Broncos Hurlers Dominant in Second Straight Win

Third year Banning High School baseball coach Christopher Reyes is hoping for good things this season.

The Broncos (2-4) are just six games into the 2011 season but they are just two games away from equaling the number of wins they won all of last season.

Last season was a long one for Banning. The Broncos won just four of their 20 games.

This year, with a core of solid returners in the lineup, may be different. The roster includes seven seniors.

“What is in store? I believe some great things will happen with this team,” Reyes said. “I think this team can make some noise in league. I have a good feeling about this team.”

The lone all-league selection from a year ago is pitcher Miguel Medrano. So far the team has had some big hits from the pair of Francisco Noriega and Juan Gomez.

Banning hosts Desert Hot Springs on Saturday in a double header.

“It’s having those players back, the experience,” Reyes said. “It’s communication.”

On Thursday the Broncos won their second straight game, 1-0 over visiting Indio Shadow Hills.

And the effort may be a sign of things to come.

“Today I saw them play great defense,” Reyes said. “They were focused. They were really into the game defensively and offensively.”

There was a scary moment midway through the game. Banning outfielder Jason Pruitt was carted off the field and taken to San Gorgonio Medical Center after injury to his midsection, most likely his ribs.

“It was a little blooper into shallow left center,” Reyes said. “Our shortstop went out to get it and Pruitt took a knee into the left side of the ribs.”

Pruitt was moving and talking as he left the field. Reyes said the trip to the hospital was more of a precautionary move.

The game winner came in the fifth when Gomez scored from third on a passed ball. Banning finished with six hits. Starting pitcher Cesar Chavez and reliever Medrano combined for the win on the mound.

“Cesar went 6 1/3 innings and really did his job,” Reyes said. “He put the ball over the plate and the defense helped him. He came up with some big strikeouts.”

Medrano came in for some late relief. He struck out one batter and picking off a runner at third for a second.

“He got the last four outs of the game,” Reyes said. “He threw strikes and that is all you can ask from a closer.”

There is always room for improvement.

“I would have liked to score more runs,” Reyes said. “We left six runners in scoring position. But we fought and stayed with it and got the victory.”