09/18/12

High School Notes

Accusations of illegal recruiting against Sheldon High varsity coach Mike Hughes were found unproven and Hughes will once lead the Huskies baseball program in 2013, school principal Paula Duncan announced last week.

In a report by John Hull of the Elk Grove Citizen, Duncan said last Thursday that her three-week investigation found little evidence to back claims by parents of recruiting and other alleged improprieties with the baseball program.

“I have interviewed many students. I have looked into the allegations. I can tell you there is nothing that sustains any recruiting,” she said, according to the Citizen.

For the complete story go the Elk Grove Citizen story by Hull.

Also, you can read Hull's original report when the news first broke in August in our High School section.

08/20/12

High School Summer Showcases

Dom Nunez (Elk Grove High) yesterday had a sacrifice fly and two walks in the USA 18U team's 11-5 victory over a Red Sox Scout team as part of the USA team trials.

The game was held at Fullerton State's home park Goodwin Field, where Dom's former Herd teammate J.D. Davis will play his sophomore season in 2013. Davis, on scholarship to the Titans, is a two-way player. The two squads hook up again this evening at Fullerton State.

Nunez is one of 28 players hoping to be selected for one of the final 20 roster spots on the 2012 USA Baseball 18U National Team. In 2012, the 18U National Team will compete in the IBAF 'AAA'/18U World Championships in Seoul, Korea.

Last year, Nunez represented the USA 16U gold-medal team.

08/15/12

High School Notes

There's trouble brewing on the Sheldon campus.

As reported by John Hull in the Elk Grove Citizen, parents of select baseball players have demanded that Athletic Director Denise Aguilar fire head coach Mike Hughes for alleged illegal recruiting violations.

Hughes and his son Doug (who also assists at Sheldon High varsity) are accused of using their summer club "River City Outlaws" as a recruitment tool for future spots on the Sheldon High varsity. One parent said if Hughes isn’t removed, he and the other parents will call for a boycott of the Sheldon baseball program.

Sheldon was 12-15 overall in 2012 finishing fifth in the Delta River standings with a 3-12 record.

Check out Hull's report, as this could be a big development.

08/13/12

Next Day Game Notes

Reached the next day, Rowdy Tellez sounded tired, but happy that his 7th-inning triple knocked in the go ahead runs for the West team's 7-6 victory in the PG All-American Classic.

"I wasn't expecting to hit a triple," Tellez said. "It was a 93-mile-per-hour fastball."

Asked to describe the pitch he struck out on by left-hander Robert Kaminski of the East team in the first inning, Tellez said, "I've never seen a better curve ball."

Tellez enjoyed the experience of reacquainting with these high school stars from across the nation, many of which he played with/against this summer in other PG-sponsored showcase events. "It was great to see friends from all over the United States. I roomed with Nick Ciuffo from South Carolina" the East's starting catcher. "It was pretty cool," he said of the arrangement for East and West players to share a room in an effort to build cross-sectional personal bonds.

In the Rawlings Home Run Challenge--both prelims and finals--Tellez surprisingly didn't hit one home run. In June, he impressed everyone by winning the Home Run Derby with several upper-deck shots in the Metrodome in Minneapolis. "Wasn't my time," he said with resignation.

Asked if the left arm injury may have affected his swing, Tellez wouldn't use it as an excuse for the dearth of long balls. He did add "I wouldn't say I'm healed, but I'm better." Tellez sustained the arm injury in the Sac-Joaquin playoffs after walking the first batter in a Division I playoff game against Napa. He actually experienced the injury by falling off of a chair at home days earlier. Elk Grove coach Jeff Carlson replaced Tellez on the mound with junior right-hander David Smith, who proceeded to pitch a seven-inning no-hitter.

Earlier in the week Tellez and five other locals (see below) participated in the Area Code Games in Long Beach. There he went hitless in five at-bats. Due to the injury, Rowdy was used exclusively as a designated hitter and got fewer at-bats this year than last. "There were far more players on the club than last year," he said. "They were throwing guys in the lineup and (in the DH role) it was harder for me to get acclimated," he explained. "It was hard, not taking the field and being in the game the whole time. Just DH-ing was like pinch-hitting every at-bat."

The PG All-American Classic is the preeminent All-Star showcase for high school players. Tellez and his father talked with numerous major league cross-checkers and scouting directors at this event who are anxious to determine Tellez "signability" situation, a factor that often determines how high a prospect will be taken in the MLB draft. Tellez has been touted as a bona fide number-one draft pick in 2013.

Tellez, however, has given a verbal commitment to play for University of Southern California. Ryan made a trip to the Trojans campus, marveling at the school's new weight room. "It was awesome; it's the nicest and most expensive one in college." He also visited with the coaching staff, who are obviously hoping he will forego signing a professional contract next summer.

Time will tell if Rowdy becomes the area's next number-one selection since 2009 when Tim Wheeler was drafted in the first round by Colorado. Wheeler is currently playing outfield for the Rockie's Triple-A team in Colorado Springs.

08/12/12

PG All-American Classic -- Sunday 08/12/12

TELLEZ 2-RUN TRIPLE WINS IT FOR WEST

Rowdy Tellez hit a two-run triple with two men on to deliver the game-tying and go-ahead runs in the top of the seventh inning for a West team 7-6 win in the 10th PG All-American Classic game at Petco Park.

Tellez' long blow rolled all the way to the left field wall, allowing Stephen Gonsalves and Kacy Clemens to score.

The West trailed through most of the game. The East squad sent out left-handers by the bushel, quieting the West's predominantly left-handed swinging lineup. Tellez was 0-2 for the night until his big blow in the seventh inning. Clemens, the youngest son of retired major league pitcher Roger Clemens, earned the save in relief.

In his first at-bat for the West team, Rowdy Tellez struck out on a devastating curve from southpaw Robert Kaminski to end the inning. Tellez was penciled in as the West's Designated Hitter.

