wrapped up a successful campaign last weekend in the inaugural South Bay Summer Baseball League.
The team, which finished runner-up to Mira Costa in the West Division during regular-season summer league play, captured two of three wins in postseason pool play. The Sea Kings dropped a 9-5 decision Thursday to Loyola, which earned the league’s playoff title, but recorded victories over L.A. Harbor (9-3) and North Torrance (3-2).
Overall, the Sea Kings finished 13-5.
“The summer went well for us,” assistant coach and league coordinator Alex Morales said. “We liked what we saw. I think the kids get it now and if they don’t, they’re close. They want to do well and they know what it takes to do well and they’re willing to do those little things that can make a big difference over the course of a regular season. We’re very happy with their efforts.”
Leftfielder Anthony Collins, first baseman Patrick Moody, 1st base and infielder Cameron MacLean were the most applauded performers for Palos Verdes.
“Those kids took advantage of their opportunities,” Morales said. “All three of them had a great summer.
Several players also took advantage of possibly being starters in the Sea Kings’ pitching rotation. Drew Nolls and Jeremy Barth made good impressions.
“There has been quite a competition on the mound,” Morales said. “We’ve had 12 or 13 guys pitch this summer and those guys are all close in the competition. But that’s good. Anytime we can create competition at any position that’s always a good thing.
“(Barth is) one of those guys in the mix. He pitched well. We’re also excited with what we saw from Drew on the mound. He might be a guy we end up counting on. He’s gotten stronger and he also was hitting the ball with some authority.”
Loyola defeated Costa, 2-0, for the championship of the postseason tournament last Saturday.
The league will host a fall league, beginning in September.
