Broncbusters Explode for Seven-Run Third in Game 2 Win Over Otero
Photo by: Adam Shrimplin/Garden City Athletics
La Junta, CO – Garden City Community College used a dominant middle-inning surge to power past Otero College, 14-4, in Game 2 of a doubleheader Tuesday.
The Broncbusters (14-21), (6-10) broke the game open with a seven-run third inning and never looked back, finishing with 14 runs on nine hits while taking advantage of Otero miscues throughout the afternoon.
After an eventful first inning that saw Garden City plate three runs without a hit, Otero answered with four runs—three unearned—to briefly take the lead. The Broncbusters quickly regained control in the second and third innings, beginning with Mason Tafoya's triple and run scored in the second before erupting in the third.
Garden City sent 11 batters to the plate in the third inning, scoring seven runs on four hits. Tafoya drove in a run with a single, Sean Togher added an RBI after being hit by a pitch, and Sean Philpotts delivered a key two-run single. Aiden Wilson capped the inning with a two-run double, pushing the Broncbusters in front for good.
Tafoya led the offensive charge, finishing with a triple and two home runs while driving in multiple runs. Wilson added a home run and four RBI, while Philpotts contributed a multi-RBI effort. Will Togher chipped in with a double as part of a balanced attack.
Garden City continued to add on late, with Tafoya launching his second home run of the game in the sixth and Wilson adding a solo shot earlier in the fifth.
On the mound, the Broncbusters settled in after a shaky first inning. Dominic Skjonsberg closed the door with a scoreless outing in relief, helping secure the run-rule victory.
Key moment
Garden City's seven-run third inning flipped the game and created separation, turning a one-run deficit into a commanding lead.
Key stat
The Broncbusters scored 14 runs despite recording just nine hits, capitalizing on hit-by-pitches, walks, and Otero errors to generate offense.
Up next, the Broncbusters return home to face Colby Community College, Thursday, April 2. First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m., with Game 2 scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
