The Grand County High School baseball team won both games of a home double header against Manti on Friday, April 20, further staking its claim as a top contender in 3A.
The Red Devil sluggers won the first game against the Templars 3-1 as senior Masen Ward was the star both on the mound (6.1 innings pitched, six strikeouts) and the plate, smacking in two key runs with a hit down the third base line, while Alec Williams and Josh Jones each got a pair of hits. The Red Devils handed Templar ace Matt Nielsen his first loss of the season.
In the second game, Jones pitched a complete game, striking out four as Grand won 8-1. Bruin Meador and Trevin Packard each got two runs batted in, while Jones helped himself with two hits. Overall, Grand had 12 hits from eight different players. Williams, Hansen and Packard also had multiple base hits.
“Manti is a much better team than their record shows,” Grand baseball coach Jared Meador said. “Our kids really like and respect their athletes.”
Jared Meador praised his defense after giving up only two runs on the day.
“Masen Ward and Josh Jones are true competitors,” he said. “When you combine that with a solid defense, it gives you a shot at winning.”
With a pair of road double headers against region opponents remaining, Grand sits at 15-3 overall, 6-2 in Region 15 play and remains the No. 2 ranked team in 3A by the Deseret News. Grand plays twice at Richfield on Friday, April 27, and twice at San Juan on Tuesday, May 1.
The girls golf team finished in third place at the Hideout in Monticello on Wednesday, April 18, with 224 points, one point behind Emery at 223. Richfield took first at 181 points. Region 15’s girls golf teams are scheduled to meet at the Palisades golf course in Sterling on Thursday, April 26, before the Region 15 Championship tournament on Monday, April 30, at the Carbon Country Club in Price.
The boys soccer and boys tennis teams each went 0-2 this week. In soccer, the Red Devils gave up four second-half goals to North Sanpete to lose 4-3 on Tuesday, April 17. Juan Gonzales had a pair of goals, while Rafe Saunders also scored for the Red Devils. Grand was then shut out in Castle Dale by Emery 1-0 on Thursday, April 19. Grand was scheduled to play at Richfield on Tuesday, April 24, and plays at home versus South Sevier on Thursday, April 26, at 4 p.m.
In boys tennis, Grand lost 5-0 to Manti and 3-2 to North Sanpete on Wednesday, April 18. Elton Kunze-Jones won 6-1, 6-1in No. 1 singles and Kai Wainer won 6-2, 2-6, 6-2 in No. 3 singles against North Sanpete after both players lost against Manti. In No. 2 singles, Tanner Mascaro lost both of his matches, as did Braxten Pierce and Hayden Lance in No. 1 doubles and Cody Johnston and Jamey Mascaro in No. 2 doubles. Grand was scheduled to host San Juan on Tuesday, April 24, and is scheduled to host Richfield and South Sevier on Thursday, April 26. Grand plays Richfield at 10:30 a.m., and South Sevier at 3:30 p.m.
Boys soccer and tennis teams falter, girls golf team takes third
When: Thursday, April 26, 10:30 a.m., and 3:30 p.m.
Where: Grand County High School tennis courts;
enter next to Grand County Middle School, 439 S. 100 East
When: Thursday, April 26, 4 p.m.
Where: Grand County High School soccer pitch, 608 S. 400 East
