SOLEDAD — With the Soledad Aztecs having three league losses, it doesn’t leave room for any more as the varsity baseball team starts a two-game series with St. Francis that could decide the Mission Division.
Having reached that part of the season when division opponents are checking box scores to see how they did, the Aztecs — who had their 11-game winning streak snapped by a 2-0 loss to Monte Vista Christian on April 21 — will need to start looking for help if they drop another game.
The Aztecs (9-3), who are currently in third place in the Mission, are chasing St. Francis (7-2) and Alisal (6-1). But, due to many rainouts, St. Francis and Alisal still have to play their second game.
The good news for Soledad is that they control their destiny. They have four league games left against St. Francis and Alisal. If the Aztecs can win all four matchups, they will capture the Mission Division.
Before they can think of winning the league title, the Aztecs will first face St. Francis, who is 14-4 this year. Both teams have a similar resume, based on common opponents and losses. The only difference is that the Aztecs’ loss to King City separates them.
Going into game one on April 25, there will be a focus on how the coaches set up their pitching staff. With Soledad’s Eric Segura pitching the entire game against MVC, sophomore Andrew Nicholas will likely be on the mound this time around.
Nicholas is 2-0 this season in his last game against Henry T. Gunderson High, during which he threw five innings in his first game back since his injury.
After Monday’s home game, Soledad will travel to St. Francis on Wednesday for game two. In May, the Aztecs will face Stevenson followed by their two-game series against Alisal.
As Soledad enters the final chapter of the regular season, there is still a lot that has not been determined, but lucky for them, they control how it will be written.