Kaminski last night was honored with the Baseball America Pitcher of the Year award.

In his second at-bat, Tellez hit a deep drive to the left field foul area, where Josh Hart made a great catch against the wall.

The PG All-American Classic (formerly the Aflac All-American Classic) is the nation's premier showcase event where 48 of the nation's top incoming high school seniors compete at San Diego's Petco Park. The West now leads the series 5-4-1.

High School Showcase News

Herd's Tellez Performs at Area Code Games and PG All-American Classic

by Rick Cabral

Rowdy Tellez is enjoying a memorable week in his prep career.

The southpaw slugger just finished participating in his second Area Code Games in Long Beach. Tellez, along with five other locals, played on the Athletics team (See below). Rowdy and papa Greg left early for San Diego for the prestigious PerfectGame All-American Classic pre-game activities. The main contest is scheduled for this evening at Petco Park.

The Perfect Game All-American Classic: Presented by Rawlings at Petco Park is being televised today at 6 p.m. on CBS Sports . It can be seen in the Sacramento area on DirecTV: Channel 613, Dish Network: CHANNEL 158, 9495 & 158(HD) and Comcast: CHANNEL 418 & 732(HD).

2012 Area Code Games—Long Beach

In the Area Code Games, Tellez went hitless in just five at bats. Greg Tellez said his son has fully recovered from the arm injury that knocked him off the mound in a Division I playoff contest last spring.

Joining Tellez on the Athletics at the Area Code Games were Elk Grove teammate Dom Nunez (UTL); Cooper Goldby (C) and Chandler Eden (P) from Yuba City High; Aaron Knapp (OF), Granite Bay High and Marcus Vidales (OF), Pioneer High, Woodland. The Athletics finished second in the competition with a 2-2-1 record.

Nunez, who played shortstop for the Athletics team and went 3x7, now heads to Cary, North Carolina for the final round of tryouts for the USA 18U team.

Each of the players above will be seniors next season.

07/11/12

Youth Ball Notes

Sacramento Senior Babe Ruth All-Star Team placed second in the state tournament in Antioch last week and is advancing to the Babe Ruth Western Regional Tournament in Watsonville beginning this Thursday.

The All-Star team is comprised of players from five teams within the league that plays its games at McAuliffe Field near Sacramento State.

The roster includes players from all over the area, including: Sal Barajas and Danny Duran (Sac City/Johnson High); Brett Pankow (Ponderosa); Mike Valli (McClatchy); Maurice Rodriguez (River City); Eldrin Flores (Christian Bros); Pete Cardinale (Rio Americano) and Alex Nieto (Natomas High) among others.

This is the third time in the last five years the Sac Senior Babe Ruthers have made the Regionals and competed for the title. “Our team is very deep and solid,” says coach Barry Worthington.

Their first game is on Thursday against a team from Arizona.

07/04/12

High School Accolades and Showcases

The recognition and awards just keep coming for Rowdy Tellez of Elk Grove, who has been invited to play in the 2012 Perfect Game All-American Classic, a high school showcase featuring the nation's top talent.

The East versus West contest, which will be televised, is scheduled for PETCO Park in San Diego on August 12.

The contest originally was billed the AFLAC All-American Classic and included some of today's top stars in the major leagues, including Bryce Harper (Nationals), Madison Bumgarner and Buster Posey (Giants), Jason Heyward (Braves), and Andrew McCutchen (Pirates) to name a few.

On Tuesday, Tellez learned that he had been selected All-State by Cal-Hi Sports.

07/02/12

High School Accolades

Senior Zach Green (Jesuit) and junior Ryan "Rowdy" Tellez (Elk Grove High) were selected to the Cal-Hi Sports All-State team, it was announced today.

Second-team All-State honors went to pitcher Ben Eckels (Davis High) and Josh Pigg (Franklin) as a Multipurpose Player.

Tellez, a junior, also was a finalist for Cal-Hi Sports state Mr. Baseball Player of the Year.

The three seniors were selected in the recent MLB draft. The Phillies took Green in the 3rd Round. He signed and is now playing for the Gulf Coast League Phillies. Eckels went in the 11th Round to Arizona, and is playing in the Arizona Rookie League. Pigg was selected by Cleveland in the 28th Round and is unsigned.

07/01/12

High School Accolades and Showcases

Cal-Hi Sports has announced several of its All-State teams for the 2012 season.

Among the Underclassmen Division--First Team Cal-Hi selected Aaron Knapp (Granite Bay) Outfield, Dom Nunez and Rowdy Tellez of Elk Grove High, Infield and Stephen Nogosek (Woodcreek), Multipurpose. All four are incoming seniors.

Tellez was a semi-finalist in Cal-Hi State Junior of the Year.

Justin Dillon of El Dorado High was tabbed for the Medium Schools Multi-Purpose.

Also, in its Small School Division, Cal-Hi tabbed Ben Ritchey (Capital Christian) as a Utility Player.

More good news for Nunez...he made the cut to 28 for the 18U USA Team. Final roster decisions will be announced later this summer. Nunez last year was a member of the Gold-medal 16U USA Team

06/24/12

High School/Showcase News

The 40-member 18U Trials were also announced today following the conclusion of the Tournament of Stars, and Dom Nunez (Elk Grove) learned he made the initial cut. Nunez, an incoming senior for the Herd next year, was a member of last year's 16U USA Team.

Nunez' Elk Grove teammate Rowdy Tellez had also received an invitation to the TOS, but had to decline because he is still recovering from an injury to his left elbow (his throwing arm).
Tellez, who won the Home Run Derby at the Perfect Game Nationals competition in Minneapolis last week, will be reevaluated by his doctor in July. Tellez received an automatic invitation to the Area Codes Games in Long Beach due to his selection to the Oakland Athletics-sponsosred team in 2011.

