Baseball’s league record doesn’t reflect overall winning record
Rachel Levin, A&E Editor
Samo baseball crushed Flintridge Prep 10-0 in their game on March 9 with consistent defense and improved hitting.
Christian Recendez (’23) and Lucas Badt (’22) pulled two runs in the first inning, starting their lead, and Recendez scored the team’s third run in the bottom of the third. Recendez is leading his team in batting average and, as captain, leading his teammates through example.
“I’ve been aggressive on the bases, been able to get runs for my team. It’s been a great year for me, helping my team out offensively and defensively,” Recendez said.
Samo also won their game on Thursday, Mar. 10 against Hamilton High School 9-8. The team continued their record of strong defense but picked up on their batting. The top of the fourth brought a clutch play by catcher Bobby Muñoz (’24), who tagged a Hamilton player out at home to end the inning for Samo’s opponents. The team’s pitchers, Adam Harris (’22), Colin Jones (’22) and Recendez often also have a big part in carrying the team to victory.
For me personally, I feel like I’ve been having a pretty good season,” Harris said.
Though Hamilton matched their defense, their pitching was lacking, allowing Samo to gain a lead and bring their season wins up to eight. Coach Jordan Sigman is confident in his team’s improved performance.
“I think we have a solid team that can accomplish our goals as long as we continue to play hard, work hard at practice, and pay attention to detail,” Sigman said.
After a year of only practicing 2-3 times a week, the 2021-22 school year has allowed Samo to practice every day, building community and consistency.
“It’s been a good turnaround in this program after struggling a lot,” Recendez says.
The streak of wins continued with their Friday game against Salesian, where Samo won 5-4. They are now 9-4 going into their first league game on Wednesday, March 16.
“We started out a little rough but we’ve found our stride,” Sigman said.
On Friday, March 18, the Samo boys’ baseball team lost 5-1 in their league game against Palos Verdes. Although it wasn’t a crushing defeat, the loss hurt after their first league game, also against Palos Verdes, ended in a similar way.
Samo’s strong suit has always been their defense, and Friday’s game only proved it further. At least three pop flies were caught in the first two innings alone, giving the outfielders their time to shine.
If the outfield was huffing it, the infield was bringing their A game as well. Though he let one run slip past him in the top of the 2nd, pitcher Colin Jones (’22) ran a tight ship as the game progressed, quick to end innings and not afraid to work with his teammates behind him to rival PV when the tides were turning against them.
Christian Recendez (’23) continues to be MVP for Samo, consistently getting on base and keeping his spirits up. Pitcher Adam Harris (’22) notes Recendez for his hustle.
“He’s probably one of the best players we have,” Harris said.
This loss put the team at 0 for 2 in their league season. Despite the defeat, Samo refused to give up, and after their game on March 26 against Windward High School, which was won 1-0, baseball is now 1 and 3, and things are turning up for Samo.
Joseph Arriaga (’23) protecting first and attempting an out as Peninsula player slides on base during a game against Penisula Highschool on March 25. Samo lost 12-3