Clovis breezes into Invite title game
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Clovis high School senior Mark Replogle fouls a pitch off during Friday’s game against Fabens, Texas, at Bell Park. Replogle led the Wildcats with three hits in a 14-1 win. CNJ photo by Eric Kluth.
Clovis has been a rude host so far in the Clovis Invitational baseball tournament.
The Wildcats won their first two games of the season-opening tournament at Bell Park with ease, including a 17-1 romp over defending Class 3A state champion St. Michael’s on Friday night in the semifinals.
Clovis starting pitcher Richard Urban helped his cause immensely against St. Michael’s, belting a three-run home run in the first inning when the Wildcats scored 13 runs and adding a three-run double in the second.
The game was halted after 4 1/2 innings by the 10-run mercy rule.
On the mound, the senior right-hander allowed two hits and an unearned run in three innings. Ryan Denton finished with two innings of scoreless relief.
Denton also helped out at the plate, going 3-for-4 and driving in a pair of runs as Clovis (2-0) collected with 14 hits.
Earlier in the day, Robert Riggins pitched a four-hitter and senior centerfielder Mark Replogle led a 13-hit attack as Clovis opened the tournament with a 14-1 win over Fabens, Texas.
Replogle went 3-for-4 with two RBI, three runs scored and three stolen bases from his leadoff position. Sean Cruce and Denton added two hits each for Clovis.
Matt Ulibarri had a two-run triple and Replogle a two-run single in an eight-run second inning. Denton and Eric Smith added run-scoring singles as Clovis jumped out to a 12-0 lead.
Riggins struck out eight and walk two in five innings of work.
Fabens 000 10 — 1 4 3
Clovis 481 1x — 14 13 1
Martin Madrid and Josh Campos; Robert Riggins and Richard Urban. W — Riggins (1-0). L — Madrid. 2B — Clovis, Urban. 3B — Clovis, Ulibarri. Records: Clovis 1-0.
St. Michael’s 001 00 — 1 2 4
Clovis (13)40 0x — 17 14 1
Justin Armijo, Kevin Chavez (3) and Chris Whitney; Richard Urban, Ryan Denton (4) and Mark Replogle. W — Urban 1-0. L — Armijo. 2B — Clovis, Urban. HR — Clovis, Urban (1). Records: St. Michael’s 1-1. Clovis 2-0.
