Broncbusters Settle for Split After Game 2 Defeat at Otero

Photo by: Adam Shrimplin/Garden City Athletics

La Junta, CO – Garden City Community College built an early lead but could not withstand a pair of big innings from Otero College, falling 11-7 in Game 2 of a road doubleheader Tuesday.

The Broncbusters (19-29, 9-15) secured a split on the day after taking Game 1, but defensive miscues and Otero's middle-inning surge proved costly in the nightcap.

Garden City struck first with a three-run second inning. David Young delivered an RBI double to get the Broncbusters on the board before Will Togher added an RBI single later in the frame to extend the lead.

Otero answered immediately in the bottom half, capitalizing on walks and an error to plate five runs and take control of the game. The Rattlers continued to apply pressure in the fourth inning, erupting for six runs on four hits while taking advantage of additional defensive miscues to push the lead to 11-7.

The Broncbusters responded in the fourth inning behind a big swing from Jakob Wilcox, who launched a three-run home run to cut into the deficit. Garden City added a sacrifice fly earlier in the inning to account for four runs in the frame, trimming the margin to four.

Despite opportunities late, Garden City could not generate another rally over the final three innings, stranding multiple baserunners as Otero held on to secure the win.

Offensively, the Broncbusters totaled seven runs on 10 hits. Wilcox led the way with three RBIs on his home run, while Young and Togher each drove in runs during the early surge.

Key moment
Otero's six-run fourth inning created separation after Garden City had pulled within striking distance.

Key stat
Garden City committed four errors, leading to multiple unearned runs that shifted momentum.

Up next
The Broncbusters travel to face Dodge City Community College for a doubleheader on Thursday, April 23rd. First pitch is set for 12:00 p.m., with Game 2 scheduled for 3:00 p.m.