Rams edge NMMI to open three-game set

ROSWELL — The Portales Rams won the opener of a key District 4-4A baseball series on Friday, outlasting New Mexico Military 7-6.

The teams will finish the three-game set with a noon doubleheader today.

Portales (15-6, 6-4 district) trailed 1-0 through three innings, but took the lead on a two-run single by Alex Galvan in the top of the fourth.

The Rams got an RBI single from Juan Espinoza in a three-run fifth before the Colts (15-4-1, 3-3-1) rallied back to tie it with three of their own. PHS countered with single runs in the sixth and seventh, and held on late as three pitchers combined to hold off the Colts in the bottom of the seventh.

Senior Emilio Lopez went six-plus innings for the win, allowing six hits and six runs (one earned) with four walks and eight strikeouts. Senior Darion Ontiveros got the final two outs to pick up a save.

Senior Gavin Maloney took the loss for NMMI, allowing six runs (two earned) on seven hits with three walks and four strikeouts over 5 2/3 innings.

Portales outhit NMMI 8-6, led by two hits from Espinoza, Jasper Best drove in three runs with a pair of singles for the Colts.