JT Keith
 
Artesia Daily Press
 
jtkeith@elritomedia.com
 

For Artesia first-year baseball coach Jackson Bickel, the road to the district championship goes through Mack Chase Complex. 

The team struggled last season with 17-14 overall record and a 7-2 second-place finish in districts in 2023-2024.

The Bulldogs fired shots in District 4-4A play over the weekend. In the opening series of district play against the Portales Rams on Friday and Saturday, the three-game set went like this: Artesia 24-1, 13-3, and 13-1. 

Artesia scored 50 runs to five against Portales and played neck-and-neck with 5A powerhouse Carlsbad as pitcher Daelon Pacheco threw a six-hitter and gave up two runs on April 11.

Bickel talked about what the Bulldogs need to win the district and have a shot at winning the state title. 

“To succeed in the district play and beyond, we need to focus on the fundamentals,” Bickel said. “We need solid defense, timely hitting, and smart base running.”

Artesia, 14-6 overall and 3-0 District 4-4A, is in first place, with Goddard 2-1 in second place. 

The Bulldogs face the Lovington Wildcats at Mack Chase Complex at 5 p.m. Thursday with six games to play in the regular season. 

With a challenging non-conference schedule, Bickel said he did that intentionally to prepare his team for district play. 

In the weekend series, the Bulldogs are ranked No.1 in the New Mexico Coaches Poll, which Bickel said is a testament to the team’s hard work.

One of the things that has been an adjustment for Bickel going from assistant coach to head coach, has been learning how to administer the team beyond its performance on the field. 

“I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the broader responsibilities involved,” Bickel said. “From administrative tasks to being the primary decision-maker during games. It has challenged me to grow as a leader and to develop a more comprehensive perspective on team management.”

With just six games left in the regular season, look for the Bulldogs to continue to explode at the plate and play shutout defense. 

“Consistency is key,” Bickel said. “We must continue to support each other as a team, staying mentally tough through the ups and downs of the game.”

jtkeith can be reached at 575-420-0061, or X @JTKEITH1