An Interesting Decision

Caption: El Rancho plays La Serna during their league baseball game at El Rancho High School on Friday April 4, 2008. (SGVN/Staff Photo by Keith Durflinger/Sports)

In case you didn't read Friday's WDN sports section or check out this or Roger Murray's blog, last weekend was pretty big for Del Rio League baseball. El Rancho pulled off a gritty sweep of La Serna for the DRL title while Cal-Hi swept Whittier for the DRL's final playoff spot.

While that's old news, I couldn't help but think of the decision made by the La Serna coaching staff, in particular head coach Anthony Gonzales Jr.

Now, let me first say that I think Coach Gonzales is one of the most innovative minds in the area. I can appreciate that he's not afraid to take chances and that he's quick to own a mistake and slow to accept compliments. Those are traits you just don't see.

However, his pitching decision last week was interesting.

With a chance to secure the DRL title at home, Gonzales opted to go with Casey Serna (the team's No. 2 pitcher in my opinion), who was 5-0, against Dons No. 1 Chris Villalobos (10-1), the winningest pitcher in El Rancho history.

The result. A Dons 7-1 win on Wednesday that carried over to a 3-1 league-clinching victory Friday.

Now, let me say that Casey Serna was more than capable of starting Wednesday. In fact, Serna picked up the win when La Serna defeated El Rancho on April 4.

Of course, it didn't help that the Lancers scored a combined two runs in both games. The lack of offense nullified a solid performance by ace Victor Soto (7-2) Friday.

However, with all of that said and with the benefit of hindsight, with an opportunity to clinch a league title in front of your own crowd, wouldn't it be best to go with your top gun?