sac fly to center to score Munoz. Although Tutlle loaded the bases again, pinch hitter Erik Nockleby ground out for the third out.

The Triggers added another pair of runs in the fifth off reliever Michael Willis, who only gave up one hit -- a single by Richie Serritella -- but but walked one, had a wild pitch and was betrayed by another error.

The sixth and seventh were scoreless -- Tuttle went seven and John Saavedra came in for the "Fish -- but both teams scored in the eighth.

Miller walked and pinch hitter Alan Cheatham hit a "long bomb" for Trinidad to make it 8-1.

Josh Trejo came in for the Triggers, getting the first two runners out, but then Mendoza doubled and Ban hit an RBI single. In what would be a preview of the ninth, the Pupfish loaded the bases but couldnt bring anyone else in.

The White Sands hits in the final stanza came from Andrew Parrish, who singled, Cody Collins and George Ban, who homered, and Mark Leacox, Wednesday nights hero, who singled.

Droddy said Trejo, who just joined the tam from Alpine "pitched one good inning then he kind of fell apart. He gave up five runs before I could get him replaced, but it was all right."

James Coon came in briefly in the ninth, giving up one single, then Benji Waite came in.

"Who Im convinced is the best closer in the league and he just came down and shut them out, which is what he always does," Droddy said "I was nervous until I could get Benji in, then I dont get too nervous when Benji is in there. Ive got great confidence in Benji. Hes just a tremendous closer."

Wait did face four batters, but also got the final two outs, including the strikeout to Munoz.

For the manager, those errors were key.

"Again, its just the errors are killing us," he said. "But the positive thing we took from it is that this team shows it will fight back. And I think when it comes down to the end of the season, thats going to be very important as the games get closer and theres a lot of tight games in the playoffs and we know now that we dont give up. We just have to start with that same fire in the beginning of the game. We want to turn it on in the last couple of innings lately, where we should be turning it on after the first pitch."

Munoz blamed most of the mistakes on his younger players, who, he said, just need to put the errors behind them.

"Its mental mistakes is whats going on," he said. "We make one error and that leads to another error and another error and weve got to learn as a team to shut it down after the first error. Because were going to make mistakes. Everybody makes mistakes. And thats what we need to know."

The Pupfish and Triggers will go at it again Friday at 6 p.m., with the city opening its "Movie under the Stars" night on an inflatable screen on an adjoining diamond. The movie -- Shrek -- will begin around sunset, with youngsters -- and the young at heart -- able to go from the game to the movie and back again.

By Karen Boehler

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

TRINIDAD, Colo. -- A stellar pitching performance by Atsushi Nebisawa gave Las Vegas its second victory of the season Wednesday, as Nebisawa went nine full in a 7-0 shutout against Trinidad.

"We finally played a complete game," said Train Robber manager Casey Dil. "We pitched. We played defense. Atsushi probably threw what will be the best performance of the Pecos League all year. He threw a three hitter. Had no walks, seven strikeouts. We hit the ball. Only had one error. We played a great baseball game all the way around."

And surprisingly, Trigger manager J.D. Droddy didnt sound too upset, except about his teams errors.

"We hit the ball really well, and I cant tell you how many time we hit the ball straight at somebody," he said. "Just time after time. Line drives to shortstop. Really hard hit balls that almost went out of the park and were caught. We ended up hitting it right at people. But the story again for us was errors. Were not going to win until we quit making errors. Its as simple as that. And were a better defensive ball club than that. But we made errors."

For four innings, there were no errors by either side and only three hits: a Matt Grosso double in the first; Adam Kam single in the second and SAm DiMatteo single in the fourth. Trigger Tony Smith was matching Nebisawa almost pitch for pitch.

But in the top of the fifth, that run came to an end.

Ricky Brown opened the stanza with a single and advanced to second on an error. Two outs later, Nebisawa helped his own cause with an RBI triple and Grosso followed that with an RBI double. Randy Wells followed that with a single, and that was all Las Vegas needed. But they kept adding runs through the rest of the game.

"We kept on plugging on," Dill said. "The thing about the Pecos League is theres no lead thats ever safe. So our hitters are going up there to hit the ball, get on base and continue to score runs. Because of some of the experiences we had earlier in the year losing big leads, were playing nine innings, and were looking at scoring runs regardless (of the score.)"

