Canyons’ Reign Might Hinge on Less Rain

The College of the Canyons baseball team, though favored by most Western State Conference coaches to duplicate its championship season of 1987, is hoping the winter rains are over.

“We play in one of the last conferences that plays Saturday doubleheaders,” Coach Len Mohney said. “Last year, that was an advantage because we had a lot of pitching, but that’s not the case this season. If it’s a rainy year, you’re going to get even further into some people’s pitching depth. Right now, for us, that’s scary.

“The conference is going to be much better top to bottom,” added Mohney, whose team (5-3) plays at home against Moorpark (4-3) today in the conference opener. “I think a team can win the league this year with five or six losses.”

Sophomore outfielder Chris Joy, who is 10 for 21 with 4 home runs and 15 runs batted in, leads the Cougars. All-state catcher Mike Bible has been struggling but had three hits against Cerritos a week ago.

With outfielder Corey Aurand (.333) and catcher Don Keathly (.400) leading an offense that is likely to improve, Moorpark “should be able to battle with anybody,” Coach Ron Stillwell said.

Pierce (6-2), which plays today at Bakersfield, could be a factor in the Southern Division if Bob Lyons can find an adequate replacement for catcher Scott Cadenhead, who suffered a broken leg Thursday in a collision at home plate.

Designated-hitter Jimmy Doushgounian and left fielder David Clemons are both batting better than .400. Critical for the Brahmas will be the play of third baseman John Brasher (.270), who transferred to Pierce after batting .360 last season at Oxnard.

Mission (1-9-1) plays host to Valley (3-8) at Bluebird Stadium today in a Southern California Conference game that features two teams struggling to maintain a positive outlook.

Valley has lost five consecutive games, but the Monarchs have played a difficult schedule.

“In the long run, I think this schedule will really help out,” Valley Coach Chris Johnson said. “I think the kids understand that and we’re showing signs of getting better.”