Pitching is the key to Holbrook ‘Runners’ baseball success

HOLBROOK

Pitching has been the key to Holbrook’s success on the baseball diamond this year.

The No. 1 ranked Roadrunners will put its 23-5 record on the line on Friday in the Sweet 16 round of the Class 3A State Baseball Tournament.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Surprise Stadium Complex, located in northwest Phoenix, when Holbrook faces No. 16 ranked Empire of Tucson.

Holbrook head coach Brady Pond believes the Roadrunners will be tested in the Sweet 16. He said all teams earning a state tournament berth have talented players and they all belong in the prestigious postseason classic.

“We have been very well rounded this year,” Pond said. “Our pitching has been especially strong all season.”

Pond said Empire has played a challenging regular season schedule, which helped them prepare for postseason competition.

“We don’t know a lot about Empire,” Pond said. “We didn’t play any common opponents during the regular season. We know they are well coached and consistently a top team in the South Region.”
Pond said every team competing in postseason begins with a 0-0 record. He said postseason is a new season. He added that the state tournament is one-and-out.

“Through the first three rounds, you lose and you’re done for the year,” he said. “Our expectations are to go and be competitive every pitch. We will take it one game at a time, but we fully expect to battle with everyone.”

Pond said pitch count has affected every team this year. He said he is careful how he utilizes his pitching staff. Pond credits his pitching coach Louie Baldonado for the success on the mound.

“Tristan Baldonado has been our ace pitcher all season,” Pond said. “Justin Perkins and Jalen Nez have also been our top pitchers. We have a great pitching staff led by pitching coach Louie Baldonado.”

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