Loaded with experienced seniors, Mira Costa’s baseball team seeks its third consecutive Bay League title when the Mustangs kick off the 2019 campaign with tournament action this weekend
“We scheduled a very difficult slate this year,” Mira Costa Keith Ramsey said. “Beginning with the Newport Elks Tourney, we will play St. John Bosco and D1 runner-up Foothill as well as other difficult matchups.”
Playing in the Frank Lerner Division, Mira Costa opens with a home game against Riverside Poly on Thursday (3 p.m.), followed a home contest against Foothill on Saturday (11 a.m.) and an away game at St. John Bosco on Monday (3 p.m.).
Action continues on Wednesday at 3 p.m. followed by the championship games on Friday, Feb. 22.
“We are also in the Boras Tourney again as well as playing non-league matchups with Gahr, Bosco (again), West and El Segundo,” Ramsey added. “We’ve tried to challenge our group as much as possible in preparation for a tough D1 playoff gauntlet.”
Mira Costa’s team features four experienced senior right-handed pitchers led by Christian Bodlovich (6-0, 195), Merrick Baldo (6-1, 190), Jared Karros (6-6, 185) and Robbie Knowles (6-2, 195).
Bodlovich was the Bay League’s Pitcher of Year in 2018 while Baldo and Karros were named to the All-Bay League first team.
The infield is also loaded with talent led by returning Bay League Most Outstanding Player shortstop Chase Meidroth (5-10, 180). All-league selections Kyle Karros (6-4, 180) and Dylan Dennis (6-1, 195) are the Mustang’s third and second baseman.
Senior catcher James Park (6-2, 190) will handle the duties behind the plate while senior Nick Carpino, who quarterbacked Mira Costa’s football team, heads the outfielders while playing center field.
Newcomers include sophomores Nick Bacura and Jonah Storey, who play the catcher and outfield/pitcher positions, respectively.
“As far as the team goes, I think the Bay League will be a battle this year as there are multiple teams that will be competitive,” Ramsey said. “Redondo has a lot of talent this year and I know that week (April 23) will be a tough one.”