Kam homered in the sixth and Grosso homered in the seventh off James Coon, who threw his first pitches this season because of an injury.

In the eighth, Matt Mullen came in and gave up a Chris Wilson double and Kam single with Wilson scoring on a fielders choice. Four Trinidad errors in the top of the ninth contributed to the final Train Robber run.

DiMatteo got two of the three hits off Nebisawa, doubling in the seventh with Benji Waite getting a single in the ninth.

Still, Droddy wasnt too unhappy.

"I talked to the team afterwards. We made some bad base running decisions and we made errors. Ive got really no complaints about the hitting, even though we didnt get very many hits. You hit it really hard, and you hit it right where you hit it, theres just nothing you can do about it. You have those days."

Dill never went to his bench, getting hits from all but one of his starters, led by Grosso (5-for-3, three runs, 2 RBI) and Kam (5-for-3, one run and RBI.)

The Triggers now head south to Alamogordo, and Droddy said his team is ready for the Pupfish.

"We lost two in a row and were going into White Sands and going to try to bring that to a halt," he said. "But Las Vegas is a much better ball club than an 0-5 start looks. THey made some fantastic plays and have great hitters. They have really good hitters. They hit our pitching pretty well."

Las Vegas heads back north, this time to Raton.

"Another interdivision series," Dill said. "Four big games. If we can get a sweep well get over the .500 mark and probably be in the top two in our division. Being that this is a four-game series and an inter-division series its a very big series for us. Right now were coming off two great wins where we played great baseball for nine innings from top to bottom in all facets of the game, and were very confident right now and weve got a lot of momentum going in our favor."

Robbers get first win of season, Triggers first loss

May 22 2013 12:00AM

Trinidad and Las Vegas -- two teams

Trinidad and Las Vegas -- two teams on the opposite ends of the standings -- squared off in Central Park Tuesday and tightened the standing just a bit. (Photo by Andrew Dunn)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

TRINIDAD, Colo. -- Two Pecos lead teams did something Tuesday they havent done all season.

For one, that was a plus and the other a minus, as Las Vegas got its first victory of the season, handing Trinidad its first loss, 13-6. And according to both coaches, the difference came down to timely plays and errors.

"If you give a good baseball team multiple opportunities, theyre going to take advantage of them, and they made two or three errors in one inning and we exploited them," said Train Robber manager Casey Dill. "We took advantage of them and thats what a good baseball team does."

"We almost outhit them two to one but we made four errors," agreed Trinidad manager J.D. Droddy.

Accurate stats and play-by-play were not available after the game, so details are scarce. But according to the line score, the first three innings were a pitchers duel, with Robber Edison Alvarez and Trigger Grant Leadbetter keeping the game scoreless through three.

It was still close after four, as Trinidad took a 1-0 lead on singled by Frank Florio and Mike Goldy and a Will Leonard double.

But Las Vegas broke the game open in the fifth and sixth, scoring five runs on two hit and three errors in the fifth and three runs on two hits -- including a 2 RBI homer by Chris Wilson -- in the sixth.

Those eight runs were enough to win the game, but after going scoreless in the seventh, the Train Robbers scored another five runs on five hits in the eighth.

"We threatened them every inning," Dill said. "We had runners in scoring position every inning and were going to hit the baseball. Were going to hit and if our pitching is there out of our bullpen, were going to win a lot of baseball games. If the bullpen can be decent, were going to win a lot of baseball games."

Droddy said his starter pitched will, but couldnt overcome the mistakes.

"He pitched fairly well but errors got us behind and I think hell take the loss, but it was in large part due to some errors. We played hard. We kept playing to the end as always. We scored some runs late to tighten it up and just couldnt come back."

The Triggers tallied four runs in the eighth off Alvarez and Eddie Medina, and one in the ninth off Ben Runton -- a triple by Sam DiMatteo led off the eighth and Frank Florio homered in the ninth -- but it was too little, too late.

Las Vegas 12 hits came from pretty much across the board, with A.J. Alexander and Andrew Lopez 2-for-4; and Ryan Lauer, Matt Grosso and Wilson 2-for-5. Goldy led Trinidad with a 3-for-4 night. Bryce Miller and Matt Hunt were 2-for-4 and Florio and Leonard 2-for-5.

