Coyotes Open VIBL Playoffs At Birmingham

The Calabasas High baseball team has had a chance to take a long look at plenty of new faces in new places this summer as a number of underclassmen have had an opportunity to prove themselves, essentially challenge the seniors for a varsity roster spot.  

At times, the competition between the teammates has been heated.  

But amidst the turnover and uncertainty, the Coyotes still managed to come together as a group and play well enough to qualify for the Valley Invitational Baseball League playoffs, which begin on Thursday at 5 p.m. at Lake Balboa Birmingham.  

"I'm proud of the way the guys have played over the last month,'' Calabasas coach Ed Edsall said. "With plenty of new personnel around, we really didn't know what to expect. But overall, we're pleased with what we have seen out there on the field.''  

Entering VIBL play in June, Alex Rubanowitz, Jacob Camhi and Jordan Bass were among a handful of experienced players for Calabasas. Each has proven to be a capable leader, and collectively, their knowledge of the game has aided the development of wide-eyed peers such as Anthony DiCosimo, Adam Luther and Taylor Boucher.  

"These kids have made a good transition,'' Calabasas assistant coach Chris Sale said. "The veterans have been doing a very good job and the rookies have been attentive understudies. Keep in mind, things don't always work out that way.''  

Birmingham (9-9-1), seeded No. 15, doesn't appear to pose a major threat to the No. 18 Coyotes (8-10) in the first round, given the fact that Calabasas thoroughly defeated the Patriots, 18-1, last week.

The victory did wonders for the Coyotes' confidence.  

Rubanowitz had a big day against Birmingham, finishing 5 for 5 with four runs scored, and Camhi reached base in three of his four trips to the plate and scored two runs. DiCosimo and Luther aos fared well. DiCosimo was 3 for 4 with three runs and Luther ended up 2 for 4 with three runs and three RBI.  

If the Coyotes manage to advance against the Patriots, as expected, a showdown with No. 2 Valencia on Saturday afternoon looms. And Calabasas has to like its chances of pulling off an upset after narrowly losing to the Vikings, 6-5, back in late June.  

Beyond that, things are a bit unclear. On the other side of the playoff bracket, No. 3 Simi Valley Royal and No. 6 Mission Valley are considered the favorites to make a deep postseason run and both teams could give Calabasas loads of trouble.  

"We're happy with the progress we've made. Now, with the playoffs here, it's time to see what we're made of,'' Edsall said. "We're looking forward to the challenge.''