Golden Eagles fly past Cougars for third-straight TRAC victory

Golden Eagles meet on the mound during the final innings of their 9-6 win over Clovis High. NUGESSE GHEBRENDRIAS/CLOVIS ROUNDUP

The Tri-River Athletic Conference can be a black and blue league for any team, and for Clovis West, that speaks true.

After back-to-back losses to open league play, the Golden Eagles responded with three straight victories, including Clovis North on Tuesday, and Friday night against Clovis with a score of 9-6.

“In our league, everybody beats up on each other and we knew after two games, there was a lot of baseball left to play. I’m really proud with the way we bounced back,” Clovis West head coach Kevin Patrick said. “We had a great comeback win against Clovis East and two big wins this week, so I’m proud of our guys.”

It was a hectic start for both teams as they combined for 12 runs in the first two innings. Clovis’ Darrien Miller homered to open the game.

Despite the early 1-0 lead after Miller’s homerun in the top of the first, Clovis West responded with a five-run inning. The first five Golden Eagles to reach the batter’s box got on base. Clovis West managed six hits, including an RBI double by Ixan Henderson.

Clovis West had a 5-1 lead, but the Cougars offense was ready for their chance to make a statement in the top of the second inning. Although the Cougars only recorded two hits in the inning, they scored four runs. The Clovis West pitching staff hit two batters and allowed a walk, giving Clovis an avenue back into the game.

Unsurprisingly, there were more runs scored in the bottom of the second. The Golden Eagles benefitted from two of their own players being hit. Karson Simas was hit twice in the first two innings, but he shrugged off the bad luck as he stole home plate.

Clovis West added another run to take a 7-5 lead heading into the third.

“A little too long for me,” Patrick joked about the first two innings of the game. “We have to pitch a little bit better, but our guys out of the bullpen really picked us up tonight and did a great job.”

Art Navarette went three strong innings of relief, allowing only a single run to shut down the Cougars. Clovis West added two more runs in the fourth and sixth inning to wrap up the game.

Their offense was led by Michael Garabedian, who had two hits and three runs and Bradley Senneway, who had two hits and two RBI.

The Golden Eagles are now in a tie for second place with Clovis North at 3-2 in the TRAC.

For the past three years, Nugesse has been a vital part of the Madera Tribune covering sports, news, entertainment and feature writing. Nugesse’s ability to interact with the community allows him to promote students, athletes and community members with fairness and objectivity. We are happy to have Nugesse join our team here at the Clovis Roundup.