The loss was the seasons first for the Triggers, and Droddy knows it wont be the last, but he said theyll just come back out Wednesday.

"Edison Alvarez pitched pretty well for them although we had plenty of hits," the manager said. "After he left we got even more. But they made plays. They made some great plays to stop some scoring opportunities for us. Overall, Im disappointed we lost but thats baseball. Well come back tomorrow and go again."

For Vegas, the goal is to stay on the winning track.

"Long ways to go," Dill said. "Weve got 64 games to go so were going to take it one game at a time. These guys are hungry and were going to continue to try to win baseball games."

Triggers stage another late-game comback

May 19 2013 12:00AM

Its third baseman versus third base

Its third baseman versus third baseman as Logan Morello tags the sliding Mike Goldy. (Photo by Marty Mayfield)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

RATON -- It was another oh-so-close loss for Raton Saturday after another late game comeback by Trinidad, as the Triggers scored four runs in the top of the ninth to take the 6-4 victory.

"Just a great team effort," said Trinidad manager J.D. Droddy. "Theres just no quit in this team. No quit. We were down two runs going into the ninth and nobody thought we were going to lose. We were just so positive."

And despite dropping to 0-4 on the young season, Osos manager Ray Hancock is seeing improvement on a daily basis.

"The team itself is coming together," he said. "I just need a little bit more work, but I think were actually a team. The boys will fight to the end. Its just one of those things, were just in a little rut right now but were right there on the edge. Just one step more and well make it."

After a scoreless first three innings -- Oso Will Casey and Trigger Zach Leitten were in a pitchers duel, giving up a hit here and there but no runs -- Raton went up 4-0 in the bottom of the fourth.

Michael Lange opened the stanza with a double, then, one out later, Zach Kreegar was hit and Nicholas Hinojo singled to load the bases. Right fielder Wayne Lewis then singled, scoring Lange and Kreegar, and, with two outs on the board, a passed ball and error brought Hinojo and Lewis home.

Trinidad finally got a run in the fifth on a solo home run by Bryce Miller of Cameron Powers, and added a second run in the seventh when Mike Mullen and Matt Hunt both singled. Mike Goldy flew out to center for the first out, and Mullen was thrown out at third on a strong throw from center fielder Louie Saenz.

But Hunt went to third on an error by catcher Kreegar and scored on a wild pitch.

Then, after a scoreless eighth, the Triggers put it all together in the ninth.

With one out, Miller tripled, Wink Nolan walked and Hunt was hit, loading the bases. A Goldy single scored Miller and Nolan and Hunt came in on wild pitches that put Frank Florio on first with a walk and after a fielders choice and an error, Goldy scored for the final Trinad run.

Lee Hall came in for the Triggers, shutting down the Osos to get the save, and Trinidad and reliever Chris Shaklee had the victory. It was the first series sweep for Trinidad in the teams one-year-plus history, and Droddy was excited for the future.

"I feel fantastic," he said. "We have a ball team thats not only talented, but just really good guys. Great character and a great team chemistry. They love each other. Its just a great situation and lots of fun."

Hancock was disappointed, but still optimistic.

"It was a good game," he said. "Weve just got to get over our few little mental errors. They had a couple of mental errors but they were able to overcome them and we werent."

He said his pitching was okay, noting Casey, "did real well. All my relievers did their jobs. Cant complain. Cameron Powers came in, he gave up a single home run."

Each team had eight hits, with only Trigger Miller and Oso Stedman Smith getting more than one.

Trinidad now gets its only two days off in the season, with their home opener set for Tuesday at 6:05 p.m. vs. winless Las Vegas. Despite the Train Robbers 0-5 record, Drobby said his team will be ready.

"We wont take them lightly, I assure you," he said. "Theyve got a great manager and I would never take any team that Casey Dill manages lightly. So well be ready to play, thats all we can do."

The Osos have two more home games before heading on the road, and Hancock is hoping theyll pick up win No. 1 vs. Santa Fe.

"It would be pretty nice," he said. "The fans are behind us 100 percent. I cant say enough about the fans. They come early and they stay late. They were still there when we were packing up and leaving. Great people. They believe in us and they know were giving everything weve got. Were just not across the bridge just yet. Were almost there, but havent quite made it."

