Munoz, Bloomfield stay perfect in District 1-4A with win over Kirtland Central

Bloomfield did more than beat a familiar rival Thursday night in Farmington. The Bobcats stayed perfect in District 1-4A with a 9-3 win over Kirtland Central, and Elias Munoz’s complete-game effort kept them in front of a crowded late-season race with four regular-season games left.

Munoz worked through trouble and finished the job, striking out eight, allowing six hits and two walks while going all seven innings. Bloomfield improved to 14-7 overall and 6-0 in district, extending its winning streak to six straight and protecting a one-game lead over Aztec in the standings. Kirtland Central dropped to 7-15 and saw its four-game home winning streak end.

The Bobcats backed Munoz with enough offense to keep the pressure on. Troy Jaramillo went 4-for-4 with two runs and an RBI, while Cable Carruth reached base twice, stole a base, scored once and drove in a run. Gavin Pecotte also drove in a run as Bloomfield built enough separation to keep the Broncos at arm’s length.

Bloomfield coach Anthony Valencia said the standings look better than the team’s overall performance might suggest. “I still don’t think we’re playing our best baseball yet,” Valencia said, adding, “I don’t think we’ve gelled yet as a team but hopefully we’re getting there.” That edge of dissatisfaction matters in a district race where one slip can change seeding, momentum and the path into the postseason.

For Kirtland Central, the loss served as another reminder of how narrow the margin is in late April. The Broncos had been tough at home, but Bloomfield’s win showed why the Bobcats have become the team everyone else in District 1-4A is chasing. Their next district tests, including a trip to Aztec on April 23 and a rematch with Kirtland Central on April 28, will show whether this unbeaten run is simply a strong start or the shape of a true league frontrunner.