5/28/2013-Trigger's Anthony Smith slides into third base safe but was called out by the infield umpire. (Photo by Marty Mayfield)

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

TRINIDAD, Colo. -- Santa Fe came back to Trinidad for the first time in the 2013 season, and both the Trigger and Fuego pitchers threw masterful games, with the home town squeaking out a 3-2 victory.

"It was a well-played baseball game," said Santa Fe manager Bill Moore. "They out-hit us tonight. I thought the pitching was very good from both clubs. Their guy, Tony Smith, threw very well. I think he had nine strikeouts. And our guy, John Sintes, just battled him pitch for pitch. And we just got out hit."

"Tony Smith continues to just be rock solid," agreed Trinidad manager J.D. Droddy. "He pitched a five hitter. Went eight innings. Gave up two runs. James Coon, whos been injured and is still not 100 percent, but hes the best we had in the bullpen and he came in and shut them down with his injured arm."

And thats pretty much the story.

There were no runs and only one hit in the first 2-1/2 innings. In the bottom of the third, Smith and Matt Hunt both singled. (Another example of pitchers hitting well in the Pecos League.) Jacob Fabry reached on a fielders choice and Sam DiMatteo brought in Hunt with a single then Fabry scored on a ground out.

The Fuego got their first run in the fourth when Devonte Odums singled, then, with two outs, Jimmy Maxwell walked and Kyle Zimmerman doubled in Odums.

The nights third story, according to Droddy, was Jason Venya, who returned to the Trigger lineup. With two outs in the bottom of the fourth, Venya homered, making it 3-1 Trinidad.

"He got the night off to a good start," Droddy said. "In his second at bat, he hit a home run which turned out to be the difference in the game. We are so pleased to have Jason back. Were thrilled to have Tony pitching like he does and Im really proud of James Coon, gutting it out with a hurt arm, and he ended up striking out the last batter to put it away."

But before that, Smith went eight, allowing only one more run, a home run by Odums in the eighth. Sintes went the distance for Santa Fe, giving up three runs on eight hits with seven strikeouts, then Coon set the Fuego down 1-2-3 in the ninth for the save.

The other highlight of the game was defense, as both teams played almost error-free ball.

"There was one error combined between the two teams," Moore said. "Our second baseman had a ground ball that he booted. It didnt hurt us. Just baseball."

The division rivals meet again Tuesday at Central Park, and Moore is looking for another strong pitching performance.

"Austin Cardens on the hill for us tomorrow night, and Austins been very good the last two times out," he said. "Hes 2-0, and I dont know the exact number but I think his ERA has gotta be right at 3.00, which if you hold a team to three runs, it gives you a pretty good chance to win. I expect well come out. Weve been here before. Weve lost the first game of a series and come back and taken care of business. And I expect the same from our guys."

First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m.

Phil Grondin contributed to this story