Timberwolves Move Win Streak to Nine Games

ROSWELL — The No. 1 ranked East Mountain High School baseball team extended its winning streak to nine games Tuesday, riding a dominant pitching performance and a late-inning offensive explosion to a 10-0 shutout victory over New Mexico Military Institute.

The victory keeps the Timberwolves (14-1, 4-0 District 4/5) perfect in district play, while the Colts fall to 5-9 overall and 2-2 in the standings.

After two scoreless innings to open the contest, the East Mountain bats came alive in the third. The Timberwolves plated four runs in the third frame, followed by three-run outbursts in both the fourth and fifth innings to shorten the game via the 10-run rule.

Senior Ty Rector led the offensive charge, finishing a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with a double, two RBIs, and three runs scored. Rector also reached base a fourth time after being hit by a pitch, ending the day with a 2.333 OPS.

The Timberwolves’ lineup showed depth throughout the afternoon. Senior Luke Stoerner went 2-for-3 with a double and a team-high three RBIs. Ryan Moorhead added a hit and drove in three runs, while Charles Birdwell and Dalton Springall each collected two hits. Aidan Madrid and Quinlan Gwyther also contributed hits in the winning effort.

On the mound, Cole Darnell earned the win with four innings of scoreless work. Darnell surrendered just four hits while striking out four Colts. Senior Christopher Moya entered in relief to close out the final inning, striking out one and allowing no hits to secure the shutout and the save.

Defensively, East Mountain was flawless, committing zero errors. Other members of the Timberwolves roster contributing to the team’s success this season include Jordan Chambers, Tobias Gabaldon, Brody Fryer, Sullivan Millea, Brody Johnson, Stace Davis, Brandon Johnson, Nathaniel Herrera-Lucero, and Matthew Gurule.

The Timberwolves will look to extend their winning streak Saturday when they return home to Sandia Park for a high-stakes district doubleheader against Sandia Prep. First pitch is scheduled for 10 a.m., with the second game to follow at approximately noon.