Buffs just as tough in Round 2

 

It was a tip-your-cap-and-move-on game.

Mullen dropped a 9-3 decision to Smoky Hill Monday in the Centennial League at Santo “Doc” Scavuzzo Field.

The visiting Class 5A Buffaloes improved to 10-0 overall, 9-0 in the league, and certainly kept the respect of 4A Mustangs head coach Dave Atencio. His girls battled even if it wasn’t enough.

“We did, we did,” he said in acknowledging a game effort that came up short. “Again, I fully expect Smoky Hill to be there in the championship game, that’s how good I think (the Buffaloes) are. One through-8 in their lineup, they have good hitters, they move the ball well and they have quality pitchers.”

It was 2-0 early before the Buffaloes gradually built their lead. Smoky Hill’s credentials remain considerable. It leads the league with 117 runs scored, tied for third in 5A, and have surrendered only 36, 10^th among big schools.

The Buffaloes, who also beat Mullen 11-0 on Sept. 2,  plated seven runs in the fourth and fifth innings, registered 12 hits and have scored in double figures in all but three games. Only Broomfield (12-0) has a better won-loss mark in 5A.

 “That’s a championship team,” Atencio reiterated.

Interestingly, the Mustangs (3-7, 3-6) had a chance to make a move late – they got within 9-3 in the sixth inning, but left the bases loaded.

All told, Mullen was held to five safeties, doubles by Elizabeth Brady and Lucia Hurtado as well as singles by Maggie Bertsch, Morgan Margeson and Avery Panozzo, who also took the loss on the mound.

Mullen will continue its busy week by hosting Eaglecrest on Wednesday (Sept. 23) on Senior Day, first pitch at 4 p.m. A doubleheader at home on Saturday will follow as they will host Cherry Creek (4-6, 3-6) at 10 a.m. and noon.