DOWNEY - The Downey High School baseball team currently has a 3-8 record but has played some of the best teams in the area and gained valuable experience in the process.On March 12, Downey lost both games of a double header to a quality opponent in the Moore League, Long Beach Poly 2-0 and 4-1. Downey also competed in the Loera Tournament in which they went 2-3. The Loera Tournament featured some of the area's best teams and spanned two weekends, starting on March 1 and ending on 3/10. Downey returns several key players from last year's squad. Pitcher Anthony Cortez, catcher and former East Knight Yamel Delgado and shortstop Alex Rodriguez. Key losses from last year's squad include outfielder and former East Knight Josh Guerra (CSULB) and shortstop Steve Pasqual (Golden West). The Viking coaches are very pleased with the continued development in the pitching and hitting of Gabriel Llanes. The Vikings most difficult competition this season will come from the likes of Gahr and Paramount, who are consistently the teams to beat in a very competitive San Gabriel Valley League. Assistant coaches Paul Grady and Bryn Wade are doing a solid job of developing young talent and emphasizing to their players "to play the game the right way." Downey hosted Warren on Thursday (score unavailable at press time) as the league season gets under way for both teams.

********** Published: March 15, 2012 - Volume 10 - Issue 48