With additional reporting by George Laase.
Culver City High School athletic teams always have played demanding pre-season schedules. The baseball team is continuing the trend.
The Centaurs pack a 3-4 record after losing a doubleheader last Saturday to a good Capistrano Valley Christian team.
On Friday they travel to Palos Verdes for a 3:15 game and Saturday they host South Torrance at 11 in the Chatsworth Tournament.
“The more experience I can get the players now, the better we will be in league play,” said longtime Coach Rick Prieto. “I am trying to prepare the team for different situations. That’s why we are playing 30 games this season.”
During spring break next week, the Centaurs will play five games in six days in the prestigious Anaheim Lions Tournament.
With a newly renovated field and one of the best pitchers in Southern California, Culver City should be competitive and entertaining. Jay Sterner will lead a strong pitching staff that hopes to carry the Centaurs into a CIF playoff spot. Sterner pitched a no-hitter last week against Venice.
Eli Bowie, Louie Ortega, Nolan Martinez, Hunter Hutchinson, Max Sterner, Jay’s brother, Eli Saucedo, Michael Netzel and Daniel Aceves are other Centaur pitchers Prieto will rely on.
“Pitching will be our strongest asset this year,” said Prieto.
Good pitchers need solid catchers to help them manage the game, and Culver City has two seniors, David Ko and Price Campbell along with junior Jacob Weiner.
When Jay Sterner and Martinez are not on the mound, they will be playing first base. At second base will be senior Christian De Los Santos with Netzel and Aceves sharing third base. Junior shortstop Kevin Murillo rounds out the infield.
Netzel, Max Sterner, Mason Mulvihill, Joseph Perez, Tomas Saucedo and Tyler Hendershot will play outfield.
Once again the Ocean League will be competitive, especially with the addition of El Segundo, a strong baseball school. “We always have to look out for Santa Monica,” said Prieto. “They come ready to play every year.”
Prieto wants his players to know the fundamentals of baseball. “I want them to come with a purpose.”
Last Roundup
The Lady Centaurs softball team takes a 3-1 record into this afternoon’s 3:15 game at Vets Park against St. Monica today. The boys’ volleyball team will play their first Ocean League game today on campus inside the Del Goodyear gym at 3:15.
The boys and girls track and field teams compete this afternoon in Lawndale at 2:45.
Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com
Mr. Laase may be contacted at GMLaase@aol.com