Tellez sustained the elbow injury in the week leading up to the Division I playoffs. In Elk Grove's first game, Tellez took the mound, walked the first batter, and was relieved by David Smith after complaining of tightness in his left arm. Smith allowed no hits for seven innings, and Tellez-Smith shared in the playoff no-hitter against Napa.

Nunez hit the game winner in the 1-0 victory.

Cal-Hi Sports Awards 06/22/12

Speaking of Tellez, he was a semi-finalist in this year's Cal-Hi Sports' State Junior of the Year award, which went to a player from San Diego. This marks the first time in four years that a Sacramento area product wasn't selected for an award by Cal-Hi Sports.

Last year, Tellez was tabbed as the Sophomore of the Year. In 2010 J.D. Davis won Junior of the Year, and the year prior Jake Rodriguez took the same award. All three players came out of the Elk Grove High program coached by Jeff Carlson.

San Diego region cleaned up in the 2012 awards categories. According to Mark Tennis of Cal-Hi Sports, of those named as a top state player in baseball, four are from the CIF San Diego Section.

Cal-Hi Sports has yet to name its All-State Team.

Stingers Club Ball Team Led by Hornets Head Coach Reggie Christiansen

Story and pictures by Rick Cabral 06/20/12

If you wander by Sac State this summer and see a group of boys playin’ ball in green and gold uniforms with Reggie Christiansen directing them, don’t be surprised. It’s not the Hornets.

It’s the Sacramento Stingers, a club team created by Sac State’s head coach who, in just his second season, took Sac State from worst to first. The Hornets claimed a share of the Western Athletic Conference championship, and were one inning away from going to the NCAA Regional Playoffs.

But if you listen carefully to Christiansen, the Stingers are all about player development, not winning games.

You could fool the li’l Hornets, however, because they’re winnin’ like crazy, compiling an 18-3 record to date. Recently, they swept through a pre-qualifying tournament for the Don Mattingly World Series, going 6-0. As a team, they’re hitting .339 and the pitching staff has logged a 1.26 earned run average.

The 17U team is comprised of local all-stars from high schools throughout the area, many of them incoming juniors.

They’re led by pitchers Anthony Castaneda (above, Woodland Christian), Sam Long (Rosemont), Gabe Meza (Granite Bay HS), Austin Root* (Oak Ridge) and Ben Ritchey* (Capital Christian), among several other top hurlers.

Carrying big sticks for the Stingers are catcher Tanner Ales (Oak Ridge), first baseman Grant Heisinger* (Bradshaw Christian), infielder Brandon Hunley (Christian Brothers), and utilityman Mauricio Dubon* (Capital Christian), who took home the most valuable player in the recent tournament.

Christiansen stresses player development is key. “I think it’s a great experience for these kids to, not just play games, but get better.”

The Stingers were conceived last summer after Christiansen substituted for an El Dorado Hills Vipers coach who couldn’t make it to a San Diego tournament that Reggie and Sac State assistant Tommy Nicholson were going to watch anyway. “It was an unbelievable experience,” Christiansen says.

He returned home and set out to field a summer club team, just as volleyball, lacrosse and soccer teams had done before them. “We’re one of the first ones to do it in baseball (in this region). You don’t see many Division 1 coaches coaching a club team in the summer time.”

For six months, he and the University’s Compliance Director worked closely with the NCAA to navigate through the maze of recruitment guidelines.

For instance, to attract players Christiansen had to avoid direct contact, so he notified local area high school coaches, who recommended their players. He even had to set up a separate email apart from his CSU Sacramento account to eschew the appearance of recruitment violations.

And while talking with his players, the Hornet head coach cannot even discuss “what I do for a living.”

“It’s much more difficult for us than that team over there,” he said, pointing to an opponent in between double-headers. “It’s been a bit of a struggle that way.”

But Christiansen is happy with the early results. “It’s been a great experience. I’m enjoying it a lot.”

He says that for about half the cost of other travel ball teams, the Stingers offer an affordable alternative.

“From an economic standpoint, summer travel teams are pricing out some kids from playing baseball,” the long-time baseball coach says. Stingers players pay $600 for a roster spot and $170 for uniforms.

Plus, Stingers players receive instruction from a Division 1 head coach and top assistants. Christiansen regularly schedules 90-minute practices that are run just like his Hornet program. Several parents have praised the program, reporting their sons said it has been some of the best baseball instruction they’ve ever received.

Plus, Christiansen and his staff avail themselves as a resource about the inner workings of college recruitment, which some parents have never experienced.

No one should be surprised if the program helps Sac State land even more good players from this
area.

Prior to taking the head job at Sac State, Christiansen served as the Hornets’ assistant head coach under John Smith, after guiding South Dakota State from 2005-2008. He served as an assistant at Kansas and got his first head coaching job at Menlo College.

Meantime, the Stingers have a slate of games scheduled through the end of July when they will travel to Port Lucie, Florida for the Don Mattingly World Series.

* Made the All-Capitol Team selected by BaseballSacramento.com

06/17/12
Rev. 6/19/12

Prep Notes

At the Perfect Game Nationals at the Metrodome in Minneapolis...Rowdy Ryan Tellez wins the home run derby contest, according to proud papa Greg who is in attendance. Rowdy hit five in the finals to two HRs from a Georgia player to win the derby. For more information, visit PG.

This morning Tellez and Elk Grove teammate Dom Nunez are playing in game competition against Josh Adams of Pleasant Grove. Also competing at the Nationals is Jesuit's Andre Gregory.

The Sacramento-area lads are part of the pretigious showcase featuring more than 200 of the finest high school (incoming) seniors in the nation.

06/11/12

High School Notes

One local who is rooting for UCLA in the upcoming College World Series is Dom Nunez of Elk Grove High. Nunez, a senior next year for the Thundering Herd, has been verbally committed to UCLA since his sophomore season under Coach Jeff Carlson. The versatile player has started on the varsity since his freshman year, playing a number of infield positions. Carlson feels Nunez will play more at catcher next season, as that is the position scouts believe he has the best shot at a pro career.

