Full slate of games scheduled this week for Section V Baseball. Here are previews for teams of the Rochester City Athletic Conference (RCAC): East, Edison Tech, Padilla, School of the Arts and Wilson/Early College.
EAST EAGLES
Last season: Finished 21-1, undefeated regular season and won City Cup; lost to HFL in Class A semifinals.
Coach: Kyle Crandall (330-138/23rd season)
Top returners: Emille Diaz Sr 1B (.333 BA, .565 OBP, 17 R, 3 D, 20 RBI, Second-Team All-League); Carlos Gaston Jr. SS (.333 BA, .524 OBP, 32 R, 12 RBI, 18 SB Second Team All-League); Eric Jones Jr. P/DH/1B (.350 BA, .466 OBP, 8 D, 2 T, 1 HR, 21 RBI; 2-0, 4.38
ERA, First-Team All-League); Kyle Markham Jr. C (.340 BA, .597 OBP, 21 R, 4 D 15 RBI, First-Team All-League; All-Class A Team); Mitchell Nieves Jr. OF (.283 BA, .515 OBP, 28 R, 4 D, 12 RBI, Second-Team All-League); Dabdiel Ramos Sr. OF (.316 BA, .500 OBP, 8 R, 4 SB); Justus Robinson Jr. OF (.340 BA, .589 OBP, 23 R, 14 RBI, 9 SB, First Team All-League); Omar Rodriguez Sr. P/3B (.293 BA, .500 OBP, 17 R, 3 D, 2 T, 14 RBI; 4-1, 1 CG, 2.15 ERA, First Team All-League).
Top newcomers: Yandiel Lopez So. P/3B; Luis Sanchez So. 2B.
First game: Wednesday, April 9th vs. Padilla/WOIS/Monroe/SWW at Padilla HS
Outlook: East is playing a modified league schedule for a third year in a row. This excludes them from being able to earn an RCAC title or participate in the RCAC Tournament. However, it allows the Eagles to play more county schools and better non-league competition. East returns eight starters and have a roster that includes two starters who are sophomores and five starters that are juniors. The lineup and defense improved tremendously last year when the Eagles went 20-0 in the regular season. Pitching will be the key to East’s season this year. The success of the pitching staff will likely determine how far East can advance in sectionals.
EDISON TECH INVENTORS
Last season: Finished 10-11, lost to Rush-Henrietta in Class AAA semifinals.
Coach: Diego Ortiz (34-27/fourth season).
Top returners: Carlos Gonzalez Sr. P/C; Michael Alvarez Sr. P/OF.
Top newcomers: Yaciel Saez Jr. P/OF.
Next game: Thursday, April 10th at Wilson/Early College
Outlook: The Inventors are going into their fourth season with Coach Ortiz as their head coach. They have five returners and a bunch of new young up-and-coming talent. Edison is counting on their two captains: seniors Carlos Gonzalez and Michael Alvarez. Gonzalez has brought nothing but determination on the mound as a starter pitcher and plans to attend Onondaga Community College next year. Alvarez is locked in and focused on bringing another RCAC title to Edison Tech High School with his talent all around the diamond. Both captains will help motivate and guide the younger players. The Inventors plan on having a great year with a schedule that’s set to play more county schools and prepare them for another chance at a RCAC title.
PADILLA BULLDOGS
Last season: Finished 5-10
Coach: Eddie Lee (173-363/37th season).
Top returners: Carlos Lameda Sr. SS/P (.415 BA, 2-1); Caleb Smith Sr. SS/P-2B (.333 BA, 2-2); Jamel Hammond Sr. 3B (.553 BA); Jariel Castoire Sr. C/OF (.342 BA).
Top newcomers: Jordan Forman Sr. P/1B; Chrisxander Rivera 9th SS/2B; Jason Mulero 9th SS/2B.
First game: Wednesday, April 9th vs. East High.
Outlook: Padilla returns four starters and has a mix of some younger players as well. The Bulldogs’ biggest challenge this year will be meeting expectations because of returning players.
SCHOOL OF THE ARTS SILVERHAWKS
Last season: Finished 14-7, lost to Honeoye Falls-Lima in Class A quarterfinals.
Coach: Cameron Scharf (35-24/fourth season).
Top returners: Henry Hawkinson Jr. C/1B (.393 BA, 23R, 24H, 24 RBI, .480 OBP, 7 2B, 2 3B, 0.70 ERA, 28 K, threw out 12 runners from catcher); Bennie Laver Jr. 3B/1B/OF (.417 AVG, 30 R, 25 H, 6 RBI, 21 SB, 2 2B, 3 3B, .507 OBP); Jack Wingert Sr. P/1B (6-2, 48 K, 3.54 ERA, 8 RBI, 14 R, 10 H, 8 RBI, 3 2B, 1 3B, MVP RCAC Championship); Benjamin Barnowski Sr. 2B (.339 AVG, .403 OBP, 17 R, 20 H, 11 RBI, 2 2B, 2 3B 1 HR); Paul Stevens Jr. CF/P/SS (16 R, 11 H, 4 RBI, 8 SB, 23 PO, .359 OBP); Bruce Newton Jr. SS/P (.286 AVG, 19 R, 16 H, 10 RBI, .365 OBP, 7 SB, 2 2B, 1 3B);
Top newcomers: James Laver 8th INF/P/ LF 5-foot-5, 130; Ezra Rivas So. 2B/OF 5-foot-6, 140;
First game: Wednesday, April 9th at Red Jacket
Outlook: School of the Arts is looking to pick up where it left off after going 14-7 and winning a second straight RCAC tournament last year. The Sliverhawks return several players that have only improved in the offseason while adding some young talent to the team. This is still a young hungry team that is looking to make some waves in sectionals.
WILSON/EARLY COLLEGE WILDCATS
Last season: Finished 11-6, lost to Brighton in Class AA second round.
Coach: Barry Burke (eighth season).
Top returners: Keisel Cuevas Alverez P/OF; Joseph Baldrich P/SS; Sam Ramos P/3B; Yhadiel Perez P/C; Eudi Martinez P/LF; Jose’ Maldonado P/RF; Dominic Colon 1B; Josied Feliciano 2B.
Top newcomers: Diego Cordero 9th; Angel Loaiza Sr.
First game: Thursday, April 10th vs. Edison
Outlook: Wilson has many starters returning this year and a number of new players that bring
strong baseball experience.
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