Bonanza closes out preseason against Palo Verde
(Mar 3, 2008) — With just three days until Opening Night at Basic, Bonanza's baseball team concluded its second-and-final preseason game Monday afternoon, falling to neighboring Palo Verde, 12-5.
The Bengals made solid progress despite collecting four errors as a team and allowing six unearned runs, with a handful of solid performances as the beginning of the regular season creeps towards Southern Nevada this week. The offense collected 10 hits, sophomore Kris Bryant hit a deep home run to left and the pitching staff showed some of its potential.
"We closed out the preseason on a positive note," head coach Derek Stafford said. "Our pitching staff looked good, our offense continues to show potential and we have two days before Opening Night to tighten things up for the duration."
Sophomore Eddie Orozco was 2-for-4 with a double while senior Phil Navarro came a home run short of hitting for the cycle for the second straight game, finishing 3-for-4 with a double, a triple and two RBI. Senior Chasen Shreve tripled, Bryant was 2-for-3 with two RBI and a stolen base and senior Nick Bryant scored a run and drove in another.
"We're being patient and spraying the baseball well," Stafford said. "The offense is starting to click and we are very happy with many of the guys' approaches at the plate."
Sophomore David Pettis went two strong innings, allowing one earned run while striking out two while Navarro and junior Kyle Hutchens both threw scoreless innings in their first preseason appearances on the mound. Sophomore Mario Franzese showed flashes in a scoreless first inning after the Bengals jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first thanks to a 2-run double from Navarro.
The preseason comes to a close now, with the Bengals returning to practice Tuesday and Wednesday before they go under the lights at Basic High School's Gary Chaires Field. The season opener begins at 6 p.m. with staff ace and future CSN Coyote Chasen Shreve set to take the mound.
"After all the hard work, sweat, grounders and blisters from BP, it's time to get after it," Stafford said. "We're ready to go and see what this season holds for us. These are our players and it's their time to play ball as great representatives of Bonanza Baseball."
Buckle up, Bengal fans, the season is here!
