Baseball Concludes Seasons with Senior Night Win Against University High

Nina Krish and Olivia Ganes

Senior families gather together for a photo after the conclusion of the game and senior ceremonies. “Just being around them, we practice every day during the school year, just having my best friends, the guys on the team, is just really special,” shortstop and senior Nico Atencio said. “We have a special bond, and it makes playing with the team a lot better.”

For the first time in four years, baseball (7-7) won its senior night 1-0 against University High on May 1 at home.

Senior Keyan Park, a captain, pitcher and second baseman, pitched all seven inning pitched all seven innings of the game, starting off strong with precise control and a mix of pitches that consistently disrupted the opposing lineup.

“First off, Keyan [Park] throwing a complete game on senior night was excellent,” head coach Brody Osborne said. “I mean, no runs, and throwing, under 95 pitches. He did a really good job.”

In the bottom of the first inning, center fielder, second baseman and senior Eli Serrano scored the game’s only run, setting the tone early and giving the team momentum.

“They played so good after going on a rough losing streak,” Osborne said. “This game just kind of brought them all back together, talking about the bigger picture, and kind of got the boys back on the right path. We won the last two games, so it was a good outcome.”

Over the next several innings, the Bulldogs’ defense held strong with steady execution from the seniors on the field preventing any advancement from the Trojans. The group of seniors has played together for 12 years, which contributed to their team chemistry, according to Osborne.

“I was in the baseball program for four years, so I enjoy playing baseball,” outfielder, first baseman and senior Brendan Villanueva said. “I have played it since I was five. Being in this program, I grew up playing with some of these boys. So playing together, it was just like we were kids again. It just didn’t feel that different. I just had a lot of fun.”

During the top of the fifth inning, Villanueva caught a ball landing in the splits recording the third out for the Trojans thrown to him by shortstop and senior Nico Atencio. This led to a resurgence of energy and carried the Bulldogs through the end of the game.

“I think we’ve played very loose the whole season and just had a lot of fun celebrating our seniors,” Atencio said. “We work hard every practice for this moment, so it’s rewarding that we get to see the growth on paper.”

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About the Contributors

Nina Krish, Managing Editor

Nina Krish is a Managing Editor for her third and final year on the Portola Pilot. She is beaming to finally write sports stories again with her best friend Olivia. In her free time, you can find her baking or making matcha with Kayley. She frequents Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods in search of new snacks to eat during Pilot. She can’t wait to work with the new staff and plan the best parties.

Olivia Ganes, Visual Director

Olivia Ganes is the Visual Director and the Social Media Manager for her third and final year on the Portola Pilot. She’s excited to design new graphics and write sports stories with her best friend Nina. If she isn’t scrambling to finish her math homework, you can probably find her eating a snack and listening to her favorite music.