Chaffey baseball team thumps Victor Valley

A Foothill Conference title is fine. But the Chaffey College baseball team has loftier goals. It is looking to make some noise in the playoffs instead of being sent home after the first round.

The Panthers (22-8, 13-2) finished off a three-game sweep of Victor Valley with convincing 14-6 and 16-6 wins Saturday at Lowder Field. They outscored the Rams 59-13 in the three games.

Even though the host team was comfortably in front most of the way, Chaffey focused on the little things it needs to do to get better - whether it’s putting down a bunt or moving a runner over. Coach Jeff Harlow used the big lead to his advantage, also working in some of his younger players.

The Panthers slipped up last weekend against Cerro Coso but still have a two-game lead with nine games left.

“Every inning we play we’re out there, working on something, no matter what the score is,” he said. “You can’t take anyone lightly because the minute you do bad things happen.”

In the past three years, the Panthers have been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs with Orange Empire Conference contender Cypress sending them home last year. The Panthers lost two straight games in the best-of-three set to the Chargers, blowing late leads in each game.

The playoff draw hasn’t been much help as the Foothill teams traditionally first draw a foe from the Orange Empire Conference which has the most depth of any in the state.

All say they are looking to change that trend last year. The Panthers have 15 sophomores on their roster so 2007 has not been forgotten.

“It was like that in high school too,” said shortstop James Koerner, who went 7-for-7 with three doubles and six RBI in the twinbill. “It was very disappointing because we know we’re better than what we showed and we want to make up for it this year.”

This Chaffey team has different strengths. Last year it relied on a solid pitching staff but this season it features a more powerful offense.

The Panthers pounded out 53 hits in the series against the Rams. Saturday third baseman Ryan Delgado had five - three doubles and two home runs. Koerner, designated hitter Willie Holmes, center fielder Jonathan Costantino and twins Chris and David Gwin have led the charge.

Harlow is looking to solidify some roles among his pitchers. Right-hander Andrew Schile and left-hander Andrew Steinmeyer, both sophomores, have been solid starters but the Panthers have not settled on a No. 3 hurler.

The Panthers are also looking for someone to pick up the slack for closer Steven Raburn, who is out with an arm injury. Freshman right-hander Erik Bastio is one candidate.

“I like the way we have been hitting the ball and it has been everyone contributing,” Harlow said. “That’s really what we’re going to need.”

The opposing team walked away impressed.

“I like what they have put together,” Victor Valley coach Bob Smith said. “They can play the short game, they can hit the long ball. It looks like they’ll win the conference and will be a strong representative.”