| Troy Grundy prepares to pitch to a Region 8 opponent during a game last year. |
The Carbon High Dinos look forward to kicking off season action later this week as the team prepares to host Emery High Friday afternoon.
The Dinos finished the preseason by competing in the annual Montrose tournament last weekend.
Before hitting the road bound for Colorado, the Dinos stopped in Spanish Fork on Wednesday to take on the Dons.
The Dinos ended the game on the short end of the stick as they lost to Spanish, 6-4.
“Our offense is coming around and defensivley, I think we are prepared for the season,” explained Dino coach, Lane Herrick.
The Carbon team kicked off the Montrose tourney by competing against Colorado team, Glenwood.
Jamal Lewis pitched a good game as the Dinos finished their first tourney game with a 9-3 victory.
The Dinos then moved on to compete against last year’s Colorado 4A state champion, Lakewood.
“We played quite well and came back to beat Lakewood, 9-6,” explained Herrick.
Troy Grundy along with Tommy Larsen each pitched in the game and each did quite well.
Herrick explained that the Dinos were down by one run in the final inning. Freshman, Chase Julian stepped up to bat and hit a homer for the Dinos which tied the game.
Carbon then continued to hit the ball well as they went up by three runs to win the ball game.
The Dinos then moved on to compete against host team, Montrose.
“We struggled at the pitching mound to begin the game. It was a slow start as we gave up eight runs in the first inning,” explained Herrick.
The Dinos rallied later in the game to come back from behind.
Although the Carbon team lost the ball game, 11-9, the team did complete the two day event as tourney champions with a 2-1 record.
Dino Mike Smith was named tournament MVP for his strong performance.
Smith not only pitched for the Dinos, but he also had two triples, three doubles and two singles during the annual tournament.
“I think that we’re ready for the season. We have played well and have come a long ways in the past several weeks. We look forward to playing for the first time at home later this week and Emery is always a big game for us,” explained Herrick.