So, back to the Bruins...Nunez won't be able to watch his future team in the CWS in person as he's scheduled to compete in two of the nation's prestigious showcases over the next two weeks.

First up is the Perfect Game National Showcase held at the Metrodome in Minneapolis beginning Thursday. He and teammate Rowdy Tellez will be competiting against 250 of the country's finest seniors, a vast majority of which will be drafted next year. From there, Dom will fly to the National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina for the Tournament of Stars (June 19-24), a prequalifier for the 18U USA Olympic Team. Nunez played on the 16U Team last summer. If selected for the 18U team, Nunez will remain and begin training for the 18U National Team Trials. To learn more about Nunez' experience last year, go here.

Andre Gregory of Jesuit also was invited to the PG Nationals.

Hey, that kid can dance!
Yeah, and he can hit too.

Ken Nishimura--the McClatchy catcher--drives this pitch up the middle.
It glanced off the pitcher's glove and the second baseman threw out Nishimura.

(At left)
McClatchy's Rod Mackey slides around the Rosemont catcher ...

(Below)
... and is ruled "safe" in a cloud of dust at home plate.

 
Ryan Tellez In the Hole

Thundering Herd left fielder Matt Aday looks surprised third baseman Dom Nunez couldn't prevent this hot shot off the bat of Grant's Jelani Davie in the first inning of a Delta Valley Conference game at Elk Grove. Even though Davie eventually scored, the Herd prevailed 10-1.

Grant's Shaq Thompson strikes out in this at bat. The Pacers' star running back will be playing in helmet and pads next fall for the Washington Huskies.

In addition to his batting prowess, Elk Grove's Ryan Tellez is also known for defense. Wearing #44, he looks like Willie "Stretch" McCovey on this play.

Grant outfielder Michael Lee watches this home run by the Herd's Andrew Horne, who celebrated
when he touched the plate (inset) with helmet-bumps with teammate Matt Aday (#10).

Grant pitcher Brandon Nunn (#32) fielded this bunt with his bare hand off the bat of Elk Grove's Trevor Hicks and back-handed it to third base in time to get the lead runner; a fine play by the junior pitcher.

Elk Grove's Trevor Hicks (#5) scores ahead of Grant pitcher Brandon Nunn who is awaiting the throw from freshman catcher Sammy Reveles in the first inning of a Delta Valley Conference game at Elk Grove. The Herd prevailed over the Pacers, 10-1.

Pleasant Grove senior J. Q. Folena (#12) scored the game-winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning
to give the Eagles a 6-5 come-from-behind victory over Jesuit in the Delta River contest.

Late afternoon shadows portended the fate of the Pleasant Grove baseball team. Down 5-3 entering the bottom of the seventh inning, time was running out.

Two of their first three hitters had gone down on strikes, as Jesuit pitcher Logan James reasserted his mastery over the Eagles, after faltering in the sixth inning when he allowed Pleasant Grove to take a 3-0 lead.

In between the two strikeouts, Austin Friello worked a walk. Jesuit head coach Joe Potulny would later call him “the player of the game” by working two walks from his star pitcher.

Pleasant Grove’s designated hitter Ian Chandler made him pay with a single. Both runners then advanced on a passed ball. With first base open, James wanted no part of leadoff hitter J.Q. Folena, walking him to fill the bases.

Potulny replaced James—who had only allowed five hits—with junior Julian Barrow, who’d been playing right field. After working the count, Michael Yanez, the Eagles leading hitter (.472) laced a run-scoring single off Barrow to bring his team within one score. Then Matt Stafford, the Eagles number-three hitter, hit a line drive to center. Jesuit centerfielder Andre Gregory dove and just missed making the game-ending catch. As he searched for the ball, the speedy Folena raced around third to score the winning run.

After the game, Folena said over his three-year varsity career this thriller was a close second to another Jesuit-PG classic in 2010, when the Eagles staged a 7^th-inning comeback.

Coach Joe Potulny schools Julian Barron after the junior led off the game with a hit-by-pitch, only to be picked off by Pleasant Grove pitcher, Zack Stilwell, for the first out.

Pleasant Grove got Jesuit batter Joe Williams
on the backend of a double play in the sixth inning
to preserve the Eagles' 3-0 lead.

We can’t imagine a more thrilling game than today’s contest, which pitted two arch rivals that were tied for first place with 11-1 records. Today’s matchup was the first of three games scheduled in the final week of the regular season. Both teams are assured of making the playoffs; it’s just a matter of deciding the Delta River League’s number-one seed.

For four-and-a-half innings, it was a tossup, as neither team had scored.

The game featured a great matchup of two of the area’s top left-handers, with Zack Stilwell, who tossed a perfect game last week, going for PG and James on the mound for the Marauders.

In the bottom of the fifth, Pleasant Grove drew first blood as junior Josh Adams started off with a single. Jesuit second-baseman Louis Mejia then mishandled a ball hit by Bronson Grubbs and both runners were safe. A walk to Friello loaded the bases. Chandler’s sacrifice fly scored Adams with the game’s first run. Grubbs scored on a passed ball. And Folena drove in the third run with a single.

Pleasant Grove took that 3-0 lead into the top of the seventh, and the way Stilwell was throwing it appeared the first game would go to the Eagles. He got James on strikes for the first out. Then Jesuit’s number nine hitter Gregory hit a soft tapper to the left of the mound. Stilwell calmly fielded it, spun and fired the ball to first, but it sailed several feet over the first-baseman’s head, and Gregory scampered to second.

“I was just in shock that I threw it away,” Stilwell said later, dejected that he aided the Marauder’s cause with the error. Trying to regain his composure on the mound, he never would have believed that it was about to open the floodgates to a five-run inning. “Absolutely not,” said the senior who may have tossed his final pitch on the Pleasant Grove mound after a brilliant three-year varsity career (see story on 05/06/07 below).

