The Rams’ Glenn Sumpter (29) slides safely into second base before La Cueva’s Alex Howard, left, can make the tag in Friday’s semifinal game at Rio Rancho. (Pat Vasquez-Cunningham/Journal)

Top two 5A teams to meet in final

RIO RANCHO — There is not yet an official ranking for Class 5A baseball this season, but if there were one, today’s menu just might be branded as a showdown between No. 1 and No. 2.

The Sal Puentes Invitational on Friday provided for the first time some genuinely suspenseful games, and when the semifinals were completed, left standing were 13-1 Rio Rancho and 11-1 Carlsbad in today’s 11:30 a.m. final.

“We’re excited,” Carlsbad coach Cody May said. “That’s what we were hoping for, was the opportunity to play them.”

The Cavemen squeaked past Cleveland in the semis, while the host Rams edged La Cueva.

RIO RANCHO 3, LA CUEVA 2: As veteran as the Rams are, several newcomers have become unsung, and unexpected, heroes on this team.

On Friday, sophomore Angelo Lujan, in just his second-ever varsity start, had a crucial two-out, two-strike, two-RBI single for the Rams who beat the Bears (6-3) for the second time in a week.

Rio Rancho pitcher Brendan Wanchek, center, high-fives Rams’ coach Ron Murphy, right, after Rio Rancho beat La Cueva on Friday. (Pat Vasquez-Cunningham/Journal)

“That’s been the definition of this team,” Rio Rancho coach Ron Murphy said. “You almost have no fear of who you bring up.”

Lujan had the key swing for the Rams; his clutch hit tied the game 2-2. Rio Rancho junior outfielder Vic Chavez had the game’s pivotal defensive play.

In a 2-2 game in the top of the fourth, La Cueva had runners at first and third with one out. Caleb McAlister lined out to right field to Chavez.

Courtesy runner Alek Gallegos tagged from third, but was gunned down on a brilliant strike — on the fly — from Chavez to catcher Marcus Martinez.

In the Rams’ half of the fourth, Brendan Wanchek’s infield ground ball scored Grant Templin with the go-ahead run. Wanchek (3-1) made that lead stand up, pitching out of trouble in each of the final two innings to close out a complete game. He surrendered seven hits and struck out five.

Rio Rancho also beat La Cueva 11-4 last Saturday.

CARLSBAD 3, CLEVELAND 1: Kain Fierro (2-0) went 6â…” innings for the win and Austin Edwards hit a two-run home run for the Cavemen in their tight victory.

Carlsbad ace left-hander Caleb Prentiss was summoned in the bottom of the seventh to save the game.

The Storm (7-5) had runners at second and third with two outs; Prentiss struck out pinch hitter Jorge Guzman to end the game.

Prentiss (4-0) will start on the bump today in the finals against the Rams, who likely will counter with right-hander Eli Cappello.

Cleveland managed just four hits off Fierro — three of them by Kevin Kilcommons.

Edwards’ blast to left off Royce Cleveland (2-2) was a no-doubter, and also scored Broc Landreth, who led off the third inning with a walk.

NOTES: The Rio Rancho JV, pressed into service on Good Friday since St. Pius could not participate, held its own in the consolation bracket, losing 4-1 to Artesia. The Sartans will return to the bracket today and play in the seventh-place game.

… In addition to Rio Rancho-Carlsbad, Sandia (9-1) visits Volcano Vista at 10 a.m. today in a nondistrict game.
— This article appeared on page D3 of the Albuquerque Journal