Pocatello High School’s baseball program marked a milestone Thursday afternoon, but the celebration was tempered by a lopsided loss to Highland in the inaugural game at Rails West Field.
The Thunder fell 10-1 to their crosstown rivals in what was billed as the grand opening of Pocatello’s first dedicated home baseball facility. Despite the outcome, Thunder head coach Vinnie Benavidez said the new ballpark represents a significant step forward for his program.
“I’ve been here for 20-plus years and finally getting to call our field our own home, instead of over at Halliwell,” Benavidez said following the contest. “This is ours, we can take pride, and that’s pretty easy.”
First True Home Field for Thunder Program
Rails West Field features distinctive blue infield turf, newly constructed dugouts, and an outfield with dimensions that exceed 400 feet to the deepest part of center field. A press box is under construction atop the first-base dugout.
The expansive outfield drew immediate attention in the opening inning when Highland batters Cooper Colonel and Kai Jones drove pitches from Thunder starter Jordan Wilde deep into center field. Jones connected on what he later described as the hardest ball he has ever hit that failed to leave the park, settling for a double when Pocatello center fielder Quinn MacRory’s leaping attempt came up short.
Jones momentarily broke into a home-run trot before realizing the ball had stayed in play. He attempted to stretch the hit into a triple but was thrown out at third base.
Rams Pitcher Dominates in Rare Start
Highland’s Cannon Eddie, the reigning All-Conference Player of the Year who typically contributes as a catcher and hitter, made an unusual start on the mound for the Rams. Eddie delivered 4⅔ scoreless innings, retiring 11 of the final 13 batters he faced while working around two defensive errors.
When Highland head coach Christian Colonel removed Eddie with two outs in the fifth inning and no runners on base, the competitive pitcher appeared to lobby for the chance to complete the frame. Colonel said after the game that preserving Eddie’s arm health took priority over allowing him to finish the inning.
“To be honest with you, I probably should have taken him out of the game and not had him catch,” Colonel said. “We need him to be healthy the rest of the way.”
Eddie’s throwing arm is critical to Highland’s defensive scheme because of his ability to control the running game from behind the plate.
Offensive Production Carries Highland
Jones paced the Rams’ offense with three hits, including a triple that also sailed over MacRory’s head in center field. He scored twice and drove in two runs. Cooper Colonel added two hits including a double, scoring twice in the victory.
Eddie, despite his pitching success, went hitless at the plate.
Pocatello entered the game with an 8-7 overall record and 0-0 conference mark. Highland improved to 8-8 overall and 3-2 in conference play.
What Comes Next
The Thunder will look to rebound from the opening-day loss at their new facility as they continue High Country Conference play. Pocatello’s coaching staff said players have expressed pride in the new field when talking with friends, family, and opponents, and the team has worked to maintain and care for the facility.
Both Pocatello and Highland will continue their seasons with conference games in the coming weeks as the region’s baseball programs compete for playoff positioning heading into the postseason.