Sports

The Bayfield High School baseball team opened the season in cold and windy conditions Friday at Buena Vista.

The Wolverines responded with a 12-1 victory in six innings.

"It was a good start for us," BHS head coach Ken Hibbard said. "It was challenging ... cold conditions, not being at home. But we won."

Jeff Huffmyer pitched five innings for the Wolverines, allowing only one hit and one run. He struck out nine.

"He was really efficient," Hibbard said.

"He threw strikes. He was around the plate. Very efficient."

Jesse Krueger pitched the sixth inning, recording a strikeout and allowing a hit.

The BHS offense pounded out 14 hits with a lineup that is missing several returning starters, who are playing with the BHS basketball team in the regional playoffs.

"We put the ball in play. We had some young kids step in and do well," Hibbard said.

Sophomore Dustin Benzie stepped in at shortstop and went 2-for-4 with a home run.

Freshman Colt Walker, the starting catcher, went 2-for-3. He drove in two runs with a two-strike hit in the first inning, Hibbard said.

Brenden Harrison had four hits and scored four runs.

Shea Conrad, playing at first base, went 2-for-4 for the Wolverines, 1-0.

"In the first game, you don't know what you're going to get. But this was a good start," Hibbard said.

The Bayfield baseball team will play at 10 a.m. today at Salida.

heraldsports@durangoherald.com