The Indian baseball team defeated Trinity, 3-2, on Monday leading them into the home tournament this weekend.
“Our team strengths are chemistry, trust, knowledge of the game and pitching,” Coach Chris Gonzales said. “The chemistry comes from most of our players returning and playing for several years. We have all learned to trust in one another’s abilities and work together for the betterment of the program.”
The program is led by experienced seniors like pitch Rowin Donaldson. Donaldson’s baseball IQ is top notch and his leadership helps mold the team, Gonzales said.
“My experience is a strength because I’ve played varsity all my four years of high school,” Donaldson said. “We lost a couple of guys to start, but I try to give the new guys time and lead them confidently.”
Senior Obed Reyes Salazar was also big contributor to last year’s district title and playoff run. Reyes Salazar said he has more capacity than last season.
“I have more power this year than last,” Reyes Salazar said. “I can hit the ball harder.”
Donaldson, junior Eloy Macias and Reyes Salazar combined for strong pitching last season.
“Pitching comes naturally to me,” Reyes Salazar said, “but I struggle in the batter’s box because of my off speed. I try letting the ball come to me and being more patient.”
Gonzales said Macias aids in pitching with his ability to deceive his opponents with his velocity and off speed.
“I’ve improved on my batting and getting onto base,” Macias said. “I plan on getting back to regionals with the knowledge and improvements we have made with our team.”
Sophomore pitcher Michael Ray got moved up in playoffs last year and now has a varsity spot.
“I’ve gotten stronger since last year in the box and on the mound,” Ray said. “I put on weight by going to the weight room. I try to better my pitching and mindset.”
The Indians lost some experience to graduated players, but Gonzales said he has several underclassmen who could potentially earn a starting spot on the varsity roster.
“Sophomore Jaycen Robledo has a pretty much solidified the center field position,” Gonzales said. “Sophomore Oscar Grijalva is also getting an opportunity to earn a spot in the outfield. Sophomore Alan Madrid will take his earned spot behind the plate. He could also help us out pitching if needed.”
Gonzales said the Indians have a lot of young, inexperienced players at the plate.
“We hit every day in practice,” Gonzales said. “We vary speeds of our hitting segments, and we even throw in some off-speed and breaking balls in our practices. Plus we have a difficult and full schedule for both JV and varsity squads, so hopefully by the time district comes around, we will be stronger at the plate.”
Gonzales said the speed of the game is much faster and players could receive a fastball from anywhere between 75 to 90 mph.
“Last year, I was scared of missing a baseball, and this year I’m more confident since I’ve practiced a lot,” senior Dereck Madrid said. “When I miss it, I try to stay calm. I also encourage my team when things don’t go our way. I tell them to keep their head up and do better next time.”
The Indians made it to the region semi-finals last year, falling to Stephenville. Gonzales said the team goals were to win a district title and go farther in the playoffs.
“First, we want to continue to build off what we did last year, make the program better than the year before,” Gonzales said. “However, even though we have those team goals, we will approach every game with a 1-0 mindset and find a way to win the day.”
The Indians host the home tournament this weekend at Robert Ryan Field.
