Hitting? Check. Defense? Check. Pitching? Well … stay tuned.
With the San Benito baseball team set to open its Tri-County Athletic League at Gilroy on Monday, Haybalers head coach Michael Luna highlighted one unknown for his team.
“My biggest concern going into the season is our lack of experience on the mound,” said Luna.
The ‘Balers’ staff will be anchored by returning TCAL First Team All League lefthander Breyon Canez, but otherwise has precious few seasoned arms to turn to.
Likely No. 2 starter Ryan McFall, a senior, threw less than 10 innings for the ‘Balers last year, and sophomore Zach Canez, Breyon’s brother, is one of San Benito’s other hurlers who has talent that Luna hopes translates into quality performances.
Early results on the hill bode well for San Benito. The ‘Balers’ formidable offense was complemented by solid performances by the team’s pitchers as San Benito took second place in the Pacific Grove Tournament last weekend.
“I was very happy and pleasantly surprised by the way we pitched throughout the tournament,” said Luna, whose team lost to Carmel, 7-4, in the championship game last Friday.
Behind an offense that has scored over seven runs per game, San Benito had won its first four games before falling to the Padres. Despite returning just two starters from last year’s runner-up finisher in the TCAL, the Haybalers looked poised to again challenge for the league crown.
“We’re a very versatile team,” said Luna. “We have a lot of interchangeable parts. I think we’re a little better offensively than last year’s team. This year, we’re putting up some good numbers and swinging the bat pretty well. … I think we’re even better defensively.
“Saying that, I think our pitching was better last year. We don’t have any proven guys yet.”
With senior second baseman Karson Klauer, another returning TCAL First Team All League player, off to a smoking start at the plate, and clean-up hitter Travis Ross and Hawaiian addition Sky Valenzuela adding some serious pop, Luna likes his team’s make-up at the plate.
Through the ‘Balers’ first five games, Klauer is hitting close to .600, with two home runs and two doubles. Valenzuela’s 2-4 debut against Carmel has Luna expecting big things from his senior shortstop.
Even though San Benito returns just eight players from last year’s team that finished 22-9 and came within a regular season-ending loss to Live Oak of tying the Acorns for the TCAL title, Luna says the ‘Balers have a unique character.
“So many people underestimate chemistry, but the chemistry has been unbelievable,” said Luna, whose 2005 team lost in the first round of the CCS playoffs to St. Francis. “They’re hard-working kids. They really get after it. They have a real passion for the game. It’s the thing coaches always dream of.”
The ‘Balers’ resolve will be tested early. On Tuesday, senior first baseman Jeremy Bosio broke his left wrist in a freak accident during practice and looks to be sidelined for a minimum of six weeks. Citing Bosio’s outstanding defense in particular, Luna said, “Those are some big shoes to fill right now.”
Among the candidates to assume first sack duties include recent basketball additions Brian Haggett and Kevin Medeiros. Breyon Canez will start at first during games he does not pitch, but Luna knows his ace’s biggest impact will come on the mound.
“He’ll definitely be our No. 1 or go-to guy,” said San Benito’s coach. “Besides him, everyone else has [no] or very little varsity experience. With him on the bump, we like our chances. He’s going to go out there and compete; give us a chance to win every time he’s on the mound.”
Heading into his team’s TCAL opener, Luna noted Palma’s offensive firepower as impressive, but said the ‘Balers have as good of a shot as anyone.
“Live Oak, Gilroy, Salinas, Palma … I think it’s going to be a five-team race,” said Luna. “I still like our chances of winning the league title.”