So what will it take to top the Fuego?

"Our big bats really need to come into play," he said. "Ive got some big bats and weve actually had some really hard hits. Weve had some right at the wall where the other fielders are able to jump and get them."

Oh so close. Raton just misses in marathon vs. Trinidad

May 18 2013 12:00AM

By Karen Boehler

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

RATON -- Raton came just a hit or two away from winning its first game of the season Friday, falling in a marathon four-hour game to Trinidad 11-10 that was decided by Sam DiMatteos second home run of the game.

"We had some errors that were very costly, but we came back," said Oso manager Ray Hancock. "We gritted our teeth and we came back and came back and came back and came back and never stopped until the very end. Im extremely proud of my boys. Weve had some problems in the past, but I think all of our problems are pretty much solved. Im on the road to building a team. This was a total team effort, from the bench all the way through the top of the lineup."

Raton led early, as Trigger Matt Hunt scored one in the first on a single, two passed ball and Mike Goldy single, but the Osos came back in the bottom of the stanza, scoring three when Stedman Smith walked, Logan Morello and Michael Lange each singled to load the bases, then the trio came home on a balk and A.J. Doyle single.

Trinidad closed the gap to 3-2 in the second on one of DiMatteos homers, then, after the admittedly shaky Trigger pitching got out of the third unscathed, they had a big fourth, sending 11 batters to the plate and scoring five runs on four hits and three errors.

But Raton came back with one in the bottom of the stanza when Caldwell doubled, advanced on and came home on an out and scored on a passed ball.

The Triggers went up 9-4 in the fifth on a single and three more errors, but Raton still didnt quit.

Zach Kreegar reached on a walk on Smith on a fielders choice in the sixth, then both scored on a Morello single. After Trinidad got one more run on a Bryce Miller walk and Richie Serritella double, Raton tied the game in the bottom of the seventh.

Doyle and Louie Saenz singled,, then scored on a Nicholas Hinojo double. Hinojo scored on a pair of passed balls, and the game was knotted at 10-10.

"We didnt pitch well early," said Trinidad manager J.D. Droddy. "The last two innings our pitcher was lights out. But the first seven innings our pitching struggled."

Starter Dylan Porter and reliever Lee Hall gave up seven of the10 Raton runs. Sinker baller Benji Waite gave up the three in the seventh, because, Droddy said, "He got too much rest. Sinkerball pitchers do good when theyre tired."

But even though he struggled, Droddy wasnt going to take him out.

"Hes one of the very best pitchers we have, so I wasnt planning on taking him out, and then in the eighth and ninth he was just lights out."

After DiMatteo got what would be the winning run with yet another home run in the eighth -- "Hes just on fire," Droddy said -- Waite closed it down the rest of the way.

"Once he got his sinker going and mixed up his pitches very well, it was all over," the manager said.

While Hancock would have liked to win -- and said they would have without the errors -- he was still proud of how his team battled.

"Again that goes back to youth and inexperience and the fact that we never really had a chance to put a team together," he said. "I see no problems with this team. Theyre gritty, and theyll do just about anything it takes to win some games."

Waite got the win and Brian DelRosso, who gave up the last DiMatteo home run, the loss. The Osos also may have had a more serious loss. Caldwell came in in the fourth for his first appearance of the year, getting two outs then doubling on offense. But then he couldnt continue, and while a trip to the hospital Saturday will determine the exact injury, Hancock fears the young pitcher blew out his shoulder, possibly ending his summer.

The teams will wrap up the four-game series Saturday at 7 p.m.

More good pitching, hitting lets Trinidad top Raton

May 17 2013 12:00AM

By Karen Boehler

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

RATON -- Another Trigger had a solid night on the mound Thursday, as Chris Tuttle pitched a one-hitter through six and Trinidad came away with an 11-4 victory over Raton at Gabrielle Field.

"We had a great game," said Trigger manager J.D. Droddy, praising Tuttles effort. "It was just a masterful job of pitching. Hitting corners. Keeping them off balance."

For Oso manager Ray Hancock, the night wasnt as positive.

"The game was a mess," he said. "We got started off on the wrong foot. Couldnt hit, couldnt catch, couldnt play baseball. Couple boys, I think, partied last night. Came in flat."

