Clovis routs Ruidoso to open Goddard Invitational

ROSWELL - For the second time in three days, the Clovis Wildcats played a 4A school just starting its baseball season. And for the second time, an experienced Clovis team wasn't tested.

The Wildcats had eight hits, took advantage of five Ruidoso errors and got enough pitching in five innings for an 18-4 victory to open the Goddard Invitational Thursday morning.

Senior Connor Langrell went 2-for-2 with a pair of bases-loaded triples for Clovis (8-2), which plays 7 p.m. Friday against the winner of the late Thursday contest between Faith Christian and Bloomfield.

"We just came out, did what we do," Clovis coach Richard Cruce said. "We threw some guys who needed to get work in, more than anything."

Clovis starter Anthony Montoya, ran into some trouble early with a three-run first from the Warriors (0-3), but run support wasn't an issue as the Wildcats put up eight in the bottom of the inning.

E.J. Gonzales pitched the final three innings of scoreless relief, and went 1-for-3 at the plate with a pair of RBIs.