The Marauders capitalized. Barrow smashed a double in the gap, scoring Jesuit’s first run. Mejia then drove him in with a single, making it 3-2. Zach Green followed suit, and Jesuit was in full-rally mode.

After the second out was recorded on an infield fly rule, Jordan Hanlin, Jesuit’s trusty backstop, came up big with a double in the gap, scoring Mejia and Green all the way from first to post a 4-3 lead. Jesuit added one more run on a single by Josh Falco.

They took the field in the seventh with the 5-3 lead, brimming with moxie. James still looked strong on the mound. But then Pleasant Grove displayed their never-say-die grit and forged a three-run comeback that will resound on this field for a long time.

Jesuit banged out 13 hits to Pleasant Grove’s seven. For Jesuit, Hanlin was 3x4 with 2 RBI; Barron was 2x3 with 2B; Green 2x3; Mejia 3x4; Falco 2x4. For Pleasant Grove, Stafford was 2x3 with 2 RBI and Adams was 2x3.

Neither Stilwell nor James factored in the decision. By relieving in the seventh, Stafford earned the win for the Eagles. Barron, meanwhile, took the loss for Jesuit.

After the game, Pleasant Grove’s coach Rob Rinaldi was giddy after seeing his team give up a solid three-run lead to come back with three runs to win it. “It’s a great win because we only need one more (with two more games to play) to win the league.

“More so, it shows the character of this team. Giving up a five-spot in the seventh is tough. These kids just bounced right back and with two outs, got the job done.” He credited Jesuit for its last at-bat resilience.

Potulny also credited both teams.

In evaluating his pitcher—who is bound for Stanford next year— he noted that James must learn the higher art of Pac-12 pitching by not walking the number seven hitter, which he did twice. “By rights, that’s a guy you can’t walk. That’s kind’ve been his Achilles Heel (this season).

“Overall, (James) looked good today, he battled (five hits, seven strikeouts and three walks),” Potulny said. “Both teams looked good today.”

Tomorrow, the two teams go at it at the Marauders’ home field. Chances are good it’ll be another Delta River classic.

Jesuit's infield gathers around Julian Barron, who came in to relieve for Logan James in the seventh inning. The junior pitcher gave up two hits and took the loss.

Matt Stafford, Pleasant Grove's sophomore third baseman, came up big
with this 2-strike, 2-out 2-run game-winning single for the Eagles.

To view the Sacramento Bee Photo Gallery from this game by Paul Kitagaki Jr., go here.

McClatchy's Eddie Sievers (#8) showcased his speed on the basepaths against Sacramento today. Here the 5'9" junior is seen avoiding the swipe tag by Dragons' catcher Justin Beacham, scoring from third on a fielder's choice. Go here for the game story and photos.

Capital Christian pitcher Ben Ritchey strikes out Dixon slugger Korey Hall for the second time in the 12-0 whitewash of Golden Empire conference rivals. Hall entered the contest leading the area in hitting with a .612 average. In four innings of work, Ritchey gave up just two hits while striking out six, lowering his 0.16 Earned Run Average and ensuring he will take the area ERA title. He also improved his batting average with two hits and had 2 RBI in the contest held at Raley Field.

Lincecum Look-A-Like Redux
Dixon pitcher Christopher Rost strikes an uncanny resemblance on the mound to Giants' pitcher Tim Lincecum. Rost, wearing #22 last night, normally wears Lincecum's #55 jersey number. Unfortunately, both pitchers endured a tough day on the mound. Capital Christian roasted Rost for seven runs in the first inning en route to a 12-0 shellacking of the Rams. Lincecum was roughed up by the Brewers at AT&T Park.

Rost, who entered the contest with a 6-0 mark, is not the only area hurler to resemble the Giants ace. Check out this Sacramento Bee story on the other Lincecum look-alike in the area.

Before each game, Capital Christian gathers to say a prayer before taking the field.
Coach Nelson Randolph's club finished the regular season with a perfect 15-0 Golden Empire Conference title and a 23-2 overall record. The Cougars magical season is reminiscent of another private, parochial prep school legend, when 50 years ago Bishop Armstrong High went 22-2, placed six members of its team on the All-City squad and eventually was tabbed "State Team of the Year" by Cal-Hi Sports. To read the Falcons' incredible story, go Time Travelin'.

McClatchy slugger Jared James rounds third on his way to an inside-the-park home run.

Long-Time Tradition: Dragons Host Lions

These two long-time rivals have been playing baseball on the Sacramento High field since 1938 when the Lions first fielded a varsity nine. In those early years, it was Sacramento--the Capital City's first public school--that was the dominant figure in high school sports.

Times have changed.

Today, the Lions are the dominant team in the Metro League, with Rosemont their nearest challenger.

McClatchy features one of the top all-around ballplayers in the area in Jared James, whose father Dion played for McClatchy. He was drafted in the first round of the 1980 MLB draft and signed by the Milwaukee Brewers. Jared's older brother Justin was drafted in the 13th round and signed by the Yankees last summer after one season at Sacramento City College.

Entering today's contest, James was hitting .456 with seven doubles, four triples, three home runs and 32 RBI. He added to his home run total with an inside-the-parker when he laced a drive into right-center field and sped around the bases with the kind of speed that surely will garner a professional contract for Justin.

Speaking of speed, Eddie Sievers showcased his on the basepaths as well against Sacramento. He hit a gapper and raced to third in a blaze that would make Juan Pierre blush. The 5'9" junior is batting .500 with 18 stolen bases. He is near the North Section's Top 10 in batting average, and in the Top 20 in slugging percentage and stolen bases.

