The Carbon Dinos extended the 2019 season with one win and one loss in the opening rounds of the double-elimination 3A State Championship Tournament Saturday in Richfield.
Entering as the No. 3 seed from Region 14, Carbon defeated the Morgan Trojans 8-7 in an offensive thriller. Unable to finish the weekend unscathed, the Dinos suffered a 13-6 loss to the Richfield Wildcats later in the afternoon.
Starting the day off against the No. 4 seed from Region 13 in Morgan, the Dinos scored early and often. Trailing 4-0 in the second inning, Carbon scored four of their own to draw even. Morgan later captured a three-run lead, but Carbon rallied four unanswered over two innings to capture the lead for good.
Adrien Sanchez recorded the win on the mound as he worked 4.1 innings in relief. Allowing just three hits, Sanchez struck out two batters and did not allow a single run. Braxton Bennett received the no decision, pitching 2.2 innings, giving up four runs and seven hits.
Cooper Schade led the potent Carbon offense finishing 2-2 at the plate with a single, triple, walk and three RBIs. Collin Lewis, Keaton Rich and Kaleb Nelson all logged doubles as the Dinos finished with eight hits and eight RBIs as a team.
Saturday’s win moved Carbon into the second round against the host school Richfield. While Carbon continued to score runs early, the middle innings proved to be the difference in the seven run setback.
Holding a 3-2 lead entering the fourth inning, the Dinos allowed two Richfield runs to surrender the lead. The Wildcats continued to pull away by adding nine runs between the fifth and sixth innings.
Collin Lewis was hit with the loss on the bump as he allowed two hits and two earned runs in one inning. Keaton Rich, Kaleb Nelson, Jordan Fossat and Nathan Richens all received work as well.
Senior catcher Anthony Jones ended 2-4 at the plate with one RBI and a double. Jon Zamantakis finished 3-3 with two RBIs and one walk. As a team Carbon finished with nine hits, just one shy of the Wildcats.
Despite the loss the Dinos still remain in championship contention heading into Thursday’s action. The team will now have to maneuver through the one-loss bracket, which will require seven consecutive wins to claim a state title.
Up first will be a second meeting with the Emery Spartans Thursday at 1:30 p.m.. The two teams have met once already this season as Carbon earned an 11-3 win. A victory for Carbon would mean a 7:00 game against either Grantsville or Judge Memorial.
Live coverage of Thursday’s contest will air on KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM beginning at 1:00 p.m.. The live play by play call will follow at 1:30. The live audio stream will also be available at castlecountryradio.com.