Carreon no-hits Silver Colts in Wildcat's double-header sweep on opening day
DEMING – Deming’s double-header sweep of the visiting Silver High Fighting Colts answered one big question that loomed large heading into the 2022 season: How would Wildcat pitching perform out of the gate?
Senior Alan Carreon gave insight to that burning question by tossing a no-hitter at the Colts to christen the spring season on the diamond.
Backed by a quick 4-0 lead, the 6-foot right-hander walked his first batter, then struck out the next seven to settle in a groove. Carreon would strike out 15 Colts and surrender two base on ball. Both walks accounted for the only base runners allowed through seven innings. Carreon used 91 pitches to silence Silver bats.
Only one ball was hit hard – a flyball to right field, with one out in the top of the third. The ‘Cats kept the no-hitter intact with two outs in the seventh when a high chopper deflected off the glove of Carreon and was fielded by junior shortstop Vynny Chavez who threw to first base to nip a diving Colts’ runner. The bang-bang play ended the no-hitter.
Deming (2-0) pushed across three runs in its first at bat. Chavez walked and promptly stole second. Carreon singled to put runners at the corners. Sophomore Paul Bourget reached on a fielder’s choice, sending Chavez home with the ‘Cats first run of 2022. Carreon would cross home plate on a Silver throwing error and Bourget followed when senior Richard Ramirez reached on an error and the ‘Cats executed a perfect double steal.
The ‘Cats padded their 3-0 cushion in the bottom of the second with a single run. Lead-off batter Oscar Garcia singled and went to second on a fielding error. Chavez followed with an RBI single to lift the Deming to a 4-run spread.
Carreon spotted his fastball with consistency to keep the Colts hitless for the complete game win.
Heading into the spring season, DHS Coach Fernando Holguin indicated the ‘Cats were built for speed. The swiped seven bases in the season-opening win.
Holguin also knew Carreon would be a workhorse on the hill. What he did not know was how the Wildcat stable of arms would support Carreon and the Wildcat’s game plan moving forward.
Deming pitchers Luis Leanos (fr.) and senior Ricky Almanza combined on a 5-4 victory in the nightcap game. Leanos worked through 62/3 innings and 103 pitches before handing the ball over to reliever Almanza to get the final out. Silver had the tying run at second base and the winning run at the plate.
The Wildcats will continue its current home stand with a double-header on Friday, March 4 against the Santa Teresa Desert Warriors. Game times at Wildcat Ballpark are at 5 and 7 p.m.
Bill Armendariz can be reached at 575-546-2611 (leave a message) or biarmendariz@demingheadlight.com.
This article originally appeared on Deming Headlight: Carreon no-hits Silver Colts in Wildcat's double-header sweep
