Durango regroups in summer ball

Spencer Patterson

Friday, June 9, 2000 | 11:05 a.m.

The 2000 prep baseball season couldn't have ended in more heartbreaking fashion for the Durango Trailblazers.

Three outs from a state championship matchup against Silverado, the Blazers lost their chance to play for the title when they left their dugout during an incident with Reno.

The contest was ruled a double forfeit, and Durango's coaches, players and fans were left wondering about what might have been.

So far this summer, the Trailblazers are doing their best to ease those painful memories. The team is off to a red-hot 17-1 start to the American Legion season through Thursday's action.

Among those 17 wins is a doubleheader sweep over the Skyhawks, with the Blazers posting 15-5 and 14-7 victories over the 4A champs. But Durango Legion coach Tom Appleyard is quick to point out that Silverado is without most of its graduated seniors, including Ryan Ruiz, Robbie Van, Tommy Rojas and Jeremy West, none of whom are playing Legion ball this summer.

"Both teams are completely different," said Appleyard, whose Durango squad is also without several key players, including shortstop Brandon Perry. "I'm sure if Silverado would have had all their players and Durango had had all their players, it might have been different.

"But they just approached it like it was just another ballgame."

Appleyard said that for many Trailblazers, the summer season has provided an opportunity to put the spring season behind them.

"I'm sure inside they wish they could have played for a state championship, but it seems like they've moved on," Appleyard said. "Players like Chris Kelly, E.J. Shanks and Nate Bumstead have just come out to play and have some fun. I think it's done them good to get back on the field."

The Trailblazers' only loss was to Basic, 3-2.

At regular season's end, the top six clubs in Southern Nevada will receive automatic berths into the state tournament. Reno High will represent Northern Nevada once again, leaving one spot in the eight-team state tourney.

The remaining 13 local squads will battle it out in the district tournament for that final berth.

Valley High is the only local school not to field a legion club this summer, although the Vikings' home field will be used for league action. Desert Pines and Boulder City opted to participate only in junior varsity play this year.