Taft College - Men's Baseball

Season Recap
by Freddy Medina
Thursday, May 13, 2010

TThe Taft College baseball team had an exceptional year in the 2009-10 season with an overall record of (22-14) including a CVC record of (13-11). Unfortunately the TC Cougars were unable to make the playoffs by the slightest margin. However, the Cougars racked up a team batting average of .294, with a .953 fielding percentage and 219 rbi's throughout the season. This year marks only the second time in school history that the Cougars have had back-to-back winning seasons (1985-86).Coach Vince Maiocco once again leads the Cougars on a winning path, as five TC players made the All-Central Valley Conference team. Anthony Rodriguez(SS) and Jesus Del Rosario(LHP) both made first team All CVC,while Darby Ventura(C) and Perry Rogan(3B) made second team. Outfielder Dominic McGovern made the golden glove all-defensive team. Congratulations to the TC Cougars Baseball team and all supporting staff on another winning season.

Taft (4) vs Fresno (20)
by Freddy Medina
Friday, April 30, 2010

TC takes on Fresno today with hopes of making the playoff season. Dominic McGovern hits a two RBI triple with two men on in the first (3-0). Fresno answers back and in the second the Rams are up (3-4) with men on first and second. Fresno ties up the game in the third (4-4). In the fourth the Rams score the go ahead run as the Cougars struggle at the plate (4-5). Fresno scored two more in the seventh to add to their lead (7-4). The Rams run away with it winning big (20-4). Post season hopes for the Cougars seem doubtful.

Taft (15) vs Porterville (4)
by Freddy Medina
Thursday, April 29, 2010

The Porterville Pirates play the TC Cougars today in their last meeting of the season. In the first TC scores two on two hits, and the Pirates score one on one hit (2-1). In the third TC picks one up on an RBI double by Braden Keathley (3-1). TC scores six in the top of the fourth, Dominic McGovern hits a two run double, and Keathley hits a Grand Slam (9-1). In the fifth the Cougars continue adding runs to their lead (10-1). In the sixth the Pirates pick up three in the sixth to cut the lead to six (10-4). Dillon Smith hits a two RBI double in the top of the seventh to make it (12-4). TC wins it with a final score of (14-6).

Taft (5) vs West Hills (4)
by Freddy Medina
Tuesday, April 27, 2010

West Hills hosts the TC baseball team today for the last match-up between the two this season. Jesus Del Rosario gets the start for the Cougars striking out the side in the first. In the top of the second the Cougars pick up three runs on four hits (3-0). Through the third Del Rosario has six strikeouts and one run allowed, the Cougars pick up two (5-1). Jesus Del Rosario goes seven innings giving up two runs, on four hits and seven strikeouts, both earned. West Hills down only one in the ninth with a last chance (5-4). Rex Blaylock makes a great play in the ninth to keep the score at (5-4) and the Cougars get the win.

Taft (6) vs COS (11)
by Freddy Medina
Sunday, April 25, 2010

The TC baseball team attempts to get a win today at COS as they fight their way into the playoffs. In the first COS leads (2-5), after having a big inning. At the end of the fifth COS has a two run lead but the Cougars are still chipping away at the lead (3-5). In the seventh COS scores six on five hits and situational hitting, jumping out to an eight run lead. The Cougars are unable to produce any runs in the eighth. In the ninth TC adds three on a couple of hits but it is not enough. They suffer another loss as COS wins (6-11).

Taft (9) vs Reedley (10)
by Freddy Medina
Saturday, April 24, 2010

The Cougars played away today being hosted by the Reedley Tigers. After the first both teams hit well to score a total of five runs, the Cougars go up (3-2). In the third the Cougars continue to produce tacking on a run on two hits (4-2). In the bottom of the fourth Dominic McGovern hits a solo homerun for the Cougars adding to their lead (5-2). Reedley gets the bats going chipping away at Taft's lead making the score (6-5). In the seventh the Cougars keep a three run lead (9-6). In to the ninth TC clings on to a one run lead (9-8). In a shocking ninth inning Reedley rallies to score two and get the win (9-10).

Taft (6) vs Merced (2)
by Freddy Medina
Tuesday, April 20, 2010

The TC Cougars hosted the Merced Blue Devils today in the fourth and final game between the two this season. Braden Keathley took the bump for the Cougars. Anthony Rodriguez lead off at the bottom of the first with a leadoff double, and later scored (1-0). In the second Merced got one back on two back to back singles (1-1). In the third the Cougars regain the lead as Anthony Rodriguez scored on a Darby Ventura infield single. Michael Hayes also scored on a sac fly by Stefan Norman (3-1). In the fourth Merced picked up one on three hits (3-2). Keathley exited with two runs and six hits, both earned. After a rain delay the game continued and in the fifth Josh Dickey scored on a passed ball (4-2). The Blue Devils struggled to get any production from their offense. Dominic McGovern started the sixth with a lead off double and scored on a throwing error. Devan Pearson scored from third on another Blue Devil error in the sixth (6-2). Devin Thomas and Austin Christiansen give up three hits and no runs combined in 3 innings. The Blue Devils failed to score and the Cougars win at home.

