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Stolen bases, defense key to strong preseason

CCCC now 6-3, opens league Feb. 26 at home

By Bob Smith, The Daily Independent

"Playing good defense makes all the difference in the world"

If defense and pitching wins baseball games, Cerro Coso's diamond team may have learned all the lessons they needed to enjoy an impressive preseason schedule that saw them finish with a 6-3 record after trouncing Cañada for a second time this season. Sunday's 12-2 win was splattered with great defense and great pitching performances - one that Head Coach Dick Adams will point to for the next nine weeks of Foothill Conference play.

Cerro Coso played errorless ball, which included the school's first-ever triple play and three double plays. In two of the Coyotes' losses this season, errors played a huge part in the outcome. Sunday was no different as Cañada had seven errors in the game.

"Playing good defense makes all the difference in the world," said Adams Tuesday morning.

Cerro Coso jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning, but it was their defensive play in the home-half of the inning that set the tone for the game.

Cañada had their leadoff batter reach on a walk, which was followed by a single that put runners on second and third. The third batter grounded to first baseman Gitthens, who stepped on first for the first out, Gitthens saw the second base runner straying off the bag and he threw down to shortstop covering second. Caught in a rundown between second and third, Cañada's third base runner broke for home. After the tag out at second base, a throw home to the catcher nailed the runner at the plate for a triple play.

Adams said the team had only one conventional (6-4-3) double play in the game, all the other plays were the result of Cañada running "the bases silly."

The Coyotes grabbed the lead early when Kip Keith led off the game with a single and stolen base. It was the first of three steals for the right fielder in the game. He leads the team with 12 in nine games. The team, as a whole, has 22 steals in 26 attempts.

"Keith is our catalyst," said Adams. "If Kip's on base, we're going to score."

The speedster Keith runs a 6.8 60-yard dash and has the proverbial green light from Adams.

Nick Wagner followed with a single to put runners at the corners, then he stole second base. Ryan Penn walked to load the bases for Adam Auer. Auer reached on an error by the second baseman, two runs scored on the play. Norm Love followed with a walk and then Rodney Black hit into a 6-4 fielder's choice play to score another run, and a 3-0 lead.

Caleb Gallagher got his first start of the season on the mound for CCCC. Originally earmarked to be a key starter for the team, Gallagher has had some nagging injuries that have kept him off the mound, but still able to produce for the Coyotes in the field. He pitched into the fourth inning giving up five hits and two earned runs. His effort was good, but did not qualify for the decision.

Adams had Green ready in the pen when Gallagher tired, it was lights out from there. Green got his first collegiate win after five losses over one-plus seasons. Green pitched through the eighth inning giving up just three hits, while striking out eight.

The last time Cerro Coso had a great start to a season was in 1998 when they went 7-3 in the preseason. That '98 team finished with 30 wins. This year's team would have to win every game left this season to reach 30 wins. Because of budget cuts, four less games were scheduled this season.

Cerro Coso opens conference play Feb. 26 against Barstow. The 2:30 game will be played at the Dawg Yard on the college campus. The team is looking for a public address announcer for eight home dates this season. Those interested should contact Adams at 384-6386.

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