Arms race: Sultans’ rapid-fire hurlers lead Valley

By Bill Dickens
Updated: April 14, 2016

2016 EAST COUNTY PREP BASEBALL – LEAGUE PREDICTIONS

GROSSMONT VALLEY LEAGUE

By Bill Dickens
© EastCountySports.com

Santana (11-2)– No. 8 ranked Santana is a team with all the ingredients for a championship. This is a pitching staff headed by NOAH NUNEZ (3-0, 0.88 ERA), TRISTEN SALINAS (3-1, 1.62 ERA) and DAULTON BARRY (2-1, 0.89 ERA) and a golden glove defense that can’t deny the Sultans from capturing the Grossmont Valley League title. Versatile Salinas is Santana’s Top Gun with a .459 average. JACOB ODENKIRK also swings the bat with authority as proven by his .429 average.
West Hills (8-6, 1-0) – The big stick for the Wolf Pack is JEREMIAH BARR with a .444 batting average, 18 RBI, and 3 home runs, which includes a pair of grand slams. The Pack opened the league season with a 24-0 romp over El Cajon Valley. If there is a team in this league capable of sidelining Santana’s bid for the title would have to be coach MICKEY DEUTSCHMAN and his West Hills Wolf Pack. At best it would be a longshot.
Monte Vista (4-10, 0-1) – If the Monarchs can shore up their defense they certainly have enough pitching strength to move up a notch or two. Of course a meager offensive attack has held the Monarchs captive, which makes them hopeful to finish third.
Mount Miguel (3-11, 1-0)– The Matadors burst out of the gate with a 6-2 win over the Monarchs on opening day, but the question is was this a fluke or a harbinger of things to come. These teams will get a chance to decide in Thursday’s (Apr. 14) rematch which will determine the team that has the true upper hand.
El Cajon Valley (8-4, 0-1)– The Braves put together a noteworthy preseason slate, posting an 8-3 record. But once Grossmont Valley League play began (Wednesday, Apr. 13) the Braves got railroaded 24-0. It doesn’t appear to look any better down the road for El Cajon Valley.