The Mt. Baldy League champion Don Lugo baseball team has drawn the No. 1 seed for the CIF Southern Section Division 4 playoffs which begin on Tuesday. But first-year head coach Jeff Abel is a bit concerned about his Conquistadores (23-3) who play on Thursday against thee winner of a wild card game between Riverside Patriot (16-11) and Jurupa Hills (17-9).
There were a couple of injuries in Thursday’s regular season finale against Colony. Senior pitcher-outfielder Benny Aguilera sustained an ankle injury going after a foul ball and is now on crutches.
Abel is hoping a week is enough time to at least get him healthy enough he can be in the lineup in the outfield or as a designated hitter but that is probably a stretch since he’s still on crutches. Abel doesn’t think he’s be able to pitch for at least a couple of weeks.
Losing Aguilera would be a major blow. Don Lugo graduated several players from last year’s team and Aguilera is the most experienced of those coming back.
There were a couple of less serious injuries. Junior outfielder Josh Ibarra strained a quad but remained in the game. Senior Albert Rizo injured his hand,. He came out of that game but Abel said he seemed better today.
