Baseball coaches in the Ocean League are reaching the conclusion the league isn’t considered strong. As a result, playoff seedings are likely to be a problem.
A solution would be one team winning its remaining games, and having an impressive record on its resume.
“We’d like to be that team,” said Santa Monica High coach Sheldon-Philip-Guide, encouraged by 13-1 and 14-0 victories over Inglewood last week.
Alonzo Gonzales struck out 15 batters in the first meeting on Thursday and the next day Samohi scored 13 runs in the first inning.
Adam Padilla pitched that victory as Philip-Guide altered his philosophy of giving promising, but inexperienced pitchers the start in non-league games Saturday.
“I really wanted the Saturday game against Taft, so Ethan Corn pitched,” said Philip-Guide. ‘Unfortunately it didn’t work out and we lost, 10-2.
Going hard for a victory in the Saturday game was an indication Philip-Guide is concerned how the CIF is going to judge Samohi, which is currently 10-10, when playoff seedings are issued. A low seed would likely result in a difficult first round game on the road.
Focusing on the league, Beverly Hills and Culver City appear to be Samohi’s strongest opponents.
This week Samohi will play Morningside twice.
Gonzalez was overpowering against Inglewood. Some rival coaches have observed Gonzalez relies heavily on his fastball and want their hitters to wait for his other – presumably less effective – deliveries.
“If they can’t hit his fastball why throw anything else,?” asks Philip-Guide “but his other pitches are good too.”
MITCH CHORTKOFF
Mirror Sports Editorsports@smmirror.com
