Bryan Melara / Roundup
In just his first year as head coach of the baseball program, coach John Bushart has led the Brahmas to their first playoff berth since 2007, as a #12 seed.
The Brahmas began their season vigorously, having won 20 of their first 28 games before falling into a five game losing streak which nearly left them out of the playoffs.
Practice and dedication showed for the hard-working Brahmas, finishing the season with a 25-11 record and a second place position in the Western State Conference South standings.
“We’re definitely under-rated as of now,” said outfielder Zack Gilula.
Ending the season with five must win games and winning all five, Pierce made their case for a playoff berth.
“We brought it together when we had to and we’re in the playoffs, anything can happen now,” said pitcher Carlos Gonzalez.
In round one of a best-of-three playoff series Pierce will face #5 El Camino College (27-9).
According to Athletic Director Bob LoFrano the strength and key to the clubs success is the three starting pitchers, Gonzalez (7-4, 3.09 Earned Run Average), Nick Rodarte (4-1, 5.62 ERA) and Ryan Santhon (6-4, 3.91 ERA).
“We’ve pitched extremely well,” said Bushart. “Everything starts with starting pitching.”
Pierce undoubtedly can swing the wood and run the bases as well as they can pitch. In the WSC South they ranked first in doubles with 92, second in runs scored with 286 and tied for second in stolen bases with 74 according to spincostats.com.
With the numbers the Brahmas put up this season they may have been even better if it was not for injuries to several players.
James Wharton redshirted this season after having a knee injury before the season started.
Matt Moreno who had a .312 batting average with one home run and 18 Runs Batted In, after missing a month of the season after being ingured in a dogpile after having walk-off hit.
After all that the Brahmas also scored at least 10 runs in 10 games this season, including four games in which they scored 15 or more runs.
Game one of the series will be at 2 p.m. at El Camino, Game two is set for 11 a.m.
If the teams were to split the first two games played, there would be a deciding game three at 3 p.m.
The Warriors have been a solid team at home this season with a record of 11-4, but Pierce has been just as strong on the road with a season record of 12-5.
The Warriors have been a solid team at home this season with a record of 11-4, but Pierce has been just as strong on the road with a season record of 12-5.
The Brahmas will not have a home game, all their games will be played at El Camino.
“We’ve played better on the road then we have at home,” said pitcher Santhon.
It remains unclear who will start game one for both Pierce and El Camino. Although it is very likely the Warriors will send Kyle Petter to the mound.
Petter went 11-0 with a 1.74 ERA in the regular season, he also hit .344 with 8 home runs and 40 Runs Batted In.
Every win from here on out will get the resilient Brahmas a step closer to their main objective of winning a state championship.
A potent line-up mixed with dominating pitching and an experienced coaching staff should put the Brahmas deep in the playoffs.
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Pierce starting pitcher Nick Rodarte delivers a pitch against Santa Ana on Feb. 11. (Victor Stephen Kamont / Roundup)