Demon baseball played a double header on April 29 against Rio Grande for their senior games. Both teams were pumping adrenaline, competing for state under the sun in these last games of the season. The Demons lost the first game 10-11, but won the second 8-7.

With both teams playing hard and trading the lead back and forth, the games got nerve-racking. “As soon as Rio Grande got there, we knew it was time to battle,” said pitcher and shortstop Nicholas Sandoval. Both teams’ coaches were trying to not only calm down the players, but also the fans. SFHS coaches were more focused on getting Rio Grande tired to try to get the advantage in the games by working Rio Grande’s pitchers. 

Third baseman Adan Alvarez said, “We came into the game knowing we have to [play] our hearts out. As soon as the game started, it was going to be a very close game from the first innings that we played. Rio Grande knew that we were going to go up there and give it our all.”

The first game lasted 10 innings under the scorching sun. First baseman Ivan Ortega hit two homeruns in the second and fifth innings, keeping the Demons in the game. The teams were tied at the bottom of the seventh. “He was the reason we stayed in that game,” said Nicholas and Adan. The final score was 11-10, with Rio Grande in the lead. 

Throughout the second game, the crowds were louder than ever, trying to keep the boys in good spirits. Even though the Demons were bummed at losing the first game, they came back with even more heat in the second game, determined to win. 

Throughout the games, SFHS challenged Rio Grande with some of their best senior pitchers. Carlos Garcia (CJ), Nicholas, and Adan gave Rio Grande a run for their money. “When it came down to the last four innings, I knew I had to come into the game and pitch the best I could,” stated Adan. “After every inning that I gave up no runs, I was pumped with adrenaline and caffeine.” 

Santa Fe High won the second game 8-7. The team was waiting for this win. “We knew that we had the best offense in the league and it was going to be the hardest game they faced,” stated Ivan. 

The Demons then had to wait to see if they qualified for state. The seniors were hoping to play their final game in Las Cruces, but SFHS did not get into the state tournament. However, three seniors from SFHS were nominated to play in the All-Star game in Las Cruces this June: Carlos (CJ) Garcia, pitcher and center fielder; Adan Alvarez, pitcher and third baseman; and Ivan Ortega, first baseman.