By Taylor Deutscher

The Garden City Wind (5-12) took the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader over the Santa Fe Fuego (8-5) with a score of 4-2 in a seven inning game. The Wind overcame great Fuego pitching for their third straight win in the 10:00 a.m. matchup.

Brandon Nelson recorded the first hit of the game for Garden City as he struck the ball and sent it to left center for a double in the fifth. Pitcher Chip White reached first on a hit by pitch. With the count full, Jacob Gonzalez launched a home run into the trees beyond the right center wall. The rocket gave the Wind their first lead of the game 3-2.

Gonzalez hit his second home run in two games.

Attempting to end Garden City’s brief win streak, Heath Nichols (2-2) racked up 10 strikeouts against the Wind. After retiring the first six batters, Nichols allowed two walks. The bases were loaded with no out in the third, but Nichols and the Fuego defense kept Garden City scoreless going into the fourth.

James Floyd crossed home as Nichols allowed a bases-loaded walk to Gonzalez. The walk ended Nichols’ outing and brought in Briston Clingaman.

Nichols finished up with four runs on five hits and four walks in 5.2 innings pitched.

Winning pitcher White (1-0) made his first start of the season on the mound. He allowed two runs in the first, but held the Fuego scoreless for the next five innings.

Rodney Polonia, who started at second base, moved to the mound to close the game for Garden City. With two on base and two outs, Shea Bell made an incredible dive at shortstop for the final out. Polonia earned the save after allowing just one hit.


Game two of the doubleheader will begin at 6:30 p.m.