With Tucker Cross as the first line of defense, and five solid returning players in the field, Mountain Vista has turned its focus to finding a consistent batting order.
Since coming back from tournament action in Arizona, Mountain Vista High School baseball has been figuring out the best place to put their hitting talent, and the changes keep coming.
One new change was moving senior catcher Brian Caggiano to the first spot. Golden Eagles coach Mark Goldsberry said the team’s offense was having trouble getting on base, so the coaching staff went to the on-base percentages.
“Caggiano is not a typical leadoff hitter, but Brian is always on base all day,” Goldsberry said. “His OBP before Rock Canyon was over .580. He runs very well, so we said why not [move him] and tried it against Heritage, and we scored eight runs and had 13 hits.”
Caggiano was also the leadoff batter against Rock Canyon April 9 at Vista in Highlands Ranch where the Eagles won 5-3, scoring its runs in the early frames.
“[Against Rock Canyon], we came out hot but we didn’t finish late in the game,” the coach said. “If we can get Brian on, and we have [Robert] Kissner and [Tommy] Clothier and Cross behind him, they’ll have a chance to drive in some runs. That’s kind of what we’re looking at.
“We’re trying to fall into a sort of routine. We’re trying to figure out a starting lineup after coming back from Arizona, and let them no they’re going to be in that position. Their going to hit from that spot in the order every day, no matter if they maybe 4-4 or go 0-for-4. We’re trying to get them to relax a little more.”
With some new kids on varsity, Goldsberry said the team is starting to work better than before the trip to Arizona. Among the Eagles’ more experience varsity faces is Cross, Clothier, Mike Morales and Kissner.
Cross was an all-league third baseman last season and is the team’s No. 1 mound-minder this year. Clothier started at short stop last year when Eric Anderson was on the mound. This season, he’s the team’s regular stopper. Morales returns to his starting right field post, while Kissner is in center and returns from a sprained ankle.
Tommy Strunc serves as Vista’s No. 2 on the bump. Between Strunc and Cross, the Golden Eagles bring with it a solid dynamic.
“Tommy is more of a power guy, who will come out with the fast balls and curve balls, while Tucker is more of a striker with an outstanding change-up,” Goldsberry said. “You just cant sit on [Cross’] fast balls, cause he’ll beat you with change-ups all day. He held Rocky Mountain to no hits until the fourth inning. That’s the kind of pitcher he is. He’s going to stay near the zone. He’s not going to walk a lot of people, and his change-up is phenomenal.”
Backing up Cross and Strunc on the bump is Patrick Gojan, Chase LaRue and freshman Michael Klein, whom the coaching staff is high and excited about his future with the team, Goldsberry said.
Mountain Vista held a 5-5 overall record after the win over the Jaguars. They were 1-1 in the Continental League with a 10-8 loss to Heritage.