Finding the right mix

If Tuesday's first start for Dexter Price was any indication, Air Academy will have the starting pitching and the run support it needs for a successful baseball season. 
  
Price pitched four scoreless innings in a 9-6 win over the Brighton Bulldogs in the Kadets' home opener. 
  
It was Price's first start after pitching an inning in relief in a win Saturday. He recorded seven strikeouts and one walk. 
  
"I was anxious to get back on the mound and it's reassuring when you have a good defense behind you," he said. 
  
The 6-foot-6 senior, who has signed to play baseball for Auburn, said he didn't feel his best since coming back from basketball so quickly, but that it would only take him a few more starts. Price also hit a double and triple. 
  
The Pikes Peak No. 1 Kadets have scored 23 runs in two wins. Coach Glenn Millhauser said that once Price settles in, the Kadets will have enough hitting to enjoy a successful season. 
  
"I wouldn't want to pitch against our lineup," he said. "Some teams have a good top of the lineup or bottom, but I could flip a coin with these guys." 
  
The Kadets (2-0) scored seven in the second inning to put themselves in control early, sparked by a two-run homer by Greg Volz. 
  
"We're predicted to have a good season," said Volz, who went 2-for-2 with a walk. "It's always good to be able to back up Dexter." 
  
Brighton starting pitcher Timmy Martinez pitched just 23 innings after allowing seven runs on nine hits, including four for extra bases. 
  
Kadets second baseman Ross Yeager had a multihit game with two doubles. Center fielder Ron Burton singled, drove in a run, and scored. 
  
"When you put the ball in play, big things will happen, especially for a team like Air Academy," Bulldogs coach Tyler Sheppler said. 
  
The Bulldogs (1-1) made it 7-2 on a two-run homer by second baseman Kyle Watts off of reliever Ryan Parker, who started the fifth inning. 
  
Air Academy scored twice in the bottom of the fifth for a 9-2 lead. That proved important after Martinez hit a two-run, two-out triple in the seventh off Kadets reliever Bob Terry, who had struck out the first two Bulldogs he faced before allowing four runs on four hits.