DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER
McAllen Rowe did not make the playoffs this season, but there is optimism for the future.
The Warriors had eight sophomores see significant playing time this year. Their best player, Abanny Garcia, was a sophomore. All four of their pitchers were sophomores.
Outfielder Jake Weaver was the only Warriors starter with two years of varsity experience.
Though Rowe went 4-8 in District 30-6A, coach Angel Perez is encouraged. Five of those defeats came by a combined eight runs.
“Our expectations were to get to the playoffs, but I knew we were young,” Perez said. “We moved people around and tried getting guys as much experience as possible. We knew we’d be in a tough district. We had to grow fast.”
Garcia, the All-Valley Newcomer of the Year in 2015, is the anchor of the Warriors. The sophomore developed a changeup and improved his velocity to 86 miles per hour.
“He’s a lot better,” Perez said. “He was our ace this year and he pitched great. The losses he had were two runs or fewer. He had all of our wins in district and really played well. He’s been outstanding.”
Catcher Adrian Bernal and sophomore left-handed pitchers Aaron Gill and Richard Polanco also showed substantial promise.
“They’re going to be even better next year,” Perez said. “They’re a year wiser and they’ll all be juniors. They have potential to make noise.”
ON THE BRINK
Roma is a game up on Rio Grande City for the fourth and final playoff spot in District 31-5A heading into each team’s regular season finale Friday night.
If Roma beats Valley View and Rio Grande City beats Sharyland High, Roma is in. If Roma and Rio Grande City both lose, Roma is in.
If Roma loses and Rio Grande City wins, the two will be tied for fourth and have to play a play-in game.
It’s quite the scenario for first-year Roma coach Juan Narvaez.
“Playoffs are the goal,” Narvaez said. “That’s the expectation around this program now. The bar is high, especially after a season like last year. I don’t try and put too much pressure on the kids. I’m just trying to help them relax and be themselves.”
It’s been a trying year for the Gladiators. Sophomore ace John Michael Roberson, the district’s MVP last season, has been hampered by wrist and shoulder injuries and has only pitched in seven games (only two complete-game outings). Narvaez said the team’s shortstop has gone through personal issues.
Catcher Andre Barrera has battled inflammation in his shoulder.
“It’s been a big, big challenge,” Narvaez said.
Narvaez was an assistant under coach Rock Cortinas, coincidentally Rio Grande City’s coach, the last six years. He is a certified hitting instructor.
While his inaugural season may not have gone as expected, there have been positives. A big one is Alex Mascorro. The junior is hitting .407 with 16 RBIs and two homers and has helped ease the absence of Roberson on the mound, going 2-5 but with a 3.57 ERA and 34 strikeouts to 13 walks in 35 1/3 innings.
STRONG GATOR
After missing the playoffs last season, Grulla is back in. A key is the continued development of junior right-handed pitcher/infielder Luis Martinez.
Martinez has 117 strikeouts through 13 District 32-4A games and is also batting .400. He’s been the rock for first-year coach Chapo Ozuna.
“He did well last year, but he’s coming around,” Ozuna said. “He throws in the mid-80s and has good location and good control. He lasts the game. He does real well.”
Ozuna said Martinez might even be a better infielder than a pitcher. That’s saying something for a power guy who struck out 20 batters in a game against Rio Hondo earlier this season.
“I didn’t know much about the team, but I had heard about him,” Ozuna said. “I was at (La Joya) Juarez-Lincoln, so I didn’t keep up with them. But when I saw him in person during the fall league, you could see the talent. He’s very dedicated to his work and he doesn’t have to be told what to do. He’s very committed and he takes care of himself.”