Taft (6) vs Merced (4)
by Freddy Medina
Thursday, April 8, 2010

TC Cougars hosts Merced today in a playoff type atmosphere as the Cougars fight for playoff life. The game is scoreless in the first but in the top of the second the five hole hitter for Merced hits a solo homerun putting them up (0-1). TC and Merced each displayed good defense and pitching; having no errors through the fifth. In the top of fifth inning a Merced runner reached base on a HPB and later scored on a base hit (0-2). TC struggles to get anything started in the fifth. In the top of the sixth Merced picks up two more runs on a clutch double for the Blue Devils (0-4). In the top of the sixth the Cougars get two hits and Michael Hayes picks up an RBI on a fielders choice (1-4). The Cougars don't allow any runs across in the seventh and eighth. The Cougars score two in the eighth on a single and an error cutting the lead to (4-3). Merced pitching balks in the tying run in the eighth inning (4-4). Two bases loaded, walks by Merced pitchers, put the Cougars up (6-4). Jesus Del Rosario closes out the ninth to get the win for the Cougars.

Taft (3) vs Merced (9)
by Freddy Medina
Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Austin Christiansen got the start for the Cougars today who played the Blue Devils at Merced. The game started off scoreless but in the second each team picked up two on a good display of hitting (2-2). The Merced Blue Devils tacked on two more in the bottom of the third to take the lead (4-2). Merced had a big sixth inning scoring six runs on 5 hits making the game (8-2). TC was unable to score again until the last frame on a Jordan Howard solo homerun (9-3). The Blue Devils closed out the game and get the win at home.

TC Baseball finishes off their away tournament playing Modesto today. After the first three innings Modesto is on top (0-3). In the fifth TC finally gets something going and after a run is scored, Perry Rogan hits a three run shot putting Taft on top (4-3). Jesus Del Rosario comes in to close for the Cougars and he picks up his fifth save in the season, as TC wins it (4-3).

With another game against Delta today TC scores first, but after two innings its Delta on top (1-2). In another battling game Delta scores two in the third making it (1-4). TC responds scoring one in the third and in the (3-5). In the sixth Delta added two more runs (3-7). TC Baseball unwilling to quit picks up another run, but Delta pulls out the win (4-8) to split the series.

TC on a road trip plays Delta today and Austin Christiansen gets the start. In a tough game that seemingly went back and forth. With the score at (2-1) in favor of the Cougars Tyler Blair hits a grand slam putting Taft up (6-1). Delta refuses to go quietly and rally back making the game close at (7-6). However the Cougars pull out the win on the road.

Shawn Davisson got the start for the Cougars’ who scored five runs in the first two innings against the Sequoias today, on a dominant hitting performance (5-0). The Sequoias are unable to respond as TC tacks on another run making the game (6-0). TC continues their hitting attack making the game (8-0) into the ninth. The Giants pickup a run in the ninth but the game is over and the Taft gets a win (8-1). Darby Ventura smashes homerun number six, and Michael Hayes hits a double and a triple in the game.

The Taft College baseball team will hold a free youth baseball clinic Sunday from 3-5 p.m. at Cougar Field on the TC campus, 29 Emmons Park Drive.

Head Coach Vince Maiocco said the clinic will cover the fundamentals of the game. The coaching staff and players will put youngsters 13 and under through a series of drills.

Participants are asked to bring their gloves along with a bat and helmet, if they have those items.

TC baseball gets a win against the Sequoias. Braden Keathley gets another win on a quality start. The Giants scored early on a two run shot to take the lead (0-2). The Cougars were able to respond in the later innings and get a close victory (7-5). The Cougars will play the Sequoias again this weekend to try and win the series. The series is tied at one all.

