2019 Baseball Previews

Head Coach: Tom Wisneski (Second season)

Key Players: Jadrian Martinez, sr., P; Troy Matheson, sr., P; Estevan Baca, jr., UTIL,

Last Season: 23-8, 6-2

The Eagles lost 11 seniors last season — seven of which were starters. But head coach Tom Wisneski remains optimistic.

“We fully expect to be right there again,” said Wisneski. “If we can get to that opening playoff game, we feel very confident.”

Part of that confidence comes from the return of senior pitchers Jadrian Martinez and Troy Matheson, who were the top pitchers on the squad last year. Wisnkeski also has high expectations from dual-sport athletes coming in from the football team.

“I think the football team exceeded expectations this year,” said Wisneski. “We’re hoping that a lot of our guys from the football team will bring that experience out here.”

Belen began their season with a home double-header against Alamogordo on Tuesday. They lost the first game 15-3, but won the second 10-1. Their next game will be at West Mesa at 11 a.m. Saturday.

Head Coach: Carlos Carrasco (11th season)

Key Players: Isaiah Garcia, sr., P; Damacio Barela, sr., UTIL,; Jeremy DiBartolomeo, sr., INF

Last Season: 9-17, 2-6

In 2018, Valencia missed the playoffs for the first time in seven seasons.

Head coach Carlos Carrasco and the Jags want to get rid of the sour taste left from last year’s disappointment.

“It was a disappointing year,” said Carrasco. “We want to come back and really leave no doubt.”

The Jags age and maturity will play a factor this year. Though they may not have a lot of varsity experience, Valencia boasts seven seniors this year.

Carrasco believes Valencia will be strong defensively, particularly on the mound.

They’ll return their No. 1 pitcher, senior Isaiah Garcia, and add junior Ryan Clark in the No. 2 spot.

“I think we’re going to be stronger pitching than we were last year,” said Carrasco.

Valencia will begin their season by hosting Pojoaque Valley at the Valencia Invite at 10 a.m. Thursday.

Head Coach: Shaun Reed (Fourth season)

Key Players: Kade Benavidez, jr., P; Kees Cieremans, jr., INF; Lyvan Medrano, sr, INF

Last Season: 5-17, 2-6

The 2018 season was full of growing pains for the Tigers. But those growing pains gave experience for the young squad, and they’re hoping to capitalize on that experience this year.

“They’re all a year older. They’re all bigger and stronger,” said head coach Shaun Reed. “And they’re all more mature.”

Particularly, Los Lunas will have a strong infield. Junior pitcher Kade Benavidez will be the team’s No. 1 pitcher, and will lead a strong junior class which includes infielder Kees Cieremans and catcher Joseph Klaus. With sophomore Logan Heath leading the outfield, the Tigers will pose a major threat to opponents defensively.

“We’re putting it all together,” said Reed. “I honestly feel we’re going to be a tick better this year.”

Los Lunas will begin their season by hosting Sandia Prep at 7 p.m. Friday.