James and Sievers are the two sparkplugs for Lions' head coach Mike DeNecocea, whose team went 11-1 and claimed the Metro League. They'll have a top seed in the upcoming Division II Playoffs. In preparation for the tournament, Coach DeNecocea has scheduled non-conference games in the final week against future playoff teams in Capital Christian, Pioneer and River Valley.

Sac High's sophomore second baseman Rudy Jimenez flies over the base-stealing Rod Mackey for McClatchy. Jimenez collected this ball, but Mackey easily stole the bag for the Lions.

McClatchy's pitcher Rod Mackey held the Dragons in check all afternoon, allowing just four hits and striking out 14 Dragons. The 6'2" left-hander now has a 4-1 record over six starts for the Lions.

Rowdy Ryan Tellez drove this pitch over the right-center field wall for a grand slam off of ace Ben Eckles in Elk Grove's 16-2 pounding of Delta Valley rival Davis High.

This was shaping up to be another classic Delta Valley matchup between town rivals, Davis and Elk Grove, with the Blue Devils holding a one-game lead in league. The last time these teams met in Elk Grove, Davis won a squeaker 5-4 behind ace pitcher, Ben Eckles.

This one offered another prime-time duel between Eckles, quite possibly the best pitcher in the area at home in his own yard, against Elk Grove, one of the best hitting teams, featuring the most explosive offensive player in Rowdy Ryan Tellez.

This one, however, didn’t play according to script.

In the top of the first inning it was clear Eckles was amped up, as he walked leadoff hitter, Dom Nunez and Nick Madrigal’s attempted sacrifice bunt fell safely for a single. With mighty Tellez on deck, Eckles fed sophomore Derek Hill a meaty pitch that he launched over the left-field wall, staking Herd pitcher David Smith to a quick 3-0 lead.

In the top of the second, with a strong breeze blowing straight out, Eckles walked the first two men and Madrigal laced an RBI single to load the bases. Hill struck out looking. But Tellez drilled a 2-0 fastball over the Steve’s Pizza sign in right-center field that drew a collection of gasps and cheers at the crack of the bat. “He was struggling a little bit,” Tellez admitted, “but throwing the ball hard. I was sitting on a fastball, and I got it.”

Tellez noted that Eckles didn’t have his usual command. “He missed his spots today, where last time he wasn’t throwing as hard, but he was locating.”

After the game, sophomore Hill remained modest about his monster game (two home runs, a triple and five runs batted in) and conceded he gave away two at bats, including one when he struck out looking.

Having Hill and Tellez in the meat of the order has Elk Grove head coach Jeff Carlson smiling, too.

“When we get that type of production out of the number three and four hitters, you’re going to win a lot of baseball games,” Carlson commented. “They did a great job against, I think, the top pitcher definitely in our area.” Carlson noted that Eckles appeared to be rushing early on and left a few pitches up, and his hitters capitalized by concentrating on going up the middle. “In this ballpark, the ball can jump (out).”

Elk Grove's starting pitcher David Smith outdueled
Davis ace Ben Eckles.

Carlson complimented his pitcher, Smith. “He’s a big kid (6’3”), but real unassuming on the mound. Nothing really rattles him. He stays calm whatever the situation.”

While Eckles was behind 9-0 after three and third innings (he was pulled for a lefty to face Tellez after giving up a solo shot to Hill, his second homer of the game), Smith had pitched shutout ball through four innings, allowing only four hits. In the fifth, he gave up a walk and a base hit sandwiched around a fly out. Eckles smashed a stinger to shortstop, but the usually reliable Madrigal misplayed the ball, allowing an unearned run. Davis sophomore John Ariola hit a hot comebacker that glanced off Smith’s glove. Madrigal scooped the ball and threw to first for the out, allowing the second Davis run to score on the fielder's choice.

In the top of the sixth leading 10-2, Elk Grove scored six more runs, including an RBI triple by Hill. Tellez singled for his third hit and fifth RBI. Pinch hitters Robert Ortega and Jeremiah McNeal delivered by driving in the final three runs with a double and single respectively. Besides Hill and Tellez, Madrigal also managed three safeties.

After the game, Davis head coach Dan Ariola reminded his guys that today’s lopsided loss was just one game, and that they need to come back Friday in Elk Grove. The teams are now tied 10-2 and the winner of Friday’s game will be in position to clinch the Delta Valley Conference.

Chris Gnos (above) was Davis' lone bright spot on the day, going 2x3 with a triple.
The left-handed hitter is now batting .413 for the season.

Derek Hill slides into third base after this run-scoring triple. The Elk Grove sophomore went 3x5 with two home runs, the triple and five runs batted in. He raised his average to .462.

Note: Photographer
James Leash covered this game in spades. To view/purchase his photos go to:

SHARP-EYE IMAGES
http://www.sharp-eyeimages.com/p905275453

Elk Grove's Derek Hill (above) swung a monster stick at Davis High today.

Capital Christian junior Alston Parker (above) pops up this sacrifice bunt. But it did its job, as the ball landed near the line, where it was fielded and thrown in time to first (inset) by Mesa Verde third baseman Anthony Tupper, a freshman.
To view more pics of this game, go to the High School page.

Gridley senior Trevor Anthony (#11) pulls into third base with a triple that rattled in the left field corner at Raley Field tonight against River Valley of Yuba City. The game was one of 48
the River Cats are sponsoring with area high schools. View more pics at the High School page.

Yesterday afternoon, the River Cats hosted the first-ever Capital City Clash between
long-time rivals Sonoma State and Chico State won 9-7 by the Wildcats
with an eight-run ninth inning rally.

Mesa Verde's catcher Austin Ritter tags out Capital Christian's Tyler Schimpf in the second inning on a great throw from the Maverick's center fielder, D.J. Macias.

Capital Christian's pitcher Tyler Schimpf (right) was throwing downhill from the start of the game, but Mesa Verde got three hits and one run in the first inning off the 6'4" right hander. That's all they would muster.

