Baseball: Birmingham prepares for season opener against Harvard-Westlake [Video]
Patriots have several top young players
The first time freshman Justin Rorick of Birmingham steps into the batter’s box next Saturday in his high school debut, he’s expected to be facing the No. 1 returning pitcher in Southern California, Harvard-Westlake’s Jack Flaherty.
But Rorick, who has been very impressive in summer and fall ball, is looking forward to the challenge. Rorick, sophomore catcher Ryan Mendoza and sophomore shortstop Ivan Lomelli, are part of a promising group of young players at Birmingham who want to make their presence felt in the City Section this season.
If the Patriots can get strong pitching from Adrian Rodriguez, they could be a surprise team in the West Valley League.
What’s clear is that Rorick could be the best freshman hitter in the City Section. He had two home runs in the summer, added another in the fall and has been hitting well against good competition. He’s also an A student and seems ready to take on the challenge of varsity competition as a 15-year-old.
Coach Matt Mowry likes his team, and the Patriots will be hosting Harvard-Westlake, last season’s Southern Section Division 1 champion, in an 11 a.m. game on March 1.
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