IHS halves home pair with Del Norte

Trained wildlife biologists probably even struggle differentiating tigers based solely on their stripes. 

And after facing the hungry Aztec, N.M., Tigers Friday afternoon, March 29, the Ignacio Bobcats may have hoped in-state Del Norte’s Tigers would be somewhat tamer the next day after making the long drive west from Rio Grande County … but definitely knew they, too, would follow their own carnivorous instinct. 

Again defending their own den, the ’Cats came ready for battle and, after being dealt a 14-5 defeat by AHS – a New Mexico Activities Association Class 4A crew at the time playing their 16th game this spring while IHS (CHSAA Class 2A) was in action for just the second time – returned to work on the 30th at noon and at last logged Win No. 1 in the 2024 baseball season. 

First-year head coach Isiah Valdez’s pitching depth was truly tested and taxed considering Ignacio was to have played four games in five calendar days, but the Bobcats took the first half of the doubleheader 4-2. The 2A Tigers, however, licked their wounds enough to claim the closing contest 16-10 – thanks to an eight-run sixth inning erasing IHS’ 8-7 advantage. Individual statistics for both teams had not been reported as of press time Monday, April 1. 

Making their ’24 diamond debut even later than the ’Cats, DNHS nonetheless improved to 1-1 overall prior to beginning 2A/1A Southern Peaks League work Saturday, April 6, with two games at 2A Trinidad. 

Presently slated to visit the Miners on the 20th, Ignacio (1-3 overall) will next play at 3 p.m. Monday, April 8, at 4A Kirtland, N.M., Central, with the Broncos (2-6 as of 4/1) scheduled to have played four games – three away from home – in the days leading up to IHS’ arrival. The Bobcats’ first 2A/1A San Juan Basin game will be a single on the 12th at 1A Nucla.