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The high school baseball season is always an exciting one in Orange County, especially in the talent rich Trinity league. Defending league champion Mater Dei won an exciting game against Bishop Amat on a walk off wild pitch. St. John Bosco had one tough game but otherwise cruised to the championship of the Paramount tournament. After an opening round win, Orange Lutheran bounced back from a loss to Charter Oak to beat Los Alto behind sophomore pitcher Garrett King's complete game shutout in the Dick's Sporting Goods Tournament. Santa Margarita started their season today after a rainout last weekend. JSerra, who replaces seven starters from a team which finished runner-up to Mater Dei last season, lost a gritty one-run game to CIF runner-up Esperanza yesterday.
With the first round of league play less than two weeks away, the competition for the title is going to be tough.
Most teams are loaded again with college signees, there are 10 in the league, with more potentially signing after the season. Santa Margarita and Orange Lutheran lead the way with three each followed by Mater Dei and JSerra with two each. All of these players are special but a few of them have potential to be great. The league offers no break top to bottom which makes it arguably the best in the state and possibly the nation. Many players who have played in this league have gone on to great college and major league careers. We may be seeing a future major leaguer now.
Santa Margarita:
Eric Fuller - UCSB - Smooth fielder who should compete for playing time in the future.
Ryan Matranga - USF - Has life in his bat and should produce at the next level.
Jeremy Witt - PENN - Smart player who has a chance to excel in the Ivy League.
Orange Lutheran:
Cody Nulph - Pepperdine - Silky SS who will likely play 2B in college. Strong Arm. Leader.
Connor Sullivan - Duke - Versatile player who hits and runs above average. Great in classroom.
Brent Wheatley - USC - Two way player whose future is likely on the mound. Closer material.
*Jason Martin - LBSU - Outstanding athlete who hits, throws, and runs above average.
Mater Dei:
Ty Moore - UCLA - Team USA member. Two way player. Reigning league player of the year.
Ryan Barr - Portland - Versatile player who has a chance to excel at next level. Strong fundamentals.
JSerra:
Nico Darras - CSUF - Masher who will feast on short porch at Goodwin next 4 years. Team player.
Tanner Biley - UCD - OLu transfer who has found a niche as pinch hitter and defensive replacement.
*Dane McFarland - Oregon - At 6'4" has chance to add to 200 pound frame. Excellent defensively. Plus speed.