UPSET SPECIAL

By Brandon Petersen

The vibe around Westcliff Baseball has been positive for a long time now, as the program started strong under former head coach David Shermet, and didn't skip a beat when Dylan Hoffman took over a year ago.

But the hype surrounding this year's club is different.

Hoffman's first full recruiting class is on board, and it includes a deep, talented rotation of pitchers and position players who have already helped get Westcliff off to a 3-1 start after a brilliant opening week at Arizona Christian's Calderone Tournament.

The highlight of the four-game stretch was undoubtedly Westcliff's 6-2, 12-inning win over No. 25 MidAmerica Nazarene.

Justin Guzman took the hill for the Dubs and was outstanding, twirling five innings of one-hit ball with four strikeouts and just one free pass.

From there, Hoffman called on Steven Hayden (2 IP), Brock Grillo (3.2 IP), Shunta Furuya (W), Tyler Linnel and Jake Barbata (S) to close it out.

"The guys understood the task at hand and competed," Hoffman said. "This game truly showed us what we are capable of doing when we trust the next guy up – whether that's on the hill or at the plate."

A newcomer to Westcliff, but not the first big bat from the Pacific Northwest to anchor the Warriors' lineup at cleanup (see: Nolan Wasson), Jack Varney got things started for the Warriors in the top of the first, though probably not the way he wanted to.

After starting his multiple-extra base hit week with a clutch round-tripper in Game 1, Varney cashed in a double-play in Game 3 to crush Westcliff's goose egg early and plate Joseph Guttmann.

"Jack Varney had a great series at the plate," Hoffman said. "Joseph Guttmann started the offense on a strong note and stayed competitive (throughout the weekend)."

Guttmann led off both Games 1 and 2 with triples, then started Game 3 with a single before coming around.

The Warriors would then go nine straight stanzas without a run, until Zane Parmenter stepped to the dish in the top of the 11^th with Miguel Espana on.

Parmenter did what Parmenter has done for years, sending a clutch oppo single to right to pick up a huge RBI (See: WU's first-ever playoff win) for a 2-1 lead.

After Nazarene equaled in the home half, the floodgates opened in the 12^th, and the Warriors rode the wave to victory.

Ian Avalos, Christian Bartholomew and Alex Hall worked on to load them, then Avalos scored on a Martin Sanchez sac fly.

Kailen Kimata then came through with a double to left that plated Bartholomew, and both Hall and Kimata scored when Espana reached first on a throwing error.

"This team is special," Hoffman said. "We have had some great players come through Westcliff, but the depth of this team and the positivity to play for each other is a big spark to this program and playing some great talent this week has shown what we can do.

"But the guys know we still have a lot of work to do to meet our end goal."

Hoffman is especially pleased with the pitching staff, which he says is competing on every single pitch, a wonderful sign.

It's early, and there's plenty of time left for fine tuning, but the win over No. 25 Nazarene was a confidence builder.

"Showing that kind of battle was very special," Hoffman said. "We have a lot to look forward to. MNU is a very well-coached team with loaded talent. They deserve a ton of respect; it was a true dog fight."

DIAMOND NOTES

• Hoffman pointed to Nick Malvini as a guy who had a great week, even though it may not show up in the ink. Malvini consistently barreled up, which Hoffman said helped to spark confidence in his teammates. Malvini was a big-time producer a year ago, look for that to remain the same in 2025.

• Shunta Furuya took home wins in both Games 2 and 3, shutting the door in both. Hoffman called Furuya a piece the team can rely on.

• Tyler Linnel picked up the Game 1 win.

• The Warriors return home Tuesday to host Bethesda at the Great Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.

ARIZONA CHRISTIAN CALDERONE TOURNAMENT (Jan. 23-25, Phoenix, AZ)

Game 1: Westcliff 19, Oklahoma Panhandle State 9

Game 2: Westcliff 7, Nelson Arizona 5 (11 innings)

Game 3: Westcliff 6, No. 25 MidAmerica Nazarene 2 (12 innings)

Game 4: Nelson Texas 16, Westcliff 1 (7 innings)