HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOUTHERN SECTION PREVIEWS : HIGH DESERT LEAGUE

Paraclete

COACHES: Mike Fulmer, 2nd season

LAST SEASON: 12-8; first in Desert-Inyo League, 8-1

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Seniors Drew Gonzales and Brian Lathrop are the team leaders. Gonzales, an all-league shortstop, batted .429 with 24 stolen bases last season. The right-handed Lathrop, the Spirits’ No. 1 starter, was 6-1 with a 3.26 earned-run average. Lathrop, who also catches and plays the outfield, batted .305. Senior right-hander Dave Murray (5-1, 2.55 ERA) adds depth to the staff. When not pitching, Murray is a swift outfielder who batted .375 and stole 15 bases last season. Senior outfielder Eric Dombrowski (.317, 21 runs batted in) will pitch in relief. Senior Jon Martinez (.368) starts at catcher. Senior Al Solorzano (.351, 15 RBIs, 12 stolen bases) plays first base and senior Sean O’Gara starts at second. Sophomore Steve McMurtry can play any infield position.

OUTLOOK: The Spirits are gunning for the league title. “We have the talent to be good,” Fulmer said. “We just have to play consistent.”