Oso starter Dustin Javins got out of the first unscathed, giving up only one hit, but the second was another story entirely.

Trinidad sent 11 batters to the plate, scoring six runs on six hits -- including doubles by Sam DiMatteo and Frank Florio, a hit batter and two errors. That put the Triggers up 6-0, and they never again trailed, adding one run in the fifth off Steve Taft; one in the seventh off Tyler Anzmann; and three in the eight, including Trinidads first home run of the season by DiMatteo, a long, two-run shot over the fence.

The only hit off Tuttle was a broken-bat single by A.J. Doyle through the hole at second base, with two Trigger relievers keeping the shutout going through eight.

Chris Shaklee went two innings -- "Just a great relief job," Droddy said -- and Kellen Quintana, a New Mexico high school grad who went to college just up the road at Otero Junior College, came in in the ninth, when Raton scored its only runs.

"We played all our reserves and made some costly errors, but unfortunately with two outs in the ninth and two strikes on the hitter, Kellen had to leave due to an injury," Droddy said.

The manager is concerned it could be an oblique injury, and Kellen will be checked out Friday. Lee Hall got the final strike to end the game.

But before that, the Osos plated three runs, starting with singles by Cameron Powers and Michael Lange; an error that put Adam Zieger on base and scored Lange; a 2 RBI double by Louie Saenz and an error that scored SAenz.

Those Raton runs were from other than the Oso starters, as by that time, Hancock was not happy.

"About the eighth inning, I took the starters out," he said. "I let the bench players play."

And although the Triggers scored 11 runs off 13 hits -- leading 11-0 after eight -- Hancock was a little happier with the pitching.

Droddy said the defensive play of the night came from Bryce Miller, a utility players at second, who made made a "spectacular catch over his head. He caught it on the fly, turned and fired to Matt Hunt who was covering second for a double play. It was just a spectacular play that just caught everybodys breath."

The two nearby rivals have two more games remaining in this series, with Fridays game beginning at 7 p.m.

Smith throws no-hitter for eight innings

May 16 2013 12:00AM

By Karen Boehler

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

RATON -- The story of Wednesdays season open between Raton and Trinidad was Trigger pitcher Tony Smith, who threw a no hitter for eight full innings before finally giving up his only hit in the top of the ninth.

But the Osos had nothing to be ashamed of, as after the got that hit, they got three more, closing what was a 5-1 game to 5-4 before Trinidad reliever Mike Mullen got the final out.

"What a wonderful job he did," said Trinidad manager J.D. Droddy of his starter. "I had pitchers lined up, and he just kept getting people out. Id ask him how he felt, and hed say, "I want to go one more."

Smith -- who hadnt thrown more than two innings in any spring training game, was supposed to only throw six innings or 800 pitches, whatever came first. But, Droddy said, he couldnt pull him while he was throwing a no-no, so he staying in until that first hit.

The Raton pitchers didnt do badly either, giving up only 10 hits and five runs. Starter Willie Frederick hit Matt Hunt, the first batter he faced, then a passed ball and a single by Frank Florio made it 1-0 Trinidad.

The Triggers added two runs in the fourth on singles by Will Leonard, Mike Goldy and Jeff Lucero and a Raton error, and two more in the fifth on an Andrew Azzopardi triple, Smith RBI single, Florio single and another error.

The only Oso run through eight came in the fourth when Wayne Lewis reached on a dropped third strike, advanced on a passed ball and scored on an error. That put the game at 5-1 when Smith came in and gave up his only hit, to Stedman Smith.

Mullen gave up a single to Wayne Lewis, then got the next two batters he faced out. But Zach Kreegar hit a 2 RBI single, Doyle singled Kreegar to third and a balk brought him in.

"I think the balk was wrong, but I didnt make a big deal," Droddy said. "I went out and questioned it then I went back to the dugout."

Mullen then walked another Oso before getting the final out to preserve the victory.

Despite the loss, Raton manager Ray Hancock was happy.

"We came back with a small mini-rally. Scored three runs. Made it really exciting. Had some hellacious plays, both teams," he said. "Put some guys in play and position to score. We did, and actually it was a very enjoyable game. We lost, but I learned a lot."

