T-Birds End Weekend 3-0

The No. 19 Thunderbirds earned their third run-rule win of the weekend after knocking off in-state rival New Mexico Military Institute 12-4. 

NMJC got off to a fast start scoring four runs in the first inning. The Broncos countered with three runs in the top of the 2nd to make the score 4-3 in favor of NMJC. 

The Thunderbirds loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the third. First baseman Lane Arroyos scored on an error. Second baseman Erick Ballenilla singled in two runs later in the inning to make the score 8-3. 

The Broncos and T-Birds exchanged a run each in the fifth inning to bring the score to 9-4. The T-Birds brought across three runs in the bottom of the 7th inning to invoke the run rule, 12-4.

Starting pitcher Brayan Orrantia went three innings allowing five hits and three earned runs. Garrett Thiele followed Orrantia going 1 1/3 innings allowing three hits and one earned run. 

Jason Villarreal closed out the game pitching two innings while allowing only two hits and striking out one batter.

Second/third baseman Erick Ballenilla was 3-for-3 with three runs scored, two RBIs, two doubles, and two walks. Third baseman/shortstop Brent Iredale scored two runs. 

DH Travis Vlasek was 3-for-5 with three RBIs and two runs scored. Catcher Lachlan Maude went 1-for-2 with a run scored and an RBI.

The T-Birds finished the game with 10 hits and nine RBIs. 

NMJC closed their first weekend of the year with three seven inning run-rule wins. The T-Birds scored 32 runs on 33 hits while allowing seven runs and 18 hits through their first three games.

The No. 19 Thunderbirds finish the weekend with a perfect 3-0 record and will play a three-game set on the road Feb. 2-4 in Mesa, Ariz.