Storm, Rams win home ballgames Tuesday

RIO RANCHO – A six-run explosion in the second inning was more than enough to carry host Cleveland to a 6-1 victory over Volcano Vista in a District 1-5A baseball game Tuesday afternoon.

The Storm (15-4, 2-0), with another district home game looming at 4 p.m. Friday when Rio Rancho visits, sent a dozen batters to the plate, needing just six hits to provide the runs. VVHS starting pitcher Dominick Maese hit three batters with pitches and walked another before he departed in favor of Alijah Romero, who got the inning’s final out and went the rest of the way.

Jarren Villa singled home the first run, Brandon Hennessy doubled home two more, Silas Hilton singled to send a teammate home and pitcher Jaden Davis doubled to make it 5-0.

Malachi Jaramillo, the first Storm batter of the inning who had been hit by a pitch, then reached on an RBI single to make it 6-0.

Meanwhile, Davis was in charge on the mound, allowing only two hits, striking out six and walking four. The Hawks’ only run came on a walk, wild pitch, stolen base and throwing error by catcher Owen Bishop in the fifth inning.

“My slider was working well today,” said Davis, who threw 108 pitches and is committed to pitch for New Mexico State next season. “Today I just battled. I knew my defense would help me.”

Bishop’s overthrow of third baseman Gabe Nelson was the only defensive gaffe. Earlier, when the Hawks (16-4, 1-2) had two on base and nobody out in the first inning, Nelson snagged a line drive and stepped on third to complete a double play.

“I felt pretty good at the plate,” Davis added, as he and Hennessy were the only CHS players with two hits in the game. “I went up there thinking it’s all right if I strike out because I’m up on the mound.”

“We had a really nice inning,” CHS coach Shane Shallenberger said of the second-inning outburst. “I do like our pitching staff, and I think Jaden’s a very good pitcher and he’s going to New Mexico State for a reason.”

Rams also win their second 1-5A contest

On the south side of Northern Boulevard Tuesday afternoon, the Rio Rancho Rams (16-3, 2-0) whipped visiting Cibola 10-3.

Brandon Segal pitched into the seventh, when Dylan Archuleta came in to get the final two outs via strikeouts.

Bryson Martinez was 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs; Nick DiGregorio and Wyatt Tinker also had two hits, and Tinker had two RBIs.

Going into their big game at Cleveland Friday afternoon, the Rams are 20-18 all-time vs. their City of Vision diamond foe.