Those plays Hancock mentioned included what Droddy called "a fantastic diving catch, one of the best youll see all year," by Trigger right fielder Florio to save the no hitter, as well as "several spectacular catches" by Oso Travis Fuquay and a "fantastic, over-the-fence catch" of a foul ball by Raton first baseman MIchael Lange.

"There was just some nice play out there tonight. The fans got their six dollars worth," Droddy said.

And Hancock sounded pleased with how his team mpoved as the game went on.

"Our team was a little bit nervous, because were so young," he said. "But once they got through the nerves they turned out good."

The teams will meet again Thursday in Raton beginning at 6 p.m.

Triggers out-hit Amarillo Sox in exhibition

May 13 2013 12:00AM

AMARILLO, Texas -- The Pecos League

AMARILLO, Texas -- The Pecos League is now 1-1 against American Association teams, as Trinidad topped the Amarillo Sox 14-10 in a hitters battle Sunday.

"We played great," said Triggers manager J.D. Droddy of the exhibition game. "We hit well all day. We started in the first inning of the first game hitting and we didnt quit all day. We hit really well. It was just a great day for us."

Matt Hunt started off the day with a single, scoring on an RBI double by Jacob Fabry. With one out, Will Leonard singled in Fabry then scored on an on error by the Amarillo third baseman.

Trigger pitcher Brett Kinsell gave up two runs in the first, only one earned, and Trinidad never trailed.

The Triggers made it 7-2 in the top of the second, starting when Sam DiMatteo walked, stole second and third and came in on an RBI single by Hunt. The Trigger shortstop stole second,. reached third on an error by the Sox pitcher and came home on a RBI single by Fabry. He stole second and was knocked in on an RBI single by Leonard.

Amarillo only added one run in the bottom of the stanza, while Trinidad stretched their lead to 9-3 in the third on only one hit.

Andrew Azzopardi doubled and DiMatteo struck out but reached on a wild pitch that sent Azzopardi to third. DiMatteo stole second; Azzopardi scored on an error and DiMatteo came on home when Fabry hit into a double play.

The Sox added two in the bottom of the stanza, but the Triggers added the same number in the top of the fourth, scoring on a leadoff double by Jake Summers, a walk to Frank Florio and several Amarillo errors.

Kinsell gave up his last run in the bottom of the fourth, while a Leonard double and Summers RBI single made it 12-6 after five complete.

The Triggers scored their final runs in the sixth, getting two more on a DiMatteo single, Fabry walk and RBI singles by single by Leonard and Jeff Lucero.

Droddy brought in three reliever to round out the game. Zach Leitten allowed one Amarillo run in the sixth; Sam Briend two in the seventh; and Chris Shaklee one in the ninth.

"The pitching overall was pretty good," Droddy said. "Both teams had really good hitters. And theyre an American Association team, so theyre a couple of notches ahead of us in terms of competition level, so we expected to give up some runs, but we scored a lot of runs ourselves."

Defensively, right fielder Patrick "Wink" Nolan had the play of the game with a diving catch, while Leonard led the across-the-board offensive onslaught, going 4-for-5 with a walk and 3 RBI.

The Triggers head back to Colorado for two more days of practice before opening the season May 15 at 7 p.m. in Raton.

"Im very happy," Droddy said. "Were going to be very strong. This is one of the stronger teams in the American Association and we played with them. Were going to be able to play with anybody. Were excited. Were ready to play ball."

Triggers edge Santa Fe in spring training

May 8 2013 12:00AM

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

LAS VEGAS, N.M. — Trinidad and Santa Fe battled to a two-run decision in the second game of Tuesday’s spring training double header at HIg...

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

LAS VEGAS, N.M. — Trinidad and Santa Fe battled to a two-run decision in the second game of Tuesday’s spring training double header at HIghlands University, with the Triggers getting the victory.

Neither manager knew exactly what the score was — Fuego manager Bill Moore only knew it was a two run difference — but both saw a lot they liked.

“I didn’t come here to keep track of the score,” said Trinidad manager J.D. Droddy. “We didn’t have a scoreboard. We came here to look at players. I’m beyond thrilled. We did great. Our pitchers were good. Our hitters, I had two, three guys I didn’t know could hit like that. And they hit well.”

