SALINAS VALLEY — As the first official day of spring approaches, the high school baseball season is off to a fast start for the four South Monterey County teams.
King City Mustangs
King City High’s varsity baseball team currently sits with a record of 4-2-1. Other than dropping two games to the surprising Rancho San Juan, who is 6-0, the Mustangs’ pitching and hitting are coming around nicely to start the season.
Manuel Ochoa and Cheddar Barcenas combined to throw a no-hitter against Coast Union, while all-league football player Ivan Lizardi went six innings with 13 strikeouts against the Cambria team.
In addition, Brycee Blair went six innings and struck out nine in a win over North Salinas.
Next up for the Mustangs is an away game with league rival Soledad on Wednesday, followed by another match against the Aztecs at home on Friday.
Greenfield Bruins
Greenfield Bruins, who are currently 2-3, have been a mystery to figure out early in the year. At times the team looks like they will be able to hit with anybody, but the very next day, their bat disappears.
One bright spot for the Bruins has been sophomore pitcher Manuel Gutierrez, who has a record of 2-1. In two wins against Stevenson and Coalinga Union, Gutierrez has gone 13 innings with 20 strikeouts.
The Bruins will travel to Marina on March 17 for their next game.
Soledad Aztecs
After starting the season 3-0, the Soledad Aztecs have gone 1-3 in their last four games.
The week started with the Aztecs falling to Watsonville, 2-0. In the second match, Soledad bounced back from five runs down to beat Watsonville in extra innings.
Dominic Chavez came in relief for two innings against Watsonville to help them come back from behind. In addition, Jeremie Banuelos had two home runs and four RBIs this week.
Next, the Aztecs will play King City at home on Wednesday and away on Friday.
Gonzales Spartans
Gonzales Spartans are off to a 3-1 start, while outscoring their opponent 73-14 in four games. The team’s only loss came to Alisal in their first game of the year, 13-9.
After that loss, Gonzales has rattled off three straight victories against Anzar twice and North Salinas High.
In the win against North Salinas, Fidel Gudino went five strong innings with five strikeouts, with Josh Chavez picking up the save.
In their 45-0 win against Anzar, Nate Dixon pitched a complete game shutout, and Fidel Gudino had eight RBIs.
The Spartans’ next game will be on March 28 against Greenfield.
