Once again the Culver City varsity baseball team used pitching and defense to edge Mira Costa 2-1 last Friday at Culver City in their opening game of the Lions Tournament.
“This has pretty much been our season,” said coach Rick Prieto after their victory against Mira Costa. “Our defense really came through for us today and our pitching was once again outstanding.”
Until the team’s bats wake up, defense and pitching will carry the 8-3 Centaurs. Culver City’s pitching staff, led by junior Jay Sterner came through again.
“Jay did a fantastic job on the mound today,” Prieto said. “That’s what we expect of him. He gave us five strong innings. Sterner is also batting over .400 this year so he is the complete package.”
Also performing at the superstar level for the Centaurs is senior shortstop Darian Sylvester. Sylvester is batting above .300 and he is the team’s defensive leader. Against Mira Costa Sylvester made several key plays to keep Mustang runners from scoring.
“Darian probably made three ESPN plays today,” said Prieto.
Sylvester has taken his four-year-varsity experience and used it to become a leader on the field and in the dugout.
“I have worked have to be in this position,” said Sylvester after the win over Mira Costa. “I like the pressure.”
Sylvester credits his coaches for having them ready to play every game.
“We have great practices and our coaches tell us to work hard and good things will happen,” Sylvester said. “I also need to be the mental leader of the team. I need to keep everyone focused in the dugout and on the field.”
Last Saturday the Centaurs beat Golden Valley 4-2 and they continued play in the Lions Tournament last Monday against San Juan Hills and last Tuesday against Ramona of Riverside. Their first two Ocean league games will be next week against Beverly Hills on Tuesday April 8 at Beverly Hills’ La Cienega Park at 3:15 p.m. and at Culver City on Thursday April 10 at 3:15 p.m.
“Our league is going to be tough again this year,” said Prieto. “Santa Monica is big and strong again this year and Hawthorne is very good and the rest of the teams will be competitive. So you better bring you’re A game because any team can beat you on any given day.”
