October 6, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

Uni baseball team off to 3-1 start; hosts Crean Lutheran Saturday in tourney

Senior Jose Rodriguez leads University in RBI and appearances on the mound. (Photo courtesy University High).

University High’s baseball team, off to a 3-1 start, hosts Crean Lutheran Saturday at 11 a.m. to wrap up the Newport Elks Tournament.

The Trojans, under first year coach Michael Thompson, opened the season with an 8-1 loss against Nogales. Then the Trojans defeated Southlands Christian 12-2, Savanna 3-1 and Estancia 5-2.

Top hitters for the Trojans so far have been seniors Colt Augustus (.545) and Jose Rodriguez (.500, four RBI) and junior Jackson LoBianco (.500, four RBI).

Top pitchers have been seniors Brad Hodges (1-0, 10 strikeouts in nine innings, 1.50 ERA) and Ryan Miller (4 2/3 innings, five strikeouts, 0.00 ERA) and sophomore Beckett Kreter (1-0).

Rodriguez also has three appearances on the mound with one save and a 0.00 ERA.

Thompson has established what he wants his team to accomplish.

His goals:

“To compete for a league championship and playoff berth,” Thompson said. “We want to develop these players and help them understand what it takes to succeed at this level and beyond.”

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com