Movin’ and groovin’ as Griz have found their confidence

After beginning the season 0-6, the varsity baseball team at Mariposa County High School have found their footing.

On March 9, the Grizzlies hosted Golden Valley at MCHS where the pieces began to fall into the place.

Having entered the game 3-0, Golden Valley was handed their first loss of the season by the Grizzlies with a final score of 10-4.

“It was absolutely a confidence boost,” said coach Josh Collins.

“We made practice on Friday a fun one and we had them play tee ball. We’re trying to get them to find the joy in baseball again and it started there.”

MCHS found their confidence just in time for league play, which began the next day on March 10 at Denair.

The Grizzlies blew out Denair 21-2.

“The very first pitch of the game, Reid Allison hit a double off the fence and it was just hit after hit,” Collins said.

“It was probably one of the best hitting games I’ve coached. They were crushing it.”

The team was right back at it on March 12, this time hosting Denair on Ed Vegely Field.

MCHS kept the momentum going and took their third win of the season with a score of 11-1.

“The win against Golden Valley just opened the flood gates,” said Collins.

“They’ve realized they’re a very good baseball team and they haven’t stopped hitting since.”

As the team headed into the next week before playing Waterford, they knew there are still things to improve on.

“We’ve had some errors that we probably shouldn’t have,” the coach said.

“We’ve been really focusing on defensive work and it’s showing.

Consistency is key.

“We just have to take things one week at a time,” said Collins.

“It’s easy to talk when you’re winning but we need to be consistent. They’re a great team and it’s been a joy to watch them find the joy of the game again.”

After the wins against Denair, Ben Lingenfelter and Mason Bissmeyer each have a homerun in the books.

Allison and Lingenfelter are tied at nine for the most hits.

Allison has recorded seven stolen bases while Lingenfelter leads in the RBI category with 11.

The Grizzlies (2-0 in league) traveled to Waterford (1-1) to face the Wildcats on March 17.

Waterford then came to MCHS on March 19 to play the Grizzlies on their home field.

Results for these games were not available at press time.

Next up, the Grizzlies will travel to Delhi to compete with the Hawks on March 31.

Game time is 4 p.m.