The Lobos take in the action from the dugout rail during Monday’s game vs. Ray. Photo by Dave Lumia 
Sophomore Matt Young delivers a pitch in the third inning. Photo by Dave Lumia 
Noah Gallardo fields a groundball prior to recording a forceout at third base. Photo by Dave Lumia 
Catcher Patrick Rohde elicits a smile from coach Ryan Shore as he comes out for a mound visit with pitcher Kannon Shore. Photo by Dave Lumia
The Patagonia Lobos enter April ranked 15th in the Class 1A state baseball rankings, leaving them in reach of qualifying for the state tournament for the first time since 2021.
The Lobos have a 5-4 record with eight games remaining as they try to secure one of 16 state tournament berths. Only two of the eight games are on their home field, where they have won five of seven over the season’s first five weeks.
The five wins represent a dramatic improvement over recent seasons – the Lobos had three wins total for the previous three seasons – but they have struggled against tougher competition over the past two weeks. Patagonia lost 13-4 at ninth-ranked Duncan on Friday and was trailing 10-0 against eighth-ranked Ray when Monday’s game was canceled after three innings due to rain and lightning.
The remaining schedule will be a good test of the Lobos’ tournament worthiness. They have two games to play (one home and one away) against 12th/-ranked St. David , and one each against No. 16 Valley Union, No. 17 Fort Thomas, No. 19 San Simon and No. 20 Baboquivari, all on the road.
They are back in action on Monday, April 6, with a home game against St. David. The other remaining home game is a rematch against Duncan on April 22.