2008 Woodie Awards
Monarchs Playoff Bound
Baseball team goes from rags to riches and try to repeat season success in playoffs for the first time in years.
Sam Hahn
Issue date: 5/4/05 Section: Sports
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AZUSA- California recorded more rain that Oregon this year, the Lakers missed the postseason for the first time in 11 years and Valley College baseball is headed to the playoffs.
Like California residents and Lakers' fans, the Monarchs find themselves in unfamiliar territory.
"After having such a bad year last season, it feels real good to finally be in the playoffs," said sophomore pitcher Jorge Olmedo, who was one of the three players returning from last season. "Words can't express how I feel right now. We couldn't get it done last season, and it's awesome how far we've come."
The Monarchs record over the previous four seasons is 5-98. This year, Valley's record is 22-13 overall and 16-6 in conference. The team currently sits in fist place in the Western State Conference and is ranked 10th in Southern California.
Sweeping the Citrus Owls 12-1 Thursday, and 7-1 on Saturday, the Monarchs rebounded from a 16-3 thumping from the Pierce Brahmas Tuesday.
"Today game was pretty big and played into our goal coming into conference [play]," said head coach Dave Mallas. "We didn't want to lose a [season] series to anybody, and today's win allowed us to split with Citrus."
By splitting the season series 2-2 against Citrus, the Monarchs have either won or split every conference series that they've played this season. This is a far different cry from last year as Valley managed just one conference win.
The Owls jumped out to an early 1-0 lead as third baseman Matt Ross, who tripled earlier in the inning, scored from third as sophomore catcher Raul Perez unsuccessfully attempted to pick off freshman DH Brandon Daudt who stole second base.
Riding the arm of undefeated sophomore ace Eddie Baeza (7-0 in conference), Valley answered by scoring two runs in the top of the fourth inning as sophomore second baseman Robert Ninfo led off the inning with a homerun. Baeza, who hit a single later in the inning, scored on a single by Perez after stealing second base.
 Media Credit: Scott Mitchell/ Special to the Star Scott Mitchell / Special to the Star SLIDING BY - Monarch left fielder DJ Lewis avoids the tag as he dives full-speed into home during Saturday´s 7-1 Valley victory at Citrus College under summer-like weather. |
Like California residents and Lakers' fans, the Monarchs find themselves in unfamiliar territory.
"After having such a bad year last season, it feels real good to finally be in the playoffs," said sophomore pitcher Jorge Olmedo, who was one of the three players returning from last season. "Words can't express how I feel right now. We couldn't get it done last season, and it's awesome how far we've come."
The Monarchs record over the previous four seasons is 5-98. This year, Valley's record is 22-13 overall and 16-6 in conference. The team currently sits in fist place in the Western State Conference and is ranked 10th in Southern California.
Sweeping the Citrus Owls 12-1 Thursday, and 7-1 on Saturday, the Monarchs rebounded from a 16-3 thumping from the Pierce Brahmas Tuesday.
"Today game was pretty big and played into our goal coming into conference [play]," said head coach Dave Mallas. "We didn't want to lose a [season] series to anybody, and today's win allowed us to split with Citrus."
By splitting the season series 2-2 against Citrus, the Monarchs have either won or split every conference series that they've played this season. This is a far different cry from last year as Valley managed just one conference win.
The Owls jumped out to an early 1-0 lead as third baseman Matt Ross, who tripled earlier in the inning, scored from third as sophomore catcher Raul Perez unsuccessfully attempted to pick off freshman DH Brandon Daudt who stole second base.
Riding the arm of undefeated sophomore ace Eddie Baeza (7-0 in conference), Valley answered by scoring two runs in the top of the fourth inning as sophomore second baseman Robert Ninfo led off the inning with a homerun. Baeza, who hit a single later in the inning, scored on a single by Perez after stealing second base.
