Coyotes' Luther Makes An Impression

This was Adam Luther's chance to prove that he was capable of being a contributor for the Calabasas High baseball team.

And the junior took full advantage of the opportunity when it presented itself.

At the plate, Luther was 2 for 4 with a pair of doubles and he was reliable as they come fielding his position at third base. Unfortunately, he didn't receive much help from his teammates along the way  as the Coyotes lost on Monday to host Simi Valley, 10-5, in a Valley Invitational Baseball League game.  

"This was Adam's audition and he did a good job,'' Calabasas coach Ed Edsall said.  

Luther stepped into the starting lineup for the Coyotes (3-4) because several standouts, such as Jacob Fields, Jordan Bass, Alex Rubanowitz, Sean Ladendecker and Jacob Camhi, were not in attendance for the game against Simi Valley (4-1) due to prior commitments.  

"We have some spots open this summer and we're looking for guys like Luther to come in and assume some added responsibility,'' Edsall said. "He's a nice fit in our system.''  

That was apparent from the start on Monday as Luther led off the game with a double. He was stranded at second base, though, after Anthony DiCosimo grounded out to shortstop.  

Luther doubled again in the third inning, this time with a lined shot off the right field wall, and he came around to score on an infield grounder off the bat of Sammy Ross.  

"I felt good out there today, I was relaxed,'' Luther said. "My goal is to show the coaching staff that I can play on an everyday basis. I'm trying to earn a job on this team.''  

Luther wasn't the only one who left a lasting impression.  Ross also did a serviceable job, pitching well over the course of his two-inning stint on the mound. He gave up one run on three hits and left the game with a 2-1 lead.  

"This was the first time we had a chance to get a good look at Ross and we liked what we saw,'' Edsall said. "He was on a pitch count, so we weren't going to overwork him.''  

Ross' replacement, Robbie Hynes, didn't fair as well. Simi Valley scored three runs on three hits off of Hynes in the third inning to blow open what had been a close game.  

The Pioneers added another three runs on four hits in the fourth inning to extend the lead to 7-2, a rally that ultimately chased Hynes from the ball game.  

DiCosimo, Ben Vizvary and Trevor Weiss scored runs in the sixth inning to cut the deficit to four runs, but Calabasas wouldn't get any closer.  

"Overall, all of the kids played well,'' Edsall said. "These summer games give us coaches a chance to see different kids in different kinds of situations, situations that they've never been in before. In that respect, we're pleased and encouraged with everyone's effort.''  

Travis Cassidy had a pair of hits and an RBI for the Coyotes. Teammate Daniel Wilkin knocked in a run as well, so did Taylor Keppler.  

"It was nice for some of us guys that normally don't play as much to get out on the field and make some plays,'' Luther said. "All we ask for is a shot, a chance.''   Luther got his on Monday and took full advantage.