3/1: Baseball is a very peculiar and difficult game. Statistically speaking, the Varsity Giants did well in two of the three key categories (hitting and pitching) which would have been enough to beat power house Casa Grande high school. Uncharacteristically, it would be the Giants defense that let them down and as a result, Redwood fell to the Gauchos five to one in the last preseason game before MCAL league play begins next week. With a record of 3-1, Hall of Fame Head Coach, Mike Firenzi, has much to be excited about. “We were off today but I’m not going to let this game get us down. We had a great preseason and have a lot of good things to look back on, we also have a lot to build on and learn from our preseason. I feel good about going into conference play, despite what happened today, we are ready.” Firenzi said after the game.
Senior Jackson Bender struck out five in two innings
Starting pitcher, Kyle Felder, threw two shutout innings, striking out three along the way. Senior, Jackson Bender, was exceptional through two innings of work, striking out five batters. Sophomore, Ben Cohen, was given two innings of work as well, striking out one. Junior ace, Nick Welch, had an inning of work before next weeks MCAL opener against San Marin. The Giants pitching staff is deep and healthy, which counts when it matters in May.
The Giants best opportunity to score came in the fourth inning. First baseman, Jack Morken, started things off with a hard hit single up the middle. Alex Hagen followed Morken with a deep blast into center field, moving Morken to third base. Senior, Sam Warren, did not hesitate and drove a line drive down the first base line, scoring Morken (1-3, Casa). Warren would go on to single in the sixth inning, tallying a team best two hits for the day.
The Giants stumbled defensively at critical times in the contest, committing six errors which accounted for four unearned runs that crossed the plate. There were also many athletic defensive plays in the field, but the weight of the fielding mistakes could not be lifted in effort to mount a comeback (Final Score: 5 to 1, Casa).
Senior Sam Warren led the team with two hits, knocking in the Giants lone run
Coach Firenzi has utilized all his players during the preseason. Platooning athletes into the outfield and infield, including the two Jakes behind the plate as he prepares the team for the long season ahead. The Giants are 3-1 and are well prepared for the 2019 MCAL season.
Todays notables: Sam Warren (2H, 1RBI); Jack Morken (1H, 1Run); Genki LeClair (1H); Zack Gordon (1H); Alex Hagen (1H).
The Varsity Giants start MCAL league play at home versus San Marin next Tuesday March 4th at Moody Field. First Pitch – 3:30 p.m. Go Giants!