The San Benito Haybalers have played one game in the last 11
days
— just two games in the past 18 days — but motivation should not
be lacking when they travel to Las Vegas this week for the 18th
Annual Easter Classic, hosted by Bishop Gorman High School.
HOLLISTER
The San Benito Haybalers have played one game in the last 11 days — just two games in the past 18 days — but motivation should not be lacking when they travel to Las Vegas this week for the 18th Annual Easter Classic, hosted by Bishop Gorman High School.
Big tournament. Big stage. And a chance to play a nationally-ranked opponent all lay on the line.
The Balers will travel to Nevada on Tuesday to take part in the elite 20-team tournament, which will run through Saturday. The team competed at the Las Vegas tournament last year, compiling a 3-1 record after falling in its first game.
San Benito manager Michael Luna last year said a 12-day layoff entering the Las Vegas tournament had an effect on his team’s opening loss to Douglas High of Minden, Nev.
“And this will be 11 days,” Luna said. “I have some concerns being off that many days. We’d like to establish some rhythm and continuity when playing baseball games, and this could have some effect on that … with the lack of playing days.”
Luna noted the team has been conducting intra-squad scrimmages instead, which is “a good thing” for the hitters due to San Benito’s quality pitching staff.
How it all will translate in Nevada remains to be seen, of course.
San Benito will open the tournament against Oaks Christian of Westlake Village on Wednesday at 9 a.m. The Southern California high school is 8-3 and has won seven of its last eight games.
“I know they have a pretty good record,” Luna said. “And they always have a real good sports program.”
Oaks Christian’s football team made a name for itself in the fall when it went 13-1, and boasted of celebrity talent with last names like Montana and Gretzky.
Trevor Gretzky, son of legendary hockey player Wayne Gretzky, plays first base and catcher for Oaks Christian, which is one of six California schools to compete in this year’s tournament.
Others include Santa Fe Christian, Golden Valley, Newbury Park and Menlo — the latter two of which reside on San Benito’s side of the bracket.
Luna said Darin Gillies will start on Wednesday, Bryan Granger will get the nod on Thursday, Kyle Vallejo will be atop the mound on Friday, and the Balers will “piece it together” on Saturday.
Opposite the Balers is the host school, Bishop Gorman, which won the tournament last year when it topped defending champion Newbury Park.
Moreover, Gorman (10-3) was ranked No. 1 in the nation just last week by MaxPreps.com, but is currently ranked No. 24 after dropping a pair of contests at a tournament in Florida.
Nevertheless, the Gaels have won four straight state championships in Nevada.
The Balers, who funded the trip through community donations and several fundraisers throughout the year, will play four games over four days, no matter what the outcomes. But only three straight wins by San Benito to open the Easter Classic will ensure it a bid in the tournament championship, and perhaps even a shot at playing the nationally-ranked host school.
Teams entered in the Easter Classic
Bishop Gorman; Bishop Gorman 2; Bishop Manogue (Nev.); Churchill County (Nev.); Douglas (Nev.); Fraser Valley (British Columbia, Canada); Golden Valley (Calif.); Harrison County (Kent.); Irvine (Calif.); Juan Diego (Utah); Menlo (Calif.); Newbury Park (Calif.); Oaks Christian (Calif.); San Benito (Calif.); Santa Fe Christian (Calif.) Vauxhall (British Columbia, Canada); Westlake (Utah); Wisconsin Lutheran (Wisc.).
