The Rams Varsity baseball squad is optimistic for the upcoming season and expects to make a playoff bid thanks to a strong core of returning players and exciting new talent.

The Rams, plagued by rain which strictly limited playing time on the actual field, dropped their first two games before notching an impressive comeback victory against Page, ranked 10 in 4A in the Arizona Repubic’s preseaon rankings.

Said head coach Nick Candrea of the victory, “It makes it a lot easier to end the day with a nice victory. In the past, our Rams baseball teams haven’t done well after falling behind.”

In the game against Page, the Rams trailed most of the game before scoring three runs in th bottom of the 7th inning on the strength of clutch hits by Reuben Belflower and Jose Garcia.

Candrea cited Garcia, a junior new to the Washington baseball program as a bright spot.

“He enjoys playing, has fun, and obviously has some baseball skills,” said Candrea.

Candrea is sure that if the team performs up to its potential and avoids injuries, they will be able to secure a playoff berth.





Making State will be more difficult since only the top three teams in each region qualify for the tournament.

The Rams have been focusing on hitting in practice, working toward better discipline at the plate.

“We need to get our hitters to know the zone, and be comfortable with what they can and can’t hit,” said Candrea. “The goal is to get smarter as hitters.”

With 10 returning lettermen, the Rams are expecting improved pitching and hitting from last year’s squad.

Candrea expects a strong pitching staff, anchored by senior Marco Montez and junior Brian Broderick.

The entire outfield consists of returning lettermen, so the outfield should also be a strength.

The only weakness Candrea was able to identify is at catcher. The effort of Junior Kyle Petrovich will be integral to the team’s success.

The Rams will play in the Spring Classic Tournament over break. The first game after break is 3/26 at Coronado.