MCHS searching for first win on diamond

After an 0-6 start to the season, the Grizzlies varsity baseball team at Mariposa County High School was still looking for their first win.

After an impressive defensive showing in a 2-1 loss against Yosemite High School on Feb. 27 at MCHS, the Grizzlies traveled to YHS on March 2 where the Badgers handed them an 8-0 shutout.

“We’re struggling to hit the ball,” coach Josh Collins said.

The struggles continued when the Grizzlies were shut out for a second time against Hilmar on March 4, with a final score of 14-0.

“They weren’t overpowered at the plate but you have to make adjustments,” Collins said.

“They’re struggling to adjust.”

Baseball is a mental game.

“Once one thing doesn’t go your way, you have to have the mental fortitude to stay in the game,” explained Collins.

“This team is looking for a leader right now; someone who is going to say ‘I’m going to make the play.’”

MCHS traveled to Orestimba on March 7 where they were able to put up some hits.

Reid Allison, Hayden Hill, Laten Butler and Mason Bissmeyer were able to connect with the ball at the plate.

Orestimba won, but only by one run with a final score of 9-8.

“This is a very talented team,” Collins said.

“We’re looking at what we need to change and what we can do differently.”

With nine seniors on the roster, the group is aiming to be playing at a higher level.

“I think maybe it’s about getting back to the joy of the game,” said Collins.

“They’re a very close knit group, but when it comes to performance it’s a lot of individual effort and we need to focus on the team by looking at how ‘we’ get out of the funk and not ‘me.’”

League game are quickly approaching and that’s when things really count.

“We need to figure things out,” Collins said.

“We need to make adjustments now because league is coming up fast.”

Even though the team is still looking for a win there are still several positives.

“Ben (Lingenfelter)is a great hitter but he’s still looking for his first hit of the season,” Collins said.

“When’s he’s on the mound pitching it’s just a huge boost for the team.”

Allison continues to show consistency.

“Reid has done a great job,” the coach said.

“He’s doing his job just executing and doing all that is asked of him.”

Sometimes it’s the players in the dugout who have the most impact.

“AJ Janitz doesn’t start that often but he has really learned his role,” Collins said.

“Even being down 14-0, they don’t lose engagement and that was led by Janitz. He’s the glue and it’s really cool to see.”

The Grizzlies hosted Golden Valley at MCHS on March 9 and league action began against the Coyotes at Denair on March 10.

Results for these games were not available at press time.

Next up, the Grizzlies will face Denair for a second time but this time, it will be at home on Ed Vegely Field on March 12.

Game time is 4 p.m.