Bulldogs go 1-1 in season opener at home

The returning State Champion Haxtun Bulldogs took the diamond for the first time since clinching the 2023 State title last spring. A home opener against the Holyoke Dragons on Saturday kicked off the season for the team that boasts more than 30 on the roster. The Bulldogs are led by returning coaches Trent Ham, Ryan Nolin and Rob Martinez.

Haxtun took down the neighboring Dragons in game one of a double header on a chilly, windy spring Saturday in true northeastern Colorado fashion.

The Bulldogs went up early, one run to none, in the first inning but Holyoke took the advantage later in the top of the third. Haxtun added two runs in the bottom of that inning to regain the lead. Three additional runs in the fifth and one in the sixth gave Haxtun the 7-5 league win.

The score of the second game resembled more of a fall football game rather than a spring baseball contest as both teams added several runs in the first inning. Haxtun put up two in the first followed by four in the second, one in the third and five in the fourth to give the home team 12 on the board. In the final innings, both teams' pitchers battled on the mound, ultimately allowing the Dragons a 23-20 victory.

This week the Bulldogs are set to host the Tigers from Wiggins for double-header action on Saturday. According to MaxPreps, the Wiggins is currently 0-4. The Tigers opened their season with losses to Limon, Caliche and Merino.