The team is pictured after defeating Redding Christian to win it all at the tournament last week. Back from left are coach Johnny Converse, Tyson Shelby, Bodie Hagan, Ben Lingenfelter, Drew Canter, Brady Arebalo, John Ogilby, Ez Weiland, Peyton Getty and coach Josh Collins. Front from left are Carmine Sandoval, Laten Butler, Mason Bissmeyer, Hayden Hill, Alexander Janitz and Reid Allison. Submitted photo
After back-to-back wins against Gustine to wrap up the month of March, the Mariposa County High School varsity baseball team headed into some tournament action over spring break last week.
“It went really well,” said coach Josh Collins.
“It was very much a team effort to get through those games and we ended up winning it all.”
The team opened the tournament against Orestimba on April 6 where they took the win 8-3.
“It was a really fun game to see,” Collins said.
“We don’t just rely on one guy, it really takes all of us to win and we really saw that against Orestimba.”
On April 7, the Grizzlies faced Dos Palos and had a comeback that earned them the win with a final score of 6-5.
“We really had to grind to finish it off,” the coach said.
“Dos Palos is a good team and their record doesn’t reflect what a quality ball team they are.”
MCHS wrapped up the tournament against Redding Christian with a 3-2 win.
“That was an unbelievably exciting game. It was an absolute dog fight all the way through,” said Collins.
“It really took all of us to get that one.”
Mason Bissmeyer cranked a two-run homer to tie the game in the sixth inning before the Grizzlies put it away in the seventh.
“This team really knows that the small ball is what gets us further, especially in the playoffs,” Collins continued.
“In a four game span we’ve been down at least three runs at some point. They just continue to grind.”
Freshman John Ogilby has made his name known on the mound.
“He’s been unbelievable for us,” Collins explained.
“He’s been in a closer role for us. After all of the innings he’s pitched he still hasn’t given up an earned run. That’s pretty incredible to do that as a freshman.”
After closing out the tournament, the Grizzlies had won 13 consecutive games and held a record of 8-0 in league.
“I don’t know if they fully even realize the streak,” said Collins.
“They’re just a bunch of goofballs and they don’t really stress. There’s been really minimal talk about the streak.”
Laten Butler has been the voice on the field.
“He’s really stepped up and has been our coach on the field,” the coach said.
“Other coaches are noticing and saying they wish they had a guy like that. It’s been really cool to see him lead.”
With just a few weeks left in the regular season, the Grizzlies have three teams left on the schedule — Stone Ridge Christian, Modesto Christian and Le Grand.
“We’re not focused on the streak. Our focus is one game at a time,” said Collins.
“We need to take care of business each day. We can’t bypass any of these teams because even if they’re at the lower end of the standings, anyone can come out and win at any time. It’s about staying focused and not looking ahead.”
The Grizzlies started the week against Stone Ridge Christian (2-5) on April 14 at MCHS.
Results were not available at press time.
Next up, the varsity squad will be the visiting team against Stone Ridge on April 16 in Merced.
Game time is 4 p.m.
JV will be playing in Summerville on April 16 at 2:30 p.m.
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