(Walnut, CA) Mt. SAC Baseball Head Coach John Knott enters his fourth season as the Mounties open the 2020 season, this Friday (Jan. 24), at Mazmanian Field against Victor Valley College.
"We are really excited for the upcoming season to begin," said Knott, who won his second consecutive South Coast Conference (SCC) North Coach of the Year honor last season. "We feel we have a good mix of returners and newcomers to the program."
"Our schedule is very competitive and the conference is one of the best in the state. We are going to have to be at our best each game if we want to be successful."
The last two years Mt. SAC has advanced deep into the CCCAA playoffs, reaching the state final four in 2018.
The Mounties finished as SCC North Co-Champions last season with a 14-8 conference and 26-20 overall record.
The Mounties are led by All-SCC returners, Jacob Kampen, 2018 Co-Pitcher of the Year (5-0, 1.62 ERA,35 Ks) and Noah Woodall, Pitcher (3-0, 1.99 ERA, 32 Ks). "Both of them bring experience and pitching ability," Knott said.
Newcomers Tyler Frazier, Michael Ortega, Diego Barrera and Michael Gutierrez will also be aiming to pitch in the front and back end of games to help make a competitive top through the bottom.
Offensively the team brings back five starters from last season, led by all-conference players Albert Luevano, 3B (.376 Avg, 13 RBIs) and Caleb Ellis, CF (.329 Avg., 4 2B, 11 RBIs). Tyus Santa Anna, Omar Veloz and Dylan Zavala return from last years team, along with Nick Lugo (Hilo, HI) and Cameron White, Chaffey (All-SCC 1B).
Knott's coaching staff will include assistant coach/recruiting coordinator Scott Zine (Chapman, 2005), Matt Silberman, Rob Prieto and Larry McCann. New to the staff this season is former player Nic Sandoval.
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.