Your TC Cougars hosted the College of the Sequoias Giants today. Austin Christiansen with good command and velocity gave the Cougars a quality start. With both teams scoreless going into the fifth, the Sequoias finally got something going. A leadoff double and a bunt base hit got COS runners to first and third. The Giants cash in one on a fielders choice double play (0-1). Cougars continue to struggle to get anything going. In the sixth the Cougars get a one out double, but COS was able to score him later in the inning on a sacrifice fly (0-2). In the bottom of the seventh Perry Rogan scores from second, on Tyler Blair's base hit up the middle (1-2). Braden Keathley gets a pinch hit and scores the tying run while the go ahead run is called out at a close play at the plate (2-2). The Giants answer right back in the eighth and score the go ahead run on a base hit to right (2-3). The Giants pick up two more on a balk and a base hit to right in the eighth (2-5). The Cougars last efforts are not enough and the Giants pickup their first win of the series.

Garret Jensen gets the start for the TC Cougars today who face West Hills. The Falcons score first, manufacturing a run on two hits and situational hitting (0-1). The Cougars have trouble sparking an offensive attack early. In the top of the third the Falcons pick up two on two close plays at the plate. One more run came across for the Falcons in the third (0-3). Josh Dickey lead off the bottom of the fourth with a solo homerun to spark the Cougars (1-4). Later in the inning Darby Ventura singles and scores from second on Perry Rogan's long single off the wall (2-4). The Cougars load the bases and Perry Rogan is forced in on a walk (3-4). The tying and go ahead run are scored and the Cougars put up a five spot to take the lead (5-4). West Hills answers back and scores one on a bleeder to the left to tie the game (5-5). The Falcons take the lead on a two run single in the sixth (5-7). The Falcons cash in one more in the seventh (5-8). The Falcons get the win as the Cougars are unable to respond snapping a seven game win streak.

Braden Keathley starts on the bump today for the TC Cougars who play West Hills in Coalinga. Keathley goes six innings, gives up three hits, and picks up six strike outs to get the win. Taft picks up four runs in the win off timely hitting. Their solid display of defense and pitching makes the game (4-0) in a shut out victory.

The TC Cougars took the field today against the West Hills Falcons. Josh Dickey scores first for the TC Cougars putting them up (1-0). West Hills answers back scoring one on a single (1-1). In the third a West Hills Falcon hits a two run shot to put them on top (3-1). Rex Blaylock comes home on a Dominic McGovern sacrifice fly in the fourth (3-2). Jeremiah Twisselman hits a single in the sixth and later scores the tying run (3-3). Each team played well defensively to keep the game tied at three. In the eighth TC got the bases to first a third, and Anthony Rodriguez hits a two run double (5-3). West Hills goes quietly in the ninth and TC gets their first win in the series.

The Porterville Pirates hosted the TC Cougars today for the first Cougar away game of the series. Porterville scored one in the first inning to make the game 1-0. TC struggled to get the bats going but were able to have a big seventh inning and score six runs. The TC defense held the Pirates to one run in nine innings and were able to win the game (8-1). TC took the second game of the series and will play Porterville again on Saturday.

The TC Cougars hosted the Porterville Pirates this afternoon. The Cougars picked up one run in the first inning, on a Josh Dickey single to score Anthony Rodriguez from second (1-0). The Pirates were held scoreless in the first and second, but a Jordan Howard solo homerun puts the Cougars on the board again (2-0). In the top of the third the Pirates pickup an error and two hits (2-1). The Cougars continue to tack on hits and score another run on a two out hit by Jeremiah Twisselman (3-1). The struggles at the plate continue for the Pirates in the fifth. A Darby Ventura three run shot made the game (5-1). The TC defense continued to hold Porterville at one run, and then the Cougars racked up two more runs in the sixth (7-1). The Pirates worked the bases loaded in the seventh but only cashed in one on a sacrifice fly. The Cougars answered back scoring two runs on five hits in the seventh. Then three more in the eighth, on a two RBI single for Michael Hayes with a sacrifice fly (12-2). The Pirates tacked on one but the Cougars closed out the ninth for their first win against Porterville this season.

The TC Cougars tried to get their first conference win today against the Reedley Tigers. In the first inning the Cougars scored on a two out single by Darby Ventura (1-0). In the top of the second the Tigers picked up two on a base hit to put them up (2-1). The Cougars came right back and to pick up a run on three hits (2-2). The third and fourth innings went quietly on solid pitching performances. In the fifth Reedley took advantage of mistakes and scored two on a single to make it (4-2). TC chipped away and Perry Rogan scored on a single by Anthony Rodriguez in the bottom of the fifth (4-3). Both teams attacked offensively but were unable to get runs across. Finally in the bottom of the eighth Josh Dickey sparked the Cougars with a leadoff double, followed by a Darby Ventura single to tie the game (4-4). With two outs Braden Keathley gets a pinch hit single to put the Cougars up (5-4). Cougars got their first CVC win as the Tigers go quietly in the ninth.

