Colby Trojans Dominate in High-Scoring Series Against Dodge City Conquistadors

by Derek White

The Colby Trojans put on an offensive showcase in their four-game series against the Dodge City Conquistadors, coming away with a string of victories in thrilling, high-scoring affairs. With explosive batting performances, clutch pitching, and impressive comebacks, the Trojans proved their resilience and firepower. Here’s a breakdown of the action-packed series.

Game 1: Clifford’s Five RBIs Power Trojans to Victory

The series opener saw Colby claim a 14-10 victory, thanks in large part to a dominant performance from Caden Clifford. Clifford was unstoppable at the plate, driving in five runs on three hits, including a first-inning triple and a second-inning home run to left field.

Colby wasted no time setting the tone, scoring five runs on six hits in the second inning. Isaiah Padilla doubled in two runs, Turner Zdunich added an RBI single, and Clifford launched a two-run homer to cap off the frame.

Dodge City responded in the fourth inning, rallying for six runs. Juan Concepcion homered, Jose Alfonso doubled in two runs, and Bynum Martinez crushed a three-run shot to center field. Despite this surge, Colby extended their lead in the fifth inning with home runs from Padilla and Zdunich.

Matthew Mackenzie secured the win for Colby, pitching five innings and striking out five, while Connor Lovin took the loss for Dodge City. The Trojans’ defense played a key role, turning three double plays to seal the win.

Game 2: Colby Stages Huge Comeback in Thriller

In the second game, the Trojans staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Dodge City 14-13 after trailing by seven runs. Dodge City jumped out to a commanding lead, scoring seven runs in the second inning, highlighted by Jaxen Derry’s two-run homer.

Colby began clawing back in the fourth, scoring five runs on four hits, including a two-run homer from Adam Vulcano. By the sixth inning, the Trojans had tied the game at 10 thanks to patient at-bats and walks.

The teams traded leads until the ninth inning when Gavin Galenza blasted a three-run homer to put Colby ahead 14-11. A dropped third strike added another insurance run. Dallen Rude earned the win after a strong relief performance, while Caleb Tucker took the loss for Dodge City.

Game 3: Trojans Rally Again in Another 14-13 Win

For the second straight game, Colby pulled off a remarkable comeback, overcoming another seven-run deficit to win 14-13.

Dodge City took control early with a big second inning, scoring seven runs on four hits. Josh McGuin’s double in the third inning extended their lead to 10-3. However, the Trojans refused to back down, responding with five runs in the fourth, capped by a two-run single from Zdunich.

Colby continued their surge in the sixth, tying the game at 10 thanks to two bases-loaded walks. Dodge City momentarily reclaimed the lead in the seventh, but Colby answered in the ninth with Galenza’s clutch three-run homer, securing their second straight dramatic win.

Zdunich picked up the save, closing out the game for the Trojans, while Rude delivered another strong relief outing to earn the win.

Game 4: Trojans Edge Conquistadors in a Nail-Biter

The final game of the series was another close contest, but Colby once again found a way to prevail, winning 8-7. This time, it was Turner Zdunich’s RBI double in the eighth inning that proved to be the game-winner.

Dodge City started strong in the second inning, as Cameron Stukenborg launched a three-run homer. Colby fought back in the fifth, taking the lead after run-scoring hits from Padilla, Raphael Ranger, and Charlie Langford.

Dodge City tied the game in the sixth and took a 7-5 lead in the seventh after Jose Alfonso’s home run to center field. However, Colby’s offense came through again in the eighth, as Shane Puckett doubled, and Zdunich’s clutch hit secured the win.

Zdunich earned the win on the mound with two scoreless innings, striking out two. Manny Burguesa took the loss for Dodge City.

Trojans’ Offensive Explosion

Throughout the series, Colby’s lineup was relentless, piling up hits and runs. Several players had standout performances:

• Caden Clifford delivered a monster Game 1 with five RBIs, including a homer and a triple.

• Gavin Galenza came through with a game-winning three-run homer in Game 3.

• Turner Zdunich was clutch in multiple games, both at the plate and on the mound.

• Isaiah Padilla consistently produced, leading the team in hits in multiple games.

Dodge City also showed impressive offensive firepower, particularly from Jose Alfonso, Bynum Martinez, and Juan Concepcion, who all delivered key home runs.

Looking Ahead

With a dominant 4-0 sweep of Dodge City, Colby now turn their focus to their upcoming matchup against McCook on Tuesday. If this series was any indication, fans can expect more explosive offense and thrilling baseball from the Trojans.

This high-scoring series showcased the Trojans’ resilience, depth, and ability to rise to the occasion. Whether it was staging late-game comebacks, delivering in clutch moments, or showing patience at the plate, Colby proved they are a force to be reckoned with this season.