After struggling the past few weeks in regular season play, the Price American Legion baseball team traveled to Rangely, Colo. to compete in a wood bat only tournament. The team performed well and walked away with fourth place honors.
Price faced Steamboat in their first tournament game. Although close, Price lost the opener 2-3. The team moved on to face Moab in their second game. Price dominated the red dirt and walked away with a 9-2 win. Bats were hot for Price and the victory fueled the local team who moved on to defeat Uintah, 9-5. Zac Hathaway pitched the entire game for Price.
Kellen Trujillo and Caden Sherman each had triples during the game and Chris Smith had a double. In the fourth and final game of the tournament, Price faced host team Rangely. Errors plagued Price who lost 8-2. Tournament experience gave the legion team a chance to do what they love, play baseball. In recent weeks, frustration has set in and the team has been feeling pressured to win. In Rangely, the team supported each other and in the end built the teamwork bond that has kept them strong.
Following the out of town tournament, Price faced Westlake on the road. Steven Zamantakis took to the mound for Price and Sherman had a double for the team. Errors however, continued to be a problem. A Price runner did not tag second base on his way to third. The error sent runners back and also ended in the loss of a point. In the end, Westlake defeated Price, 4-3.
The team will conclude the regular season this week by hosting games Wednesday and Friday. Coach Willie Ellington is looking at the possibility of additional postseason games in the coming weeks.