Schimpf was "pinch hitting" for the Cougars' Ben Ritchey, who was supposed to pitch but was ill that day. Ritchey is the area's ERA leader with 0.16 and 73 strikeouts.

For the second consecutive game, Capital Christian scored 17 runs against Mesa Verde. DeMitri Cranshaw was 2x5 with a triple and four RBI. Terrance Bremby was 3x4 with a double and three RBI. Mauricio Dubon was 2x2 with a double and two RBI, adding to his area lead. Several other players had multiple hits. As a team, Capital Christian is hitting .384.

Their overall record is 19-2 with a perfect 11-0 record in the Golden Empire League. With a three-game lead in league and three games to go, the Cougars are nearly a lock to take the number one seed into the playoffs.

Mesa Verde's Alex Johnson singles for the second time against Capital Christian.
He was the only Mavericks batter with multiple hits.

Cougars third baseman Terrance Bremby (right) fielded this Mesa Verde bunt and threw from his knees in time to get the force out at second base.

Third baseman T.J. Dove snares this pop fly in foul ground against Gridley.
Pitcher Austin Spencer (sans hat) raced off the mound to assist.

Ryan Johnson (#12), sliding into home, scores River Valley's fifth run
in the first inning against Gridley. T.J. Dove (#24) scored ahead of him.

Woodcreek's Stephen Nogosek (#20) greeted pitcher Dalton Blaser with this run-scoring double
in the first inning, leading to a 3-0 lead and an eventual 16-4 win over the Tigers.

TRADING PLACES:

Woodcreek Takes Roseville Out Behind the Woodshed

In baseball, when a batter hits a double, it’s common to yell for the next hitter to “trade places with him.” It seldom happens, but when it does it’s exciting. It’s rally time at the ol’ ballyard and nothing is more fun.

Out at the Roseville High ballyard today, Woodcreek indulged in such rally-time pleasure. Over-indulged may be the appropriate term, as the Timberwolves traded places time after time, amassing six doubles, one triple, and one round tripper on their way to compiling 13 hits and 16 runs.

And it didn’t matter who was pitching for Roseville, which sent the reigning Sierra Foothill League Most Valuable Player Dalton Blaser to the mound in the first. He was promptly greeted by senior Shaun Mize’s double. One batter later, junior Stephen Nogosek “traded places” with Mize and Woodcreek took a 1-0 lead. Two more run scoring singles made the score 3-0 and the ‘Wolves never looked back.

While five of the Woodcreek hitters had multiple hits, Nogosek had the big day, going three for five with a single, double, home run and four runs batted in. Senior Devin Astor was 2x2 with 2 RBI, junior Austin Blatnick had a pair of doubles and 2 RBI, pitcher Brandon Raposa had a triple and 2 RBI, and leadoff hitter Mize went 2x3 with a double.

Woodcreek first-year head coach Eric Valencia was more relieved than anything after the contest, saying his players finally “relaxed at the plate and put the ball in play” and the hits followed.

He was especially pleased with Nogsosek’s offensive showing. “We needed that from him,” he smiled. “We saw it in spurts throughout the season, but he finally put a game like that together. He’s a very special kid.” Coming into today’s game Nogosek was batting .423 with six doubles and two triples. His home run was his first of the season. Mize is the team leader in hitting (.491) and slugging (.736).

While Woodcreek rattled the fences all afternoon, Raposa scattered eight hits and four runs through six innings (the game was called due to the 10-run "mercy rule"). Blaser had two hits, including a home run, his third in two games this week, and Mark Reece had a pair of singles. Blaser is quietly assembling another MVP-type season and is among the Sac-Joaquin Section North leaders in several categories. Entering today, he was batting .556 with six doubles, three homers, 13 RBI, while slugging at .889.

The Tigers also didn't help their cause by making three errors this day (including a two-base error by the third baseman on the same play, and two more by Blaser when he was on the mound). Blaser made up for it later with an athletic over-the-shoulder catch of a pop fly in foul ground when he had moved to first base.

With the win Woodcreek took the rubber match from the Tigers (the neighboring teams split two close games last week) and stayed in contention for a playoff berth. Woodcreek has two games this week against SFL leader Granite Bay (4-0), and a three-game series next week against number two seed Rocklin (2-0).

Meantime, coach Hank DeMello and his Tigers can only wistfully reflect on the magical memories of last year’s Section Division II title team and sigh.

Especially when they’ve just been scorched behind the woodshed.

Roseville had little to celebrate in today's contest with Woodcreek. One exception was this home run by Dalton Blaser; his third in the last two games.
The team met him at home plate.

With the bases loaded with Eagles, Trojans' catcher Cody Morris (#24) took the throw from third baseman Jason Ross and stepped on the plate in time to eliminate lead runner, Nico Toni (#15). Morris then fired to first, but not in time for the double play.

Trojans Cling to 5-4 Win Over Eagles

Despite a porous defense, Oak Ridge held on for a 5-4 win at Pleasant Grove this afternoon.

Trojans’ sophomore Austin Root, who allowed five hits and three runs in six innings, outdueled Eagles’ senior Zack Stilwell, BaseballSacramento.com’s current Player of the Week.

Oak Ridge opened the scoring in the second inning when Zach Mahon drilled a double to right center field. Lance Berringer advanced Mahon to third with a single. Designated hitter Logan Marston lofted a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Mahon.

In the Eagles’ second inning, sophomore catcher Nico Toni was safe on an error, the first of four committed by the Oak Ridge infield. Junior Austin Friello doubled Toni to third base. Both runners held as Bronson Grubbs tapped an infield hit, loading the bases. Third baseman Jason Ross then fielded a short hopper by Michael Yanez and threw home for the force out. Junior Spencer Jemes was safe on an infield error, scoring Friello with the Eagles first run. J.Q. Folena’s sacrifice fly scored Grubbs, and Yanez eventually came around to score making it Pleasant Grove 3, Oak Ridge 1.

