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I had the chance to get out to see Harvard Westlake's baseball games versus JSerra and Mater Dei on Saturday, December 1st. By all appearances, coach Matt LaCour looks to have another team that should compete not only for a league title but, a CIF title as well.
The Wolverines dominated JSerra in every facet in the first game. Hans Hansen went four shutout innings in relief getting out of two of those innings in 15 pitches.
Tyler Urbach, Brian Ginsberg, Andrew Wallach, and Joseph Corrigan all contributed offensively with hits.
Jack Flaherty took the mound in the second game versus Mater Dei and struggled from the outset. Austin Grebeck started things with a 7 pitch at-bat that resulted in a walk. After an error on Harvard Westlake, Tyler Adkinson laced a curve ball to left field for an RBI single. Flaherty would respond by striking out Jeremy Martinez on three pitches.
The Monarchs would add two more runs in the inning before pitching took over for both team. There were only two hits after the first inning.
Arden Pabst looked very good behind the plate for the Wolverines. He continues to grow and fill out and his potential is limitless according to his coach.
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For Mater Dei, coach Burt Call has arguably the best lineup in southern California. Top-to-bottom there is not an easy out there. It all starts with Austin Grebeck who sets the tone for the Monarchs from the leadoff spot. Davis Tominaga, Jeremy Martinez, Tyler Adkinson, Brandon Perez, and Ryan McMahon all provide quality hitters behind Grebeck.
The biggest surprise for the Monarchs, and the Trinity League for that matter, should be Adkinson. A transfer last year from Culver City he stepped onto a team crowded with established players and sat for most of last season. He appears physically and mentally ready to seize one of the corner outfield spots for coach Call. He clearly passes the eyeball test, the question will be how he reacts to the level of pitching he'll face in the Trinity League.
Aaron Cross should be a pleasant surprise to opposing teams in league as well. After sitting most of the last two seasons behind guys like Cory Hahn and Ty Moore, Cross could develop into a nice compliment to McMahon and Tominaga.Cross was sensational as a freshman and appears to have developed physically. He uses a variety of arm slots and mixes his pitches - of which he threw three for strikes - very well.
Grebeck's move to the bullpen is a great move by Call. The Oregon Duck signee was sitting mid-80's with a lot of movement last weekend. Grebeck provides a nice insurance policy for Call and his developing pitching staff.