By Kaity Sample Posted March 07, 2017
The varsity baseball program is now back in action as it looks to make improvements from last year. Alongside head coach Ron Espinola will be a new face to the program, Benny Martinez. In preparation for the new season, they know there are many key elements that will come into play as they fight for a playoff spot.
“Our goal every year is to make the playoffs, and obviously, last year we missed out. If we can turn a few close losses into wins from last year, we should be able to get in,” said Espinola.
Despite losing five seniors from last year’s roster, many returners will step up to the plate.
“Even though we lost some key seniors from last year, we have quite a few returning players who have a lot of experience. In addition, several underclassmen will bring some new blood to the team to fill out the roster,” said Espinola.
Third-year returner Jake Barnes believes that he and his team will be successful with hard work.
“It is really early in the season, but we have quite a few returners, and the new kids are keeping up. It won’t be easy, but I think that this season we could go to the playoffs. That is our biggest goal. We will take it game by game,” said Barnes.
Espinola also commented on the competition they will see at their first tournament.
“We will face some major competition on the opening weekend at the Reno tournament when we play some of the best 4A teams in the north. This should really tell us where we’re at before the regular season begins,” said Espinola.
Espinola added that they know they will face some tougher teams in the regular season as well.
“Spring Creek will once again be the team to beat, along with Fallon and Fernley,” said Espinola.
This year’s roster will include 11 seniors: Anthony Good, Roberto Rodriguez, Darrin Nelson, Nico Espinola, Travis Hardy, Jake Barnes, Jayson Smith, Kyle Young, and Michael Rangel.
