Eager, talented opponents always provide a challenge for area high school baseball and softball teams. This season another challenge must be met — keeping a competitive edge despite gloomy, rainy days.
The opening game of the Santa Monica High baseball season, for instance, was cancelled when the field was unplayable.
A New Roads softball game this week was postponed until May 11 at Penmar Park.
This has become the second rainiest year in Southern California history. Only 1884 was wetter.
In most cases, area teams are off to so-so starts.
The Santa Monica High baseball team started with three losses, won the next three but lost most recently, 11-5 to Granada Hills in the RBI Tournament.
The Samohi softball team has a 4-6 record following a 3-2 victory over Granite Hills of Apple Valley. The team was shut out in two games at the Desert Classic at Lancaster High, 7-0 to San Fernando and 1-0 to Littlerock.
The Crossroads baseball team didn’t hold a lead in its first two games and also lost to New Roads but has shown some life in other games and hopes to be competitive in league play.
The Crossroads softball team is 2-3. After losing three straight games the team defeated Buckley, 10-0.
The St. Monica softball team, which has a 10-0 loss to Santa Monica on its record, won three consecutive games — 2-1 over Crossroads, 7-3 over Notre Dame Academy and 6-2 over Serra.Coaches are hoping that two factors will improve the tone of the season. The weather might improve with the arrival of April and the teams can focus on league opponents.
