BASEBALL: 10 HORNETS MAKE ALL-OEC
It has been quite a wild and successful ride this baseball season as ten Hornets were selected to the 2016 All-Orange Empire Conference team this week.
Making 1st Team honors were Justin Row (infield), Shane Carrier (outfield), Joey Parente (outfield) and David Miranda (Utility).
The 2nd Team selections were Randall Ortiz (pitcher), Andrew Piraino (catcher), Laine Huffman (infield), and Austin O'Banion (outfield).
Grabbing Honorable Mention votes were Josh Balbuena (first base) and Anthony Parente (pitcher).
A two-year starter, Justin Row was 3rd in the conference in batting average hitting .390. He was 2nd in stolen bases with 15. Row knocked in 23 baserunners, scored 40 runs, and belted 4 home runs.
Sophomore Shane Carrier terrorized the OEC this season batting .396 (2nd), with 53 RBI (2nd), while bashing 11 home runs to lead the conference.
Freshman Joey Parente was 5th in conference in batting average hitting .378 in the regular season. He totaled 17 RBI, 42 runs, with 12 stolen bases (5th in OEC).
During his sophomore campaign, David Miranda batted .305, had 43 RBI, scored 26 runs and blasted 5 home runs.
Sophomore pitcher Randall Ortiz was 2nd in the OEC with 8 wins. In 14 appearances, he finished the regular season with a 3.93 ERA, 67 K's (3rd OEC), 16 walks, and only suffered 2 losses.
A sophomore, Andrew Piraino was stellar behind the dish throwing out 15 base runners (2nd in conference). He batted .305, with 10 RBI, and scored 14 runs during the regular season.
Sophomore Laine Huffman led the OEC in stolen bases with 16. He hit .360, with 31 RBI, and scored 45 runs.
Sophomore Austin O'Banion led the conference in RBI with 54. He batted .342, had 42 runs, stole 3 bases, and crushed 4 home runs.
Sophomore Josh Balbuena batted .320, had 25 RBI, and scored 21 runs. The first baseman had 210 putouts (2nd OEC) and helped turn 27 double plays (2nd OEC).
Last but not least, sophomore pitcher Anthony Parente was solid for the Hornets with a regular season record of 5-1. In 12 appearances he had 38 strikeouts, 37 walks, and posted a 4.66 ERA.
Up Next: The #17 Hornets will take on #2 Glendale College in the first round of the Southern California Regional Playoffs. Game one will be on Friday, May 6th at Casey Stengel Field in Glendale @ 2:00 pm. Game two will be played at Casey Stengel Field at 11:00 am. If needed, game three will be played at 3:00 pm.
Admission Pricing: $12 general admission; $8 students and seniors. Season passes not accepted at this event.
Parking: Casey Stengel Field is the home field for Glendale College Baseball and is directly across the street from Glendale College and adjacent to Verdugo Park at 1621 Canada Blvd; Glendale, CA 91208. Metered parking is available at the park until 2:00 pm Friday when it is free and all day Saturday. Adjacent lots behind Stengel Field and across the street can handle overflow parking. Please keep in mind that Friday and Saturday are school days at GCC and that parking might be an issue around game times.
Food/Concession: Light refreshments and snacks will be available at the game but several food choices including are available across the street from the field via the footbridge behind Stengel Field.
Weather/Seating/Restrooms: It is projected to be in the 60's with the chance of rain Friday and Saturday so umbrellas for shade might be a good idea as well as other items to keep you warm. Seating is slightly limited due to the refurbishment of Stengel Field so please arrive early for the games. Restrooms are located directly across from the entry to the field in Verdugo Park.
