Clint Wheeler says it’s no secret what his club should expect in
Wednesday’s 4 p.m. first-round Central Coast Section playoff
matchup at No. 6 St. Francis (23-9).
MOUNTAIN VIEW – Clint Wheeler says it’s no secret what his club should expect in Wednesday’s 4 p.m. first-round Central Coast Section playoff matchup at No. 6 St. Francis (23-9).
“They’re a team that scratches for runs and pitches very well,” the Gilroy baseball manager said.
At this point in the season, the time for cakewalks is over. But that won’t be much of a shift from what the No. 11 Mustangs saw in a highly competitive Tri-County Athletic League schedule, in which Gilroy (17-12-1) finished tied for third with Salinas.
“I talked to a number of people and from what I’m hearing, they definitely swing the bat real well,” Wheeler said. “Their pitching has been solid, but it’s not like it’s unbeatable.”
Taylor Chris will take the mound for Gilroy, with the hope being Jordan Holler can come in late to close out the game.
“We’re gonna go with Taylor, and hopefully we get to Jordan Holler again late in the seventh inning,” Wheeler said. “If not, everyone else is ready.”
In addition to possible closing duties, Wheeler is hoping Holler can continue to have a hot bat in the postseason after raising his average above .400.
“I think Holler, he’s played unbelievable down the stretch,” Wheeler said.
Having been in over 10 games decided by one run, the Mustangs have shown they can hang with area’s best. While wins have been few and far between – Gilroy won just two of those games – the club’s confidence is still there.
“That’s what we said after Hollister, ‘that’s a 24 25-win team right there and we’ve taken them to the last out every time,'” Wheeler said. “I gotta believe we have to be one of the toughest 11 seeds in years.”
