Rams take two wins at Eunice

EUNICE — Sammy Hightower hit two home runs, including a grand slam, and pitched four innings to lead the Portales High Rams past Eunice 12-4 on Monday in the first game of a baseball doubleheader.

The Rams (8-4) also won the second contest 9-2, with Hightower finishing 3-for-3 at the plate in each game.

PHS coach Arturo Ontiveros said both games were only five innings at Eunice’s request, because the Cardinals were short on pitching.

“The kids played well; they hit the ball well, and they were patient at the plate,” Ontiveros said. “Defensively, we made the plays we had to make.

“Eunice has a young team, and we got a chance to play some different kids.”

Hightower’s grand slam highlighted a seven-run Portales third in the opener. Hightower allowed seven hits and struck out five in four innings,while Lawrence Campbell worked the fifth.

In the second game, Antonio Lucio allowed five hits and struck out five in going the distance. In addition to Hightower’s output, Mario Salazar and Antonio Lucio each had a double for the Rams.

Portales trailed 1-0 after two innings, but scored four runs in the third and added four in the fourth to take control.

The Rams return to action on Saturday with a 1 p.m. contest at home against Roswell Goddard.