Baseball 2008
CBL 3A BASEBALL STANDINGS - APRIL 22, 2008
W L
5 1 - West Valley-Yakima
6 2 - Southridge
4 2 - Kamiakin
4 2 - Kennewick
2 6 - Sunnyside
2 6 - Eastmont
1 5 - Hanford
COLUMBIA BASIN 3A PRE-SEASON SELECTIONS
FAVORITES: Kennewick, Kamiakin, Southridge.
There was little difference between Kamiakin, Kennewick and Southridge last season, finishing within a game of each other in the league race. But this year there is one big difference: Graduation took a big bite out of the Braves and Suns, leaving the Lions as the favorite.
Kennewick's lineup includes first-teamers 3B Landon Scott (.478, 26 RBIs) and OF Luke Loftus (.443, 10 SB) and second-teamers SS/U Austin Pentecost, C/DH Dustin Long, and pitchers Tony Bryant (3-0, 2.76 ERA), Ean Arnold (5-1, 4.16 ERA) and Dane Westermeyer (4-3, 4.42 ERA). Bryant could be poised for a breakout season, and the Lions can afford to give up a run here and there with their hitting.
Kamiakin and Southridge may have a lot of players gone, but they won't be forgotten in the league race.
The Braves, coming off their first state trip since 1999, have the league's top returning hitter in SS Patrick Forgette (.500, 22 RBIs) among their five returning players. But Kamiakin's top arms are gone, and coach Rex Easley hopes both Jason Jones and Kody Young can fill the void.
The Suns have five returning players, including first-team OF Andrew Mendenhall (.441 BA) and second-team SS Thomas Henderson. Jay Fox will be a key arm on the mound.
More than one coach called Eastmont's Seth Haehl the top thrower in the league. The University of Washington-bound righty had a 3.12 ERA last year but struck out a league-high 40 in 40 1/3 innings. The Wildcats also return second-team utility player Jordan Osborn (.417 BA, 4.80 ERA).
West Valley was maybe hit hardest by graduation with just three returning players, including 2B Kevin Allan (.373 BA) -- and only a handful of innings back on the mound. Hanford could make a move from last year's 4-8, sixth-place showing, led by OF Tyler Stark (.400 BA) and 3B/P Travis Chalk (.397 BA).
2007 Regional Champion: Kamiakin
Returning all-leaguers: First team: SS--Patrick Forgette, sr., Kamiakin. 3B--Landon Scott, sr., Kennewick. OF--Luke Loftus, sr., Kennewick. P--Seth Haehl, sr., Eastmont. Utility--Andrew Mendenhall, jr., Southridge. Second team: 2B--Thomas Henderson, sr., Southridge. OF--Tyler Stark, sr., Hanford. P--Tony Bryant, jr., Kennewick; Ean Arnold, sr., Kennewick; Dane Westermeyer, sr., Kennewick. Utility--Austin Pentecost, sr., Kennewick; Jordan Osborn, jr., Eastmont. DH--Dustin Long, sr., Kennewick
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