Sophomore pitcher BJ Bensoua was focused on simply one thing; to finish the job he had started on the mound in Tuesday’s South Coast Conference baseball game against East L.A.
While leading the Warriors to a win in shutout fashion, Bensoua’s determination allowed him to pitch his first complete game over East L.A., 3-0.
“It feels good to have my first complete game under my belt, ” Bensoua said. “It feels really good to know it was a shutout.”
Coach Nate Fernley’s approach to defense has paid off, resulting in an error-less game from the Warriors and improving to a record of 16-7-1 overall with a 6-3 record in conference play. The Warriors look to build on the win when they play another game against East L.A. College at home today.
Fernley doesn’t expect to make any defensive adjustments for the match.
“Simply put, defense is the reason why we won this first game,” coach Nate Fernley said. “If (East L.A.) can’t score any runs, then it’s hard for us to lose. We just need to continue to play the kind of of defense that were capable of.”
Sophomore Aaron DeGuire hit a double in the top of the first inning, bringing in freshman John Hein, who also hit a double prior to DeGuire’s at-bat. The one run lead lasted until the seventh inning, when sophomore Joe Morgan droved in two more runs.
“It was great to be able to draw first blood in that game”, DeGuire said. “I think it motivated a lot of our players to protect the lead, as well as taking some of the energy out of our opponents.”
Bensoua was as grateful as anyone when he saw the first run batted in.
“It took a lot of pressure off of me to start the game knowing we’re ahead,” Bensoua said. “It allowed me to pitch my game comfortably.”
Today, sophomore Kyle Petter will be on the mound, looking to complete the season sweep of East L.A.
“When (Petter’s) on the mound, it’s a confidence booster for a lot of our guys,” DeGuire said, when asked about Petter’s upcoming game. “He’s really consistent in throwing strikes. Watching him do that takes pressure of the entire team.”
Bensoua also commented on Petter’s upcoming game.
“(Petter) has some major-league stuff,” Bensoua said. “He’s beaten (East L.A.) earlier in the season, so the team has a lot of faith in him in getting on the mound and getting the job done.”
