Baseball Recap: Nucla Finds Playoff Glory Versus Dove Creek

Mustangs

Margin (Wins)

04/11/25 @ Antonito	22
04/11/25 @ Antonito	18
04/25/25 @ Sierra Grande	17
05/02/25 @ Dove Creek	11
04/15/25 vs Dolores	10

With a playoff win on the line, Nucla rose to the challenge on Friday. They were the clear victors by a 13-2 margin over the Dove Creek Bulldogs. The result was nothing new for the Mustangs, who have now won six games by six runs or more so far this season.

Brycen Rummel was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He struck out eight batters over five innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off five hits (and not a single walk). That's the most strikeouts he has posted since back in March. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with one double.

In other batting news, Coulter Shumway was a standout: he went 3-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. He has become a key player for Nucla: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 6-8 otherwise. Jace Bonacquista was another key player, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with three RBI and two runs.

Nucla kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 15 hits. They are 7-2 when they post 11 or more hits.

The win was the third in a row for Nucla, bringing their record up to 11-8. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.0 runs over those games. As for Dove Creek, their loss was their third straight at home, which dropped their record down to 9-10.

Looking ahead, Nucla will take on Sargent at 3:00 p.m. on Friday. The Mustangs' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Farmers have averaged an impressive 8.7 runs per game this season. Dove Creek does not have any more games scheduled as of now.