Vikings Baseball Season Recap

The Vikings wrapped up their 2019 season with a series split vs College of the Canyons. The team finished with an overall record of 20-20 and 9-11 in conference. The 20-win season marks the most wins for a single season since 2013, when the Vikes finished 21-14. The 9-11 conference record serves as the best conference record since joining the Western States Conference with a 4th place finish. The Vikings also saw three of their players be named So Cal Player/Pitcher of the Week: Judah Wilbur, Jason Katz, and Jorge Medrano.

The Vikings offense proved to be one of the most dominant in the state with a .325 batting average that finished second highest, next to conference foe Glendale, amongst all Southern California teams and 4th amongst the entire state. The Vikings scored 328 runs (2nd So Cal/9th State), recorded 480 hits (2nd So Cal and State), 68 doubles, 15 triples (T-7th So Cal/T-15 State), and 23 home runs (T-5th So Cal/T-15 State). The Vikes offense also collected 295 runs batted in (2nd in So Cal/T-8th State), 228 strikeouts (3rd Fewest So Cal/11th State), issued 179 walks (11th most in So Cal), an on base percentage of .414 (3rd So Cal/8th State), and a .437 slugging percentage (4th So Cal/11th State).

The Vikings defense also proved to be one of the best in the state as well with a .971 fielding percentage, which serves as the best fielding percentage in recent school history according to archived stats from 2004 on the CCCBCA website. The .971 fielding percentage also serves as the 4th highest in all So Cal and tied for 6th best in the state. The Vikings also turned 35 double plays (8th So Cal/11th State). This can be attributed to the Vikings pitching staff inducing ground balls and both Vikings shortstop Judah Wilbur (SO) and second baseman Nick Caswell (FR), both receiving the conference Gold Glove Award for their positions.

The Vikings pitching staff led by sophomore ace Jason Katz and freshman Jorge Medrano who combined for 154.1 innings, 8 wins, and 4 saves, and 4 complete games, the Vikes always had a chance to win. Both Katz and Medrano were honored as All-Conference selections. Freshman Gredan Velasquez and Pablo Montante also served big impact roles combining for 93 innings, 9 wins, and 1 complete game. The bullpen was rounded out by Jake Kissell (FR), 21.2 IP, 1 win, 12 K, 6 walks, and a 5.82 ERA, Bryce Hodges (FR) with 16.2 IP, 1 win, and a 4.32 ERA, and Nyk Crumrine (SO) with 18.2 IP, 4 saves, 14 K, and a 2.89 ERA.

The Vikings staff had a solid battery with catchers Adrian Trujillo (SO) and Richard Esquivel (FR). The two combined for 230 total chances, 30 assists, 21 runners caught stealing, and only 6 passed balls, combining for a .979 fielding percentage.

The Vikings hitters had eight hitters hit over .300 (min 30 AB), and six of those hitters hit over .340. Eight Vikings hitters also had an on base percentage over .400 (min 40 plate appearances).

Standout Sophomore Hitters

Impact Freshman Hitters

"This was an amazing year and capped off with some of the greatest young men I have been around. These guy's commitment to academic success and hard work on the field has paved the way for this program to be successful for years to come. I am extremely happy with the way we were able to get back into the community and help the local little league and be role models for the Barstow youth. We could not have had the success we had this year without Coach Crank. He is the hardest working coach and is committed to these young men and their development on and off the field. Last but not least, for me this year is dedicated to my family. My wife's support and love she has for me and these young men is more than anyone will ever know. I am blessed and honored to know that all our players have welcomed my kids as their own brother and sisters. It is an experience that I will never forget and am so grateful to all involved and all who supported this journey."
--Coach Walker