St. Ignatius Prep
Coach: Brian Pollzzie
2024 record: 21-11
The Wildcats fell in the CCS-Division I semifinals a year ago but return six starters and a steely resolve for another strong season, says coach Brian Pollzzie.
It’s led to “a strong and focused offseason,” he said.
“We’ve got some unfinished business to take case of,” said senior pitcher and first baseman Chase Gordon.
Sophomore shortstop Archer Horn returns from a solid freshman campaign that saw him collect 30 hits, walk 17 times, drive in 20 runs and steal nine bases. He also struck out 19 batters and saved four games in 11 2/3 innings of relief work.
Senior Beau Schaffer figured to be SI’s ace after going 5-3 with a 2.51 earned-run average a year ago in 58 2/3 innings of work. Gordon went a 4-4, with a 2.90 ERA season, while right-hander Spencer Guido might take on more mound work after saving three games and compiling a 1.50 ERA in nine innings of work.
“We did a lot of damage in the WCAL last year and we expect to do more this year,” Shaffer said.
Emmett Johnson (.298 batting average with 16 RBI and 23 runs scored) returns to centerfield, while AJ Wineinger (.358 on-base percentage) will rotate between catcher and the infield and DJ Delaney figures into the Wildcats’ outfield equation.
“Obviously, last year ended on a bit of a sour note and we haven’t forgotten about that,” Johnson said. “… I am unbelievably confident that we will be ready to put up a fight against anybody and we will be prepared for this season.”
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