After a 5-10 start to the season, LMC Mustangs baseball team has improved their record to 21-13, including 13-3 in conference play.
Many of the changes were the result of players stepping up when others were injured. “A lot of guys have been doing a great job,” said head coach Sidhu.
Some of his notable players are Smith Chandler, Chase Taylor, Kai Smith, and Heeryun Han, as well as pitchers Sean McGraw, Justin Jones, Jack Karst, and Zane Baltz.
Baltz, a pitcher, said the team found its rhythm after a rocky start. “Originally we struggled to find an identity… but once we got into the conference, we’ve turned it around” he said. “It’s a fun environment with a lot of good guys.” He also shared his personal favorite moment from the season. “My favorite moment this year has to be us sweeping Solano the first week… Solano was pretty intense and fired up to face us”
The Mustangs offense has also been fantastic this season, scoring 299 runs with a team batting average of .332 and an on-base percentage of .425 in 34 games. The pitching staff has also been consistent and deep, giving the offense the opportunity to win close games.
“Getting healthy has been extremely important,” Sidhu explained. He noted that the squad is rarely totally healthy, but when it is, they are difficult to stop.
Redshirt freshman pitcher Will O’brien also shared insight into his favorite moment of the season so far. “My favorite moment of the season would have to be seeing Justin Jones come back from Tommy John surgery, it was inspiring to see” He also explained where he has improved throughout the year. “My command, velocity, everything has improved. I have worked very hard to get to where I am now” he said.
The early season games did not have easy matchups, which surely helped the club progress. “We had to grind them all out,” Sidhu added.
The unique home turf has definitely helped LMC gain momentum, as seen by their 12-3 record at home. “Our place is difficult to play at,” Sidhu said. “Unlike many other schools, it does not use turf. Our guys embrace that.”
Looking ahead, Sidhu said the team needs to stay sharp and avoid mental mistakes as the postseason approaches. Still, his proudest moments come off the field.
“Helping guys move on to the next level, that’s what I’m most proud of,” he said.
Several players have already earned Division I opportunities, Including Chase Taylor and Smith Chandler.
The Mustangs seek to maintain their momentum as they head into the playoffs.
