Cap puts disappointing 2004 behind

"They have one thing in mind and that's to go to CCS," said Capuchino manager Matt Wilson.

With only six seniors, the rest of the PAL probably didn't expect too much from the Mustangs this season. But with one of the deepest pitching staffs on the Peninsula and a knack for getting the timely hit, Capuchino went out and just won. Since those two losses to open the season, the Mustangs have won 14 of 16 and have six wins by one run.

"We lost the first two games to open the season but after we got that first win, it opened [the players'] eyes," Wilson said. "After the second game, they realized they didn't want to have the same year as last year."

Jared McGrew, a senior second baseman who was brought up for CCS his sophomore season, said this year's squad is much more team-oriented.

"Last year, there were a lot more individuals," McGrew said. "This year, everyone contributes. If someone is down, someone else will pick them up."

There is also no fear on the Mustangs' part. The rest of the league is taking notice and opponents are throwing their best pitcher against Capuchino. The Mustangs relish the opportunity to beat the best. They beat El Camino 1-0 March 25, beating the Colts' ace Ricky Molina. On April 22, they beat Menlo School and UCLA-bound pitcher Andy Suiter 4-3 in 12 innings.

"We always hit against the best pitchers in the league," said catcher Edgar Hernandez, who started in CCS two years ago after the regular starting catcher became academically ineligible. "Our goal is CCS. It doesn't matter what your name is or what you do. This year, if you want to throw Greg Maddox, go ahead."

It is said pitching and defense wins championships and the Mustangs are doing both. After committing 12 errors in the first two games, Wilson figures the Mustangs have committed only 12 errors since. The biggest impact in the pitching rotation was the transfer of Jesse Orozco from Mills to Capuchino, but with four other quality pitchers, the Mustangs are more than Orozco and pray for rain. Joe Dieterle, Donte Snyder, Greg Gonzalez and Hernandez have all had their share of success on the mound this season.

"I have confidence in all five guys to go out and do the job," Wilson said.

Added Hernandez: "These guys are bulldogs on the mound."

The win over El Camino, a Bay Division team, in the fourth game of the season was the team's watershed moment, McGrew said. The Mustangs were limited to just four hits but scratched out the game's only run in the bottom of the fourth. Orozco, meanwhile, was dominant, striking out 11 while holding the Colts to just four hits.

"Beating them might have been bigger than any other game," McGrew said.

The win proved that the Mustangs have the ability to play with and beat teams in the supposedly tougher Bay Division.

The Mustangs also came up with the clutch hit in a 6-3 win over Burlingame April 15. With the game tied at 2 in the bottom of the fifth, Capuchino scored four times, highlighted by a two-run home run off the bat of Orozco. The Mustangs finished the game with six runs on just seven hits.

"We're hitting the ball when we need to," Wilson said. "Getting the clutch hits. That's a big change."

In the past, teams in the Ocean did not know where they stacked up compared to Bay Division teams. This year, the divisions went to a cross-over schedule, playing teams in the other division. The Mustangs are 3-1 against teams from the Bay Division, with wins over El Camino, Burlingame and Carlmont.

"People might get upset with this but the Ocean is just as good as the Bay Division (this season)," McGrew said. "We can compete with them."

Despite the team's abysmal 2004 season, Wilson believed this year would be different.

"Before the season started, I told the team we have a lot of talent," Wilson said. "I knew they could do something special."

Nathan Mollat can be reached by e-mail: nathan@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 102. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.