That hitting included home runs by Will Leonard and Jacob Fabry, while Santa Fe’s Erik Scott matched that feat.

“I expect, all said and done, that we’ll score our share of runs, and we’ll be a very aggressive, active team,” Moore said, noting home runs are good, but not expected. “We’re not going to lay back and wait for somebody

Trinidad Triggers reload for 2013!

Apr 28 2013 12:00AM

The Triggers reload for their 2nd Y

The Triggers reload for their 2nd Year. Players report to Trinidad Colorado next week for Spring Training for the 2nd Year of Trinidad Triggers Baseball. The Expenses and travel schedule for the Triggers will be much better in 2013 with expansion teams in Raton, Las Vegas and Taos and a northern division. The rigorous 10 day home 10 day road schedule in 2012 stretched the Triggers budget also 4 trips to Alpine. Pueblo West never built their stadium to partner with the Triggers it appears they won"t build their stadium. Instead the Triggers have a very unlikely rival neighbor in Raton New Mexico. The two teams play 16 times. It appears the Triggers have finally resolved their issues with Trinidad State Junior College over field usage.

The Triggers return field manager JD Droddy who managed 4 games in 2012 and was the only coach to be on the staff since day 1. The Triggers also return Kim Schultz who was one of the best in the entire Pecos League Front Office and helped operate one of the best Pecos League"s team despite being the lone Colorado Entry. The Triggers return the following players

Infielder Alex Lofton
RHP Anthony Smith was staff Ace
RHP Chris Tuttle was one of teams best arms
CF Jacob Fabry

The Triggers have signed the following players with league experience

Mike Goldy Carlsbad 2011
Richie Serritella White Sands 2011
Wink Nolan Las Cruces 2012
Andrew Hancsak Roswell 2012

The Triggers have signed several players set to have immediate impact.

Matt Hunt SS-signed from Pecos Spring League expected to improve the Pecos League"s worst defense immediately and fills a need the team never could fill in 2012.
Andrew Azzopardi C-signed from Pecos Spring League will be a key offensive force for Triggers can play other positions provides veteran bat to lineup.
Frank Florio-OF-signed from Pecos Spring is expected to be one of teams key offensive forces
Grant Ledbetter-RHP with potential of being rare true power arm as starter

The Triggers open across the border in Raton on 5/15/2013 and their home opener is 5/21/2013 hosting the Las Vegas Train Robbers.

Trinidad Triggers release their 2013 hats

Apr 22 2013 12:00AM

The Trinidad Triggers have released

The Trinidad Triggers have released their 2013 hats. The hats will be similar to the 2012 hats which were very popular across the region. The Hats will be black with a gold bill with gold eyelets.

The raised seam logo will include the Triggers" starburst logo.

One corner of the hat will have the Colorado flag the other corner will have the History Colorado/Trinidad History Museum logo. The back of the hats will have the Colorado state flag.

These hats will be for sale in the Trinidad History Museum starting April 1 and online http://www.trinidadtriggers.com/trinidad.asp?page=14 at Trinidad Triggers Store..

The Triggers open their second season in Raton on May 15. The Triggers made the playoffs in their inaugural season and are looking to have a great 2013.

Triggers take top Spring League hitters into spring training

Apr 10 2013 12:00AM

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

With Pecos League spring training now less than a month away, managers are finalizing their rosters, and we’ll take a look at each team, ...

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

With Pecos League spring training now less than a month away, managers are finalizing their rosters, and we’ll take a look at each team, one day at a time. The one thing all coaches have confidence about is their players will be ready when the season starts.

TRINIDAD
TRINIDAD, Colo. — The Trinidad Triggers are entering their second season in the Pecos League with a new manager and a very positive outlook for the 2013 season, so much so that he’s already traded one of his spring league draft picks.

Sunday, manager J.D. Droddy sent Dutch outfielder Ruben Rijkhof to Taos so he could open up a roster spot for a pitcher.

“I sent him because I needed the roster spot, and I had more good outfielders than I could use,” the manager said.

The top two hitters in the spring league already belonged to Trinidad even before the draft.

