Faircloth pitches one-hitter in win
RIO RANCHO — Colson Faircloth pitched an abbreviated one-hitter and went 1-for-3 with a two-run single to help Clovis top Aztec 10-0 for their first win in two tries at the Cleveland Invitational.
Connor Langrell went 3-for-4 to lead a 13-hit attack for Clovis (5-2), while Kayden Shober went 2-for-3 and Joe Gallegos went 1-for-3 with a two-run single of his own.
“Colson was good; he’s been good all year for us,” Clovis coach Richard Cruce said. “He pounded the zone and was able to control with three pitches.”
Faircloth only had one run of support until the fifth inning, when Clovis exploded for a seven-spot.
“We had a change of approach,” Cruce said. “We got the leadoff hitter on and called a hit and run. I think we called four hit-and-runs. The kids got a different approach at the plate and started swinging different from then on.”
Now Clovis will go for a 2-1 trip to Cleveland, but the noon game against Piedra Vista is no cakewalk.
“They’re as good as always,” Cruce said. “We’re going to face one of the top pitchers in the state in Chase Sliseth, who’s committed to Tennessee.”