 "Photo: Lori Kreuger | Special to the Chronicle")
CSUSB men’s baseball team is proving their pre-season ranking wrong, with a record of 11-2 overall thus far, ranking fifth in the initial NCBWA poll.
The Coyotes were able to make a statement to Cal State LA by sweeping the series after falling short to the Golden Eagles earlier in the season.
The Coyotes went into the series against CSULA as a different team with a different attitude than their first encounter in the season opener.
After falling short to the Golden Eagles, 2-10, a full night practice was held after the drive home from Compton and became the turning point of the season for the players.
“Coach just told us that we couldn’t play scared and that they could tell in our eyes that we were,” said outfielder Matt Winn. After that night practice we just came back and we’ve been winning ever since.”
“We literally drove from Compton and everyone thought we were going back to the school but we came back to the field with all the lights on and one of the coaches that wasn’t at the game waiting for us,” said shortstop James Kono.
Though the Coyotes went into the last minute practice tired from the two hour drive and defeated from the disappointing loss, the team that came out of it started to believe and work together.
“It was probably the best practice we’ve had all year, everyone was just like it sucks to be here, but we were working hard and everyone is still working hard,” said Winn.
Ever since the night practice, the Coyotes have gone 11-1 in their conference games, sweeping both Cal State Monterey Bay and Cal State LA.
It was a bold move by Head Coach Don Parnell, but proved to the best thing he could do for his team to become successful.
Returning players from last year all agree that the team this season is drastically different because of everyone’s work ethic as well as the team chemistry.
“Last year no one even really tried to play as a team, but now we realize that we have potential so it’s a lot easier for us,” Winn said.
“Last year we had a lot of slackers, so everyone just gravitated towards the slackers,” Kono said. "This year it’s the opposite. Everyone works hard and someone isn’t we can see it.”
Senior Cody Madison believes that it’s the chemistry between players and coaches that have contributed to the team’s success so far.
“We have better players that want to buy in and listen to the coaches and last year we had a lot of individuals instead of buying into the team,” said outfielder Cody Madison.
With talented players that are working together as a team, the Coyotes believe that this year they can advance to playoffs and have a chance in the Collegiate World Series.
“As long as everyone stays healthy, and everyone keeps playing as a team and no one falls off, I think we have a really good chance,” Madison said.
You can catch the new and improved Coyotes at their next series at home at Perris Hill Park against Chico State beginning March 12.
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