March 10, 2017-The JV Giants dropped their final pre-season game to Monte Vista High School from Danville, 6-2. Redwood head coach, Billy Jack Ryan, used every available player Friday evening, in preparation for the 2017 regular season, which starts next Tuesday at Moody Field vs. San Marin High School. In their final pre-season match, Haiden Jones, Erik Simonson, Jeremy Sellier, Ryan Jessen, Cole Zesiger, Maxim Kawashima and Jackson Bender combined to throw an 87 pitch, four-hitter in the losing effort.

Defensively, the Giants committed two errors which allowed some unearned runs to cross home plate. Nonetheless, Redwood out-hit Monte Vista 6-4. Jackson Barry and Jack Morken combined for four of the six Redwood hits, with Jake Nordstrom and Maxim Kawashima each adding one. Sam Warren and Jack Morken had the only RBI’s on the day, each with one.

The Giants only scoring occurred in the fourth inning. Jake Nordstrom started things off with a double to left-field. Jackson Barry followed with a single to right. Barry would steal second, putting runners in scoring position for Sam Warren. Sam’s sac-fly to center-field would score Nordstrom. (3-1, Monte Vista). Jack Morken then put the ball in play down the first base line, dropping safely in right-field and scoring Barry (3-2, Monte Vista). The score would not hold, however, and the Giants would not come roaring back like they have in their previous games, allowing three runs to score in the bottom half of the frame, despite a great defensive play in left-field by Jacob Klionsky. (6-2, Monte Vista).

On the whole, the Giants 6-1 pre-season record is impressive, with huge wins over Serra, Bishop O’Dowd, Petaluma and Casa Grande. The team can score from anywhere in the batting order and, on any given day, the depth on this team shows-both offensively and defensively. With the return of pitcher, Robbie Wilson, from the IR expected next week, the Giants will only add to their depth.

Kyle Felder is anticipated to start on the hill for the Giants MCAL season opener next week vs. San Marin. With such an impressive squad, the Giants are sure to compete for a MCAL championship.

Monte Vista pictures to be found at:  http://www.jordanwarren.photography/p843638191