1 March 2013: After a difficult loss to West Ranch High School in the first round of the 2011-2012 CIF playoffs, the baseball boys look for a fresh beginning in the Inland Valley League for the 2012-2013 season.
Finishing last season 4th place in the Big VIII with a record of 15-12, the team looks to its 19 upperclassmen (21 players on the roster) to lead the way to the playoffs and a potential CIF championship. Pitchers Tanner Roa (11) and Jake Giordano (11) throwing to Kash Mattson (12) behind the plate, look to fill the void of astute graduated pitchers Jeremy Moreno and Justin Magstadt. Also, stepping up to the plate are pivotal infielders Cody Palmer (12) and Luke Navigato (11) who compiled over 30 hits last year. The team will need leaders to produce big numbers especially after losing Griffin Barnes, last year’s shortstop, who averaged a .312 batting average with over 25 runs, to Orange County.
In the outfield, positions are lining up just the way second-year head coach, Gary Voelker would like. Returning outfielder Matthew Ybarra (12) is coming out stronger than ever after concluding his high school football career this fall. The Poly squad has also welcomed senior transfer Tristan Mercadel (12) from Patriot High School, who will create a surge in outfield play level with his quickness on base. Mercadel has also signed his letter of intent to continue his baseball career at Long Beach State next season. Despite losing all-star catcher RJ Ybarra to graduation, a showcase of talent has seemed to emerge for the 2012-2013 season.
The team’s first league game is at home against Canyon Springs on March 20 at 3:15pm.
Updated and written by Chandler Drachslin