Warren Bears look to catch Gahr in standings

DOWNEY - The Warren High School boys' baseball team currently holds a 10-5 overall record and are 4-3 in league play.The Bears got off to a scorching 4-0 league start but were slowed down last week with a couple of close losses to crosstown rival Downey. The Bears lost to John Glenn High School on Saturday, April 7, 6-3, defeated Bishop Montgomery Monday, April 9,15-2, and played Aquinas Tuesday, April 10 (score unavailable at press time). The Bears are currently playing in the St. Paul's Tournament over Spring Break and will resume league play next week. Thus far Gahr stands atop the S.G.V.L. standings with a 6-1 league record followed by Downey, Paramount and Warren whom all have 4-3 records. Coach Noonan believes his Bears are ready to get back on track. Bear catcher Josh Carrasco is playing well right now and has picked off a runner in every game thus far, none bigger than the first Downey game where he gunned down a Downey runner attempting to take third and preserving a 7-6 lead. Coach Noonan said that Brandon Volpe is also playing well with his defense, timely hitting and leadership emerging. Seniors Aaron Chavez, Matt Barela, Daniel Dominguez and Rey Sanchez represent the core of the team and are all playing well also. Juniors Mikey Sanangelo and Daniel Roman are playing at a high level as well. Warren's pitching remains a strength of their team and the pitching by committee approach has been a success due to having four left handed pitchers on his staff to mix in with his right handed pitchers. Noonan believes this approach makes life difficult for opposing teams not to mention saves arms in the process. In addition to this "curve ball" approach, Coach Noonan has his pitchers condition by running regularly, and combines core workouts with plyometric training. Coach Noonan enjoys the incredible energy and love for the game his players have. He is impressed by the many outstanding defensive plays he has seen as well as the overall level of competition in league play. Coach Noonan also maintains that his team has been in every league game by either being tied or down a single run for a good stretch of each game. Noonan stresses to his players to keep the game fun, feel free to play loose and not dwell on mistakes. Coach Noonan's fresh approach to the game as first year varsity skipper has certainly paid off for the upstart Bears.

********** Published: April 12, 2012 - Volume 10 - Issue 52