SMCHS varsity baseball team rises to new heights this season, winning games and breaking records.

The baseball team traveled to Las Vegas and defeated Bishop Gorman High School. They set the school record by beating Huntington Beach — one of the best teams in the country. The team also took on the challenge of batting against Damien High School’s pitcher — one of the best high school pitchers in the world — and won. SMCHS varsity baseball team is now 15-5 this season and won three Trinity League games in a row.

“Every time we pull out a good win, it’s a feeling that I can’t describe,” said senior captain Joe Welch. “Nothing feels better than to get that last out and shake hands with your teammates.”

The players’ hard work and sacrifice contributes to their success as a team. During the season, players practice four hours a day and five to six days a week to prepare for upcoming games.

“Especially this season, we practice very hard,” said junior Wyatt Thilken. “We like these practices and trainings because they make us become stronger as a team and bond tighter as a family.”

On March 23rd, the team played against Pacific High School at Angel Stadium. All players showed their strength and accomplished a 5-0 win in a shutout.

“It was an amazing experience to play at Angel Stadium,”  Welch said. “At first, I was just enjoying taking in the experience, but once the game started, all players focus so much on the game and it just felt like any other baseball field.”

The team continued to win. Over spring break, the team won 3-1 in the National Classic tournament with wins over Agoura High School, Gahr High School and Palm Desert High School.

“Growth has happened because the players have bought into the program and are willing to work hard and be coached,” said head baseball coach, David Bacani. “We always talk about taking positive steps each and every day we are on the field.”

The team’s goal this season is a Trinity League championship. All players develop and learn from the successes and failures as the season progresses and move toward that one goal.

“We are constantly stressing the philosophy of ‘getting hot at the right time’,” Bacani said. ” We need to continue to build on our strength and focus on playing our best baseball at the end of April and into May.”

The strong friendships the team makes off the field is evident when playing together on the field. Each player strives for a win and together the varsity baseball team brings the best game it can.

“As a team, we will work together and help each other along the way to reach our goal,” Thilken said. “If we play to our full potential, no one can stop us.”