After hot start, Shoreline CC hits a snag

Published 11:15 am Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Dolphins try to get on track

By Tony Dondero

Enterprise reporter

After a 10-0 start, Shoreline Community College’s baseball team has hit a rough patch.

The Dolphins lost eight straight, including a four-game sweep at the hands of Skagit Valley College, the top team in the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges North Division.

Still, injuries played a part in those setbacks. In the losses to Skagit, a traditional powerhouse, Shoreline outhit the Cardinals in three out of the four games but couldn’t get over the hump.

“We’ve hit a rough spot but once we get healthy again we’ll get better,” coach Steve Seki said.

The Dolphins are a very young team, returning only three position playing starters and two pitchers from last year’s squad, Seki said.

Shoreline struggled to a 2-22 record in league play and 5-35 mark overall.

It won’t be any easier this year in the NWAACC North Division.

“The North is going to be really tough this year,” Seki said. “Every team has gotten so much better.”

The three returning starters are catcher Griffin Sweazey from Shorecrest, second baseman Tony Flanagan from O’Dea and first baseman/designated hitter Andy Racus from Decatur.

The two returning starting pitchers are 6-4 right-hander Brennen Grubb from Lynnwood and 5-9 lefty Cody Aquino from Aiea, Hawaii.

The third starter is Willie Davies, a freshman righty from Shorecrest, and the fourth arm is Jordan Buster a freshman lefty from Kauai.

Other key players in every day lineup include freshman third baseman Jordan Agcaoili from Maui and shortstop Tyler Abasial from Aiea, Hawaii.

The outfield includes freshman Bryson Nakamura from Pearl City, Hawaii, Isaac Moises and Jimmy Ryerson from Roosevelt, who will play center.

Offense is a strength, Seki said.

“We’ve shown an ability to score a lot of runs,” Seki said.