Tigers Looking to Improve in Baseball, Softball

There is a lot of optimism in the air at South Pasadena for both the baseball and softball programs. Both Tiger squads had solid offseasons and appear ready to compete with the best of the Rio Hondo League.

Baseball

The Tigers are coming off of their first playoff appearance since 1999, as they fell in the first round to Savannah (Anaheim).

Second-year coach Anthony Chevrier played baseball at Chatswoth, one of the top programs in California. He hopes to bring some of his experience to turning around the Tigers and is excited about the potential his team has this season.

“We look solid and the kids are eager to learn and get better,” Chevrier said. “The kids are developing and we’re eager to compete for the league championship. Last year our goal was third place and this year we’re aiming a little higher.”

The Tigers (13-13 in 2010) return 11 players led by senior all-league pitcher Anthony D’Oro. The left-hander will anchor the Tigers’ staff and play first base. Senior Tony Veiller will also see time on the mound and at third base.

Senior outfielder Brian Swanson is also a returning all-league player.

“We’re senior heavy, so hopefully that pays off,” Chevrier said.

Chevrier also has a group of underclassmen that will see time on the mound. Junior left-hander Justin Cornford and Keaton Leach, a transfer from St. Francis, as well as sophomore Mark Swanson figure to be in the mix.

Senior Brendan Perry will be the Tigers’ shortstop, and junior Dylan Trimarchi should see time at second and third base.

In the outfield the Tigers figure to be led by Conor Bednarski, who’s also the quarterback on the school’s football team.

The Tigers open their season Friday at Arcadia at 3:30 p.m. in a non-league tournament. 

Softball

The Tigers begin a new era under coach Molly Mercer, who like Chevrier played for an elite prep program as she starred at nearby Crescenta Valley.

Mercer said she has a young group that will try to improve on its 8-17 and 2-10 league record from a year ago.

“We’ve been working hard since September. Our main goal is to improve from last year. This is a young team, so this is a good opportunity to gain experience,” Mercer said.

Senior center fielder Laura Parada is the veteran of the squad.

Junior Marissa Baca returns to the mound and is healthy after being injured for parts of the last two seasons.

“She’ll do really well for us,” Mercer said.

Mercer said the one area her team needs to improve on from last season is hitting.

“Last year they had a low batting average,” Mercer said.

Sophomore Cynthia Ream-Garcia is slated to play first base and should be one of the better hitters on the tem. Sophomore Erika Rodriguez will handle the catching duties, and sophomore Ashley Gentry will hold down third base.

Junior Melissa Payne, who did some pitching a year ago, is expected to play second base.

Freshman Chelsea Hong should play shortstop and also see some time on the mound.

“She has a lot of movement,” Mercer said. “I think she’s going to be great.”

Junior Madison Pacella figures to hold down the right field spot and give the Tigers another solid option at the plate.

South Pasadena begins the regular season against Covina on Friday at 7:15 p.m. in the Duarte Tournament.