Basalt baseball rallies big to overcome Grand Valley
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Basalt sophomore Zack Southward drove in the game-winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning, capping off a six-run rally that lifted Basalt over Grand Valley 14-13 for their second win of the week, and the season, Thursday afternoon at the BHS field.
Tied at 8 heading into the seventh, Basalt allowed five Grand Valley runs. Then came “The Rally.”
“We just had guys who wouldn’t give up,” said Basalt coach Seann Goodman. “We made some mistakes, sure, but we just kept fighting it out and it’s a testament to their determination.”
“The kids were super-pysched – a great home victory,” Goodman added.
Basalt, which beat Aspen on Monday, improved to 2-8 overall on the season.
Regular JV pitchers Danny Alaverez and Rory Johnson combined to handle Grand Valley in the early innings, before Goodman brought in sophomore Darren Duroux down the stretch.
Senior shortstop A.J. Hobbs got on base five times – with four walks and one RBI base hit – and he scored twice with aggressive base-running on passed balls from third base, Goodman said.
Senior catcher Jake Rankin contributed a couple hits, and also kept Grand Valley base-runners in check by picking off two runners.
“The coaches felt that this was just a great team victory,” said Goodman. “Everyone did what they needed to do when the time came. They supported each other and made it happen together.”
“We had a lot of guys with big RBIs in that final inning, but obviously Zack’s was the biggest,” continued Goodman.
On Saturday, Basalt hosts league rival Roaring Fork for a double-header, beginning at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
“We’re looking to come out and compete,” said Goodman. “Roaring Fork has good pitching and traditionally they have a winning program, but I think after this week, with two big Ws, the kids have a lot of momentum going into the weekend.”
“Anytime you have a comeback victory like that, it leaves you with a great feeling.”
