Luna weighing Canez v. McFall pick for starter against No. 6
Santa Teresa; coach wants ace sharp for potential semifinal
Hollister – After San Benito’s 18-1 thrashing of Oak Grove on Wednesday, the Haybalers find themselves in an enviable situation – they have an abundance of fresh arms. Set to face Santa Teresa in the Central Coast Section Division I baseball quarterfinals on Saturday, No. 3 San Benito will have each of its top-three pitchers at its disposal.
Thanks to an all-out offensive assault on Oak Grove’s pitching staff, the ‘Balers were able to pull ace Breyon Canez after just three innings. While San Benito (24-4) scored four runs in its opening at-bat and then added eight more in the third, Canez held the No. 13 Eagles hitless and allowed just one baserunner before turning the ball over to fellow senior Ryan McFall.
After throwing just 27 pitches against Oak Grove, Canez said he would be ready to take the ball again against No. 6 Santa Teresa.
“I’ll be ready to start that game if (head coach Michael Luna) wants me to,” the left-hander said.
Canez’s track record suggests the San Benito coaching staff would want him to start whenever he is able. The returning first-team All Tri-County Athletic League selection is undefeated at 10-0 on the season, with a minuscule ERA of 1.80. In his 13 starts, the ‘Balers are 12-1.
But part of Luna’s logic in starting Canez in the first round was to ensure that he would be available to start in a potential semifinal contest against Bellarmine (31-4) next Wednesday. Throwing deep into the game against Santa Teresa (20-6) would virtually preclude Canez from playing a meaningful role on the hill just four days later.
McFall (6-0, 2.10 ERA) has exceeded expectations all season and has provided the ‘Balers with the solid second starter they need. The right-hander would have gotten the call on Saturday had Canez thrown a traditional 80+ pitch game against Oak Grove, but San Benito’s offensive explosion afforded Luna the opportunity to alter the rotation.
“I still have a decision to make,” the San Benito coach said when asked how he would align his pitching staff for the Saints. “I’m leaning towards starting Canez and going from there. Not that we don’t have confidence in McFall … (but) with Breyon on the mound, it just seems to raise the level. I’m not going to hesitate to bring in McFall or even Zach Canez.”
Zach, Breyon’s younger brother, threw the fifth inning against Oak Grove and has enjoyed a productive season as a starter and reliever. The sophomore has compiled a 4-2 record and a 2.30 ERA, while also notching five saves.
Luna said his decision will also be influenced by how his choice of a starter alters the team’s lineup. The San Benito coach expects a much closer game against Santa Teresa, noting the Saints’ six-game winning streak and tendency to play low-scoring ballgames, which would seem to suggest the elder Canez will get the call.
Should Canez – who will bat second regardless – start on the mound, Luna could put both first baseman Brian Haggett and designated hitter Sky Valenzuela in the lineup. But if McFall is to pitch, thus moving Canez to first, the ‘Balers would have to decide between Haggett or Valenzuela for DH.
“(Starting Canez on the mound) makes it a little easier for me as far as the offensive lineup,” Luna said.
Asked how much the desire to have his ace rested and ready for a potential semifinal start plays into his decision, the San Benito coach said, “It still plays a factor.
“If I decide to start Canez on Saturday, I’m looking to go maybe two or three innings, and see where it goes from there. Still have Canez ready to go on Wednesday.”
For his part, McFall said he was ready to do whatever was needed to get his team to the next round.
“All hands on deck works,” said McFall who pitched a one-hit, no-run fourth inning on Wednesday. “We can go with it. That way everybody’s arm will be fresh; nobody will be sore.”
The San Benito–Santa Teresa contest starts at 10am on Saturday at PAL Stadium in San Jose.
