2017 Western Baseball Capsule

WESTERN

Head coach: Michael Hobson, second season

2016 record: 1-19 (0-14 Division I-A Sunset)

Returning lettermen (starters): Six (three)

Top players: SS/P Sebastian Reyes (So.), UTL Tyler Matthews (Jr.), OF Mack Gastelum (So.), 1B/P Gonzalo Lopez (So.), UTL Adrian Oles (Fr.)

Outlook: The Warriors return only three starters, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The bulk of the team’s top players are young and have the chance to really build up the program in the coming years.

“This year’s team is young and lacks game experience, but what we lack in live experience, we make up for in desire,” Hobson said. “Some of these guys have been practicing together every day since last season ended, which is really exciting to see as a coach. It appears that that type of drive has taken us to another level that we have not seen in a handful of years.

“As the season hits full swing and these boys see enough game action, we should find our stride and make some noise in the conference.”