After a week off for spring break, the Mineral County High boys baseball team welcomed an old rival to town on Tuesday for a pair of afternoon games against Tonopah.
The Serpent offense came around for the most part, but the defense struggled at times as Mineral County fell in both games 18-9 and 10-5
The Serpents took a 7-6 lead in the third inning of game one after a bases loaded walk by Tyshawn Bonner, but gave it right back in the fourth, and the Muckers never trailed again.
“Even though we didn’t get a win, I’m really feeling good about what we’re seeing,” said Mineral County coach Darren Hamrey. “We’re progressing and developing well, and that’s good to see.”
Despite the losses, Hamrey had plenty to be happy about as his guys had some strong performances on the mound and at the dish.
Andre Davis got the start in the first game and pitched four innings of two-hit ball while striking out seven. Bonner toed the slab in game two and also worked four innings, giving up just three hits. Tanner Owens closed out both games for Mineral County, striking out six in three innings of work.
At the plate, Spencer Benjamin tallied four hits on the day including a double and triple in the opener. Brandon West also had four knocks for the home team in the double-header.
“We have a strong (pitching) staff, and have some guys that have never played before, or haven’t played since Little League that are really stepping up,” Hamrey said. “I think we are heading in the right direction and by the end of the season we hope to be in the playoffs.”
Next, Mineral County (1-7) travels to Virginia City on Friday for a pair before hosting Beatty on Saturday at noon.