Frank Florio, a Tulane graduate who hit .528 with four home runs in the Spring League, will play outfield for

Team name tells the story of Trinidad
Feb 11 2013 12:00AM

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

TRINIDAD, Colo. — One thing lower level baseball teams may have that beat their major league brothers is unique and interesting names, and t...

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

TRINIDAD, Colo. — One thing lower level baseball teams may have that beat their major league brothers is unique and interesting names, and the Pecos League is no exception.

From the Roswell Invaders — which tell the story of the community in a name — to the White Sands Pupfish — named for an endangered species that lives in the harsh desert environment near Alamogordo — the names conjure up unique visions of the towns their teams reside in.

And while the name Triggers may not seem as exciting, the Trinidad team name draws equally on the town’s heritage.

In the early days of the team joining the league, Pecos League commissioner Andrew Dunn held community meetings, and at one of those sessions he opened up the naming process to the public, inviting them to submit suggestions.

Paula Manini, director of the Trinidad History Museum, was at one of those meetings.

“I just started thinking, and along the way, said to myself, ‘We need a name that triggers as much excitement

The Trinidad Triggers, Trinidad H
The Trinidad Triggers, Trinidad High School and Trinidad State Junior College met with Mayor Bernadette Baca Gonzalez. JD Droddy, Andrew Dunn and Kim Schultz attended for the Triggers. The Triggers will move their entire Spring Training and first two regular season games to Raton. The Triggers renewed their lease for two more years.

The City of Trinidad will lose signifcant amount of hotel rooms to Raton, but could easily gain them back if Trinidad State Junior College hosts these regional tournaments. This is the first step that the Trinidad Triggers show they are committed to work with TSJC and Trinidad High School.

Trinidad State Junior College could host the Region 9 Tournament (May 3-11, 2013) Hosted by Regular Season Champion of Region 9. If TSJC were to win this tournament they would host the WESTERN DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP (May 16-18, 2013) which is Hosted by Region 9 Champion. This rotates every three years between Region 1, Region 9 and Region 18. For more information about NCJAA Regionals Visit this link

The Triggers also extended their lease for 2013 with option for 2014. In 2014 this issue will be addressed again. In future there could be a field turf infield installed.

Pecos League Commissioner Andrew Dunn "I would like to again thank the City of Raton who welcomed us with open arms. I would also like to thank Baca Gonzalez for bringing everyone together and keeping the Triggers in Trinidad. Trinidad State Junior College"s staff was very easy to work with and their concerns and valid. There is one field in Trinidad and alot of people playing there. The Triggers will support Trinidad State Junior College and Trinidad High School and hope both schools go deep in Colorado State Playoffs and NJCAA Regionals. We will play exactly the same number of home games."

Changes for the Triggers

May 16th game will be moved to Raton
May 18th game will be moved to Raton
May 21st game will be Triggers home opener
July 9th game will be moved to Trinidad
July 23rd game will be moved to Trinidad
Fans are invited to Spring Training in Raton all practices are free.

The Trinidad Triggers will play in
The Trinidad Triggers will play in Trinidad for the 2013-2014 seasons and beyond. The Triggers renewed their lease and plan on staying in Trinidad for many years. The City of Trinidad has some of the best fans and best support in the league. The Triggers begin Spring Training May 5th in Raton and open the regular season May 15 in Raton.

Triggers hoping to recapture fan magic in 2013
Jan 25 2013 12:00AM

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

TRINIDAD, Colo. — Expansion teams usually aren’t expected to do well in their first year of existence, with an out-of-state team’s prosp...

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

TRINIDAD, Colo. — Expansion teams usually aren’t expected to do well in their first year of existence, with an out-of-state team’s prospects even iffier.

But in 2012, despite losing their coach midway through the Pecos League season, the Trinidad Triggers not only had one of the best public relations campaigns in the league — drawing in fans from two states — but also made the playoffs.

“We were happy,” said JD Droddy, Trigger director of baseball operations and field manager. “We ended up in fourth place, so that’s all right.”

As far as off the field, “We did well,” Droddy said. “We had pretty good crowds and a lot of support. We had by far the best booster club in the league, and I’m not saying that just out of pride. You can ask (league commissioner) Andrew (Dunn), and he’ll tell you that. We had a booster club that did things booster clubs are supposed to do. They were very supportive. They fed both teams after every game and all sorts of stuff. So they were terrific.