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Suncoast Pasco News

After Subpar '07, Ridgewood Wants Back In District Picture

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By Eric Horchy | The Suncoast News

Published: February 21, 2009

NEW PORT RICHEY - Over the better part of the last decade, winning has become a formality of sorts for the Ridgewood High baseball program.

Four district titles, seven playoff victories and a trip to the 2002 state championship game are a few boastful achievements earned since 2001.

That's what makes last year's 12-15 campaign stand out to those familiar with baseball in the North Suncoast. The Rams had qualified for postseason play in seven consecutive tries until the bugs of youth and inexperience finally bit.

With the bulk of last season's group returning, the Rams appear to be poised for an upgrade in performance level. Beets, entering his 26th year at Ridgewood, said improvements are anticipated, but question marks remain.

"We had a midlevel finish because we were a midlevel team," Coach Larry Beets said without trying to sugarcoat his team's 2007 performance.

"We've got a little better ability this year. So if things fall into place, we should be able to compete everyday."

The Rams will rally around their core of five seniors, led by Pasco County Player of the Year candidate Jay Mattos. Also the Rams' starting football quarterback, Mattos returns as the team's top pitcher and hitter. Catcher Mike Vavasis and centerfielder Jon Balk each hit well over .300 last season and newcomer Brendan Murphy plans to fill the No. 2 hole in the order.

Production at the plate is an area Beets said he feels comfortable with as the season begins. He said players have been making good contact throughout the first three games and a few bats are showing pop. Mattos, Vavasis and Travis Gall have each already went yard as of Wednesday.

Overall youth on the mound will be the biggest concern. Behind Mattos, sophomore Andrew Donaldson is the only other Ram with legitimate varsity experience, 16 1/3 innings. Limiting walks will be key for Donaldson, as opposing hitters only hit .214 off him last season.

Aside from a few uncertainties in the outfield, Beets said, the Rams should be more solid on defense. That would be a huge help for a rotation without a set identity given that 47 percent of Ridgewood's 187 runs allowed last season were unearned.

While the Class 5A, District 7 field may be up for grabs this season, Beets knows his team still has to prove itself on the diamond.

"We just need to maintain our focus and not get too upset or too down," he said. "It's all about the end of April and the start of May. That's what it all boils down to."

Eric Horchy can be reached at 727-815-1071 or ehorchy@suncoastnews.com.

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