Lopez Getting Attention of Major League Scouts

Despite being off to a 2-5 start, the Hightstown High baseball team is getting some outside recognition.

That's what happens when Jose Lopez is on your team.

According to Hightstown Coach Jim Peto, scouts are scheduled to see Lopez's home outing against Montgomery today, Monday.

Lopez has throw one gem after another for Hightstown this season, including a no-hitter against Princeton on April 8. Lopez struck out 10 and walked only two batters in the 8-0 win.

"He just dominated," Peto said. "He threw only 81 pitches. Not one ball left the infield."

Lopez was backed by a lot of offense in this game. Kevin Lenart had three hits and three runs scored. Kevin Monahan had three hits, two runs scored and three RBI. Tyler Schickner had two hits, two runs scored and a RBI. Gus Vuolle had a hit and two RBI. Mike Indrikovic had two hits and a run scored.

Hightstown's other win was 10-4 over Lawrence on April 15.

Lopez pitched four innings and allowed just one run in that win. Javier Blanco tossed two scoreless innings.

John Feldhaus had two hits and four RBI. Lenart had two hits, two RBI and a run scored. Indrikovic had two hits and a run scored. Vuolle had a hit and two runs scored. Schickner and Monahan had a hit, run scored and RBI.

Lopez also pitched very well on April 20, but he and Hightstown were defeated, 1-0, by Nottingham.

"It was an unearned run because he tried a pickoff play on a runner at second base," Peto recalled.

"It's kind of frustrating that we couldn't put together a few hits and get two runs."

Hightstown and Lopez were also defeated, 3-2, by Robbinsville on April 6.

Hightstown was defeated by Hopewell, 10-7, on April 21.

Don't expect to see 17 runs scored with Lopez on the mound on Monday.

"It's pretty exciting," Peto noted of the scouts coming on Monday. "We haven't had that in a while."