The Trojans would score three in the fourth inning. It started when catcher Cody Morris was safe on an Eagles’ error and moved to second base on an errant pick-off by Stilwell. With one out, back-to-back singles by Berringer and Marston loaded the bases. Shortstop Folena charged on Alex Fitchett’s high-hop single and couldn’t make the play in time, scoring Morris. Ross then hit a two-run single, allowing Oak Ridge to retake the lead 4-3.

The Trojans would score once more in the fifth inning, taking a 5-3 lead into bottom of the seventh, when Ross relieved for Root. Pleasant Grove junior Josh Adams and sophomore Matt Stafford each singled and then Ross walked Stilwell to load the bases. Toni’s grounder to shortstop resulted in a failed double-play attempt, getting the out at second but scoring Ross to make it a one-run game. Ross then struck out the next two Eagles to earn the save.

With the victory Root goes to 4-1 on the season. More importantly it moves Oak Ridge (10-5) closer to a playoff position with a 2-2 conference record, after dropping two out of three to Jesuit last week. The loss was the first for Pleasant Grove (12-4) which dropped to 3-1 in conference.

Lance Berringer (#15) of Oak Ridge singles to left field for one of three safeties
he collected off southpaw Zack Stilwell in the Trojans 5-4 victory. The 6'2" 190 center fielder also had an RBI in the game.

Rago Headed to Hallowed Hall

Cordova assistant coach Ralph Rago is seen keeping score in the dugout during the Cordova Easter Tournament. The long-time Davis High and UC Davis coach has learned he will be inducted next January in the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Rago is one of just 16 high school coaches to receive the honor. One of those is his "boss," Guy Anderson, Cordova's head coach, who is one year older than the 79-year-old Rago. Other local area coaches in the HOF are Jerry Weinstein, Sacramento City College (2009) and Phil Swimley, UC Davis (2006).

To read our feature on Coach Ralph Rago, visit the Spotlight section.

Oakmont senior Tommy Weiser doubled in the first inning bringing in two runs in the consolation match of the Gina Montes Surewest Easter Invitational at Raley Field.

Oakmont head coach Dean Perkins
enjoying a beautiful spring day for baseball.

Sheldon sophomore Doug Hughes
avoids Jimmy Lunardelli's head-over-heels routine en route to third base.

That's Logan Coggeshall (#21) trying to escape this pickle started by Sheldon pitcher Ken Ganzler.

A long day at the park for this ball.

Oakmont players A.J. Hall (left) and Tommy Balmain grease up before the game against Sheldon.

Sheldon sophomore Brandon Langan (above) singles in a run against Oakmont
at Raley Field in the Gina Montes-Surewest Easter tournament consolation bracket game.
Langan went two for two with three RBI.

Rio Linda sophomore Leonard Skattebo drives this pitch into right field
for a 2-RBI single against Mesa Verde.

Nick Rebello of Center drops down a neat bunt, but will be thrown out at first on the play.

Center High first baseman Ryan Acuff catches in time to nab Cordova's Adrian Griffith on a close play.

Center High senior shortstop Nathan Lukes fires to first for this put-out against Cordova.

The Cordova braintrust: Assistant coach Chad Parker (left) signals the pitch, while Ralph Rago (middle) confers with head coach Guy Anderson.

Junior Nathan Jacobson jettisons this pitch into the left field corner, scoring senior Jonathon Macmonagle. It wasn't enough, however, as Cordova dropped the contest 5-3 to Center High.

Senior Ben Eckels struck out eight and allowed just one hit in five innings against the Grant Pacers today.

Grant catcher Sammie Si tags home ...

... then throws to first for a 3-2-3 double play.

Senior Shaq Thompson took his cuts today, but didn't reach base against Eckels.

Grant shortstop Jelanie Davie fires to first
for the out.

Pitcher Ben Eckels fields this come-backer from shortstop Davie in the first inning.

Christian Brothers senior shortstop Jeff Johnston started the Falcons scoring
with this RBI single in the third inning. He went 2x3 with a double.

CBS senior Shane Brennan's infield pop-up on this pitch proves the theory that the difference between a home run and a fly out is one-quarter inch on the barrel of the bat.

CB catcher senior John Hallsten
watches from the dugout.

CB sophomore first baseman Hayden Jones snags this pop fly in foul ground against Elliott Christian.

Hunter Dodson is safe on this pick-off attempt at first base.

Jared Cottini stroked a single in this at-bat. Brothers' pitcher helped his cause by going 2x3 with a double and two RBI.

This is Cottini's vantage against Elliot Christian relief pitcher J.P. Pardee.

Falcons seniior righthander Jared Cottini (below) spun a nifty four-hit shutout against Elliot Christian of Lodi this afternoon at Joe Marty Field on the Christian Brothers campus.

Burbank runner Kyle Grant is forced at second base by Sacramento shortstop Khalil King
on the backend of a double play.

Javon Collier (#6) scores for Burbank, which defeated the Dragons 9-4 in the first game
of a doubleheader at Sacramento High. The Titans won the second game, 6-2.

Elk Grove junior slugger Rowdy Tellez doubles in the bottom of the sixth inning and eventually scored the tying run against St. Mary's of Stockton. The Rams would go on to win in the eighth inning.

Coach Pete Pijl contragulates Gio Brusa as he rounds third base after hitting a home run
off Elk Grove pitcher, Rowdy Tellez. Shortstop Nick Madrigal looks on.

St. Mary's coach Pete Pijl argues with umpires over a reversed call at second base.

St. Mary's junior pitcher Taylor Johnson
goes into the windup.

Elk Grove juniors Dom Nunez and Rowdy Tellez await on deck

Junior Alex Montes goes "oppo" to collect another run-scoring RBI against Kennedy.

Junior righthander Stephen Nogosek fires a fastball
in today's game at Kennedy. He fanned eight in four innings.