Today we preview the Class 5A Quarterfinal Match Ups
No. 8 Artesia vs. No. 1 Piedra Vista
Preview: The Piedra Vista Panthers are 23-4 on the season and have won 14 games in a row. As we mentioned last week, they are currently undefeated against New Mexico Teams. While they took two from Roswell in the opening round, the teams were closer than a usual 1 vs. 16 match up (3-0, 6-1). Watch for Gunner Archuleta threw a 1 hit shutout and went 3-7 with a triple against the Coyotes. Wyatt Weaver has had a very solid year and against Roswell last week he threw a complete game, was 2-5 at the plate with 3 RBI’s. The Artesia Bulldogs beat Santa Teresa in another very close series winning both games 2-0. Artesia as just 5 seniors on the roster and a good amount of their underclassmen continue to impress weekly. Tristan Bowden a junior threw a 1 hit complete game shutout against Santa Teresa and sophomore Jharyss Granger has been on fire at the plate.
No. 5 Valencia vs. No. 4 Academy
Preview: The Chargers took care of Belen in two games and now are 20-6 on the year winning 9-in a row. Their pitching continues to set them apart and gives them a slight edge against Valencia. Last weekend against Belen, Ian Russell hit a home run, Joe Sava had three hits, Randall Gurule threw a complete game, Zeke Long had three hits, and Thomas Braybrooks also picked up a win going the distance. Academy certainly is hitting their stride and has the talent to make a real run at the title this year. With that being said, Valencia is an outstanding club, making this the marquee match up in the 5A quarterfinals. Head Valencia Coach Carlos Carrasco continues to elevate the Jaguar’s baseball program and a win against Academy is not out of the question. Watch for Senior Standout Cade Guthrie who is batting .488 on the year with 14 RBI’s and 4 home runs. Carlos Ramirez ripped two home runs against Los Lunas last weekend and Daniel Barela also went deep. Academy has the pitching, Valencia has the hitting, this one should be tight throughout.
No. 6 Espanola vs. No. 3 Los Alamos
Preview: The Espanola Sundevils are now 20-6 after beating a very good Farmington team in two quick games 3-1, 5-3. Next up they are will face Los Alamos who they have played already three times and lost twice. While many might give the quick edge to Los Alamos, Espanola is loaded with talent headlined by Elias Archuleta who has 6 home runs on the year. The Hilltoppers are 22-6 this year and 11-1 on the year, riding a fantastic 12 game winning streak. Their last lost ironically comes against Espanola back on April 8th. Loaded with talent from day one, Los Alamos is led by brothers Jared and Connor Mang, each who are committed to New Mexico. Also, watch for Lane Saunders, who is lights out on the mound.
No. 10 Centennial vs. No. 2 Goddard
Preview: Though they are the very big underdog against Goddard in the quarterfinals, Centennial is dangerous with some very good underclassmen talent. In-fact, Centennial has not one senior on their entire roster. They have been extremely how down the stretch winning their last 14 games with a record of 11-3. The Goddard Rockets are 24-4 this year and finished district play with a 10-2 record. Loaded with talent, the Rockets are led by Justin Martinez, Ricky Roybal, and sophomore Cal Cillareal, who is likely one of the top 15 players in New Mexico. Last weekend they blew past Bernalillo 11-1, and 10-0.
The Bracket
No. 8 Artesia vs. No. 1 Piedra Vista
Preview: The Piedra Vista Panthers are 23-4 on the season and have won 14 games in a row. As we mentioned last week, they are currently undefeated against New Mexico Teams. While they took two from Roswell in the opening round, the teams were closer than a usual 1 vs. 16 match up (3-0, 6-1). Watch for Gunner Archuleta threw a 1 hit shutout and went 3-7 with a triple against the Coyotes. Wyatt Weaver has had a very solid year and against Roswell last week he threw a complete game, was 2-5 at the plate with 3 RBI’s. The Artesia Bulldogs beat Santa Teresa in another very close series winning both games 2-0. Artesia as just 5 seniors on the roster and a good amount of their underclassmen continue to impress weekly. Tristan Bowden a junior threw a 1 hit complete game shutout against Santa Teresa and sophomore Jharyss Granger has been on fire at the plate.
No. 5 Valencia vs. No. 4 Academy
Preview: The Chargers took care of Belen in two games and now are 20-6 on the year winning 9-in a row. Their pitching continues to set them apart and gives them a slight edge against Valencia. Last weekend against Belen, Ian Russell hit a home run, Joe Sava had three hits, Randall Gurule threw a complete game, Zeke Long had three hits, and Thomas Braybrooks also picked up a win going the distance. Academy certainly is hitting their stride and has the talent to make a real run at the title this year. With that being said, Valencia is an outstanding club, making this the marquee match up in the 5A quarterfinals. Head Valencia Coach Carlos Carrasco continues to elevate the Jaguar’s baseball program and a win against Academy is not out of the question. Watch for Senior Standout Cade Guthrie who is batting .488 on the year with 14 RBI’s and 4 home runs. Carlos Ramirez ripped two home runs against Los Lunas last weekend and Daniel Barela also went deep. Academy has the pitching, Valencia has the hitting, this one should be tight throughout.
No. 6 Espanola vs. No. 3 Los Alamos
Preview: The Espanola Sundevils are now 20-6 after beating a very good Farmington team in two quick games 3-1, 5-3. Next up they are will face Los Alamos who they have played already three times and lost twice. While many might give the quick edge to Los Alamos, Espanola is loaded with talent headlined by Elias Archuleta who has 6 home runs on the year. The Hilltoppers are 22-6 this year and 11-1 on the year, riding a fantastic 12 game winning streak. Their last lost ironically comes against Espanola back on April 8th. Loaded with talent from day one, Los Alamos is led by brothers Jared and Connor Mang, each who are committed to New Mexico. Also, watch for Lane Saunders, who is lights out on the mound.
No. 10 Centennial vs. No. 2 Goddard
Preview: Though they are the very big underdog against Goddard in the quarterfinals, Centennial is dangerous with some very good underclassmen talent. In-fact, Centennial has not one senior on their entire roster. They have been extremely how down the stretch winning their last 14 games with a record of 11-3. The Goddard Rockets are 24-4 this year and finished district play with a 10-2 record. Loaded with talent, the Rockets are led by Justin Martinez, Ricky Roybal, and sophomore Cal Cillareal, who is likely one of the top 15 players in New Mexico. Last weekend they blew past Bernalillo 11-1, and 10-0.
The Bracket
Last edited:
