Baseball Finishes 3rd in WSC; Looks Toward 2019 Season
With a 24-16 overall record, the LAMC Baseball team closed its 2018 season just shy of a playoff qualification.
The Eagles placed 3rd in the Western State Conference South division, finishing with a 13-7 record and earning 12 post-season All-Conference awards.
The season started off strong for Mission, who went 15-7 in pre-conference and early WSC competition. Their wins included several Top-20 upsets, all against schools who would ultimately earn playoff bids.
In February, the Eagles defeated No. 16 El Camino (twice), No. 12 Glendale, and No. 4 Mt. San Antonio. They also earned wins against Moorpark and Santa Barbara, who would eventually finish 1st and 2nd in the Western State North division, respectively.
Unfortunately, Mission hit a three-week rough patch midseason which set them back in conference standings. With key losses to Bakersfield and LA Pierce, who both won their LAMC series 3-2, the Eagles dug themselves into a hole too deep to climb out of, despite their best efforts.
With a short stretch remaining in the season, Mission rallied to win eight out of their last nine games. According to Head Coach Joe Cascione, a ninth win in that stretch could have secured a playoff spot for the Eagles.
Still, he said, to their credit, the players could have given up after their midseason spiral when playoffs seemed to be an impossibility. To come so close against the odds showed remarkable fight, and provides some momentum going into next season.
With a strong returning sophomore class and some of the best offensive numbers in the state, Mission has potential to be a formidable team in 2019.
Hitting was a strong point for the Eagles this year. In California, Mission finished 21st in batting average, 15th in extra base hits, 11th in slugging percentage, and 9th in homeruns. With the ability to hit for both average and power, Mission will carry forward a solid foundation for offensive production next year.
The Eagles' pitching and defense showed significant progress towards the end of the year, despite struggles early on. Numbers on the mound are especially expected to improve in 2019 with a pitching staff which will largely consist of seasoned returners.
"The sophomore pitchers coming back have the experience of getting a lot of innings, getting their feet wet, and going through the growing pains," Coach Cascione said. "We'll be much better for it next year."
The Eagles are losing key components on the infield with 2nd baseman Tyler Grissom, 3rd baseman Victor Gonzalez, and catcher Cade Spurlin. However, they will bring back starting infielders Nico Valdez and Gabe Gonzalez, along with a group of talented outfielders.
"It was obviously very frustrating not making playoffs this year after winning conference in 2017," Coach Cascione said. "It's unfinished business. But now these freshmen should be chomping at the bit to get back to it next year."