On the first day of spring, some of Rocky Mountain’s pitchers threw their first-ever varsity pitches.
Yes, Colorado’s dominant big-school program, which is defending Class 5A state champion and also won from 2007-10, is reloading a bit.
But the Lobos of Fort Collins began 2015 in encouraging fashion on a glorious Colorado Friday afternoon at Coors Field with a 10-4 decision of Parker’s Chaparral in nonleague.
Rocky Mountain pitchers, five of whom were used on Friday, allowed only one run through the first six innings and it delighted coach Scott Bullock.
“We lost all of our innings on the mound from last year, we don’t have one kid who threw a single varsity pitch,” he said. “I’m really proud of the way our pitchers came out the first day. They did a good job of throwing strikes and maintaining innings.”
The Lobos do have four regulars from last year’s title team, including outfielder Cole Anderson, All-Colorado by The Denver Post, who contributed an RBI single.
It’s early, he agreed, but “so far It has been really great, we’re coming together as a team.”
This season’s newer group also realizes what will be demanded, he added. And everyone’s on board.
“I think it’s the expectations we all come in with,” Anderson said. “It’s a winning program and we’re going to try to keep it that way.”
Rocky Mountain, ranked No. 2 in the Associated Press 5A media poll, took the lead with a three-run second inning, then put it way with a five-run fifth.
The Lobos, who banged out 14 hits, had contributions by the bunch. Shortstop Daniel Ciraula had a double and turned in a sparkling defensive play from the hole. John Sorenson tripled, walked and was hit by a pitch. Kyle Reisman, before turning an ankle, doubled and singled. And T.J. Solverud added a two-run double and a single.
Chaparral didn’t execute, coach Tony Persichina told his team, and Friday’s performance is what can happen if it allows it to get away. But he said he wanted to keep it in perspective.
“We lost a game. Big deal,” he said.
Persichina pointed to his always tough schedule and instructed his team to forget this one, and get ready for the next one.
Both teams are headed to Arizona for spring break and tournament play against un familiar foes.
All told, Friday’s game also featured seven pitchers for the Wolverines and nearly three dozen players were permitted to roam where the National League’s Rockies live.
Prep teams that compete at Coors Field do so through fund-raisers and most coaches usually get all of their players into the game.
Neil H. Devlin: ndevlin@denverpost.com or