The TC cougars hosted the Reedley Tigers today on a rainy Tuesday. Reedley jumped ahead in the first inning with a solo homerun for the Tigers (1-0). The Cougars peppered the ball around the field but couldn't score any until the fourth inning. Tyler Blair drove in two on a double in the fourth for the Cougars (2-1). Solid defense and good pitching made the fifth and sixth innings quick for both teams. In the seventh Reedley worked a base runner to third base and drove him in on a base hit to tie the game at (2-2). After a walk and a base hit Reedley picks up two more on a two out double (4-2). Errors in the eighth gave Reedley one more run, as the Cougars struggles at the plate continued (5-2). With a last effort the Cougars went down swinging and suffered another loss.

The TC Cougars first road game against the Fresno Rams came with an unfortunate loss. Braden Keathley provided the Cougars with a quality start holding the Rams scoreless through the sixth. The Cougars were able to get two runs in the first two innings of play (2-0). In a clean quick game, the Rams were finally able to get two men aboard on two HBP's, to set up a three run homerun for the rams (3-2). Cougars couldn't respond and suffered another loss to the Rams.

Taft College baseball hosted the Fresno Rams again today for the second game of the weeks’ series. The first inning went quietly, but in the second the Rams picked up two off of a homerun and a couple of base hits (2-0). The Cougars started the inning with two base runners in the second but were unable to cash them in. In the top of the third Fresno snuck one more in to make the score 3-0. Through the bottom of the third and the fourth innings the teams displayed good pitching, and fundamentally sound defense to keep the game at 3-0. In the top of the fifth Fresno took control as they tacked on three runs on 4 hits (6-0). Travis Derby led off the bottom of the fifth with his second hit of the game sparking the Cougars. Darby Ventura walks to load the bases, setting up an Austin Christiansen base hit that scores one. Then a costly error, on Fresno’s behalf, with two outs cashes in two more runs for the Cougars (6-3). The sixth and seventh innings were scoreless for both teams. Once again the Rams were held scoreless in the eighth as the TC Cougars looked to chip away at the lead. Perry Rogan led off with a double, but base running mistakes put a stop to the Cougars momentum. In the ninth the Fresno Rams closed the door, rallying to pick up five runs (11-3). The Cougars went quietly in the ninth and found themselves two games down in the series.

Today the TC Cougars took the field against the Fresno City Rams in a conference opener and the first of a 3 game match up. The Rams took control early putting up 3 runs on four hits in the top of the 1st, and tacking on 2 more in the 2nd. The Cougars worked the bases loaded in the 2nd and Darby Ventura, who led off the inning with a single, scored on a passed ball (5-1).

Fresno was held scoreless in the the 3rd but scored one in the 4th on a solo homerun. The Cougars were able to get the bases loaded again in the 5th, but were only able to cash in one leaving the bases loaded (6-2). Both teams displayed solid defense throughout the game and were unable to get anything going until the 9th. Fresno scored 2 in the 9th on a two out double, and three more on a homerun (11-2). The Cougars never managed to get anything started and received the loss, snapping a 7 game winning streak.

Today the TC Cougars took the field against the Monterrey Lobos. The Cougars once again jumped out in front (2-0) in the first inning, on a lead off walk, a single by Dominic McGovern, and a big double by Tyler Blair. In the top of the second the Lobos were able to get one back on a timely double making the score (2-1). Perry Rogan lead off with a single, followed by a triple by Michael Hayes in the bottom of the third for the Cougars. Hayes went on to score later that inning (4-1). The Lobos were held scoreless in the third and fourth, but the TC boys tacked on three more runs on a 2 RBI double by Dominic McGovern, who later went on to score in that inning (7-1). With a turn of events in the top of the sixth the Lobos were able to pick up six runs; on a wild pitch, some timely hitting, and a sac fly to tie the game at (7-7). Travis Derby led off the bottom of the sixth with a base hit to left and later scored the go ahead run on a base hit by Darby Ventura. After the Lobos were held scoreless in the seventh, the Cougars worked the bases loaded, which set up a Travis Derby grand slam and first homerun of the season (12-7). Both teams tacked on one more run, and the Cougars win the slugging contest to sweep the week and extend their win streak to six. (13-8).

The TC Cougars worked hastily on a wet field this morning prepping it for their second game against the Lassen Cougars. The TC Cougars continued swinging their bats well today scoring early and scoring often. Darby Ventura hit a homerun (3) in the bottom of the first to put the cougars up early (2-0). Garret Jensen had a great outing and held the Lassen Cougars scoreless until the later innings. The TC Cougars dominated throughout the game pouring on hits and capitalizing on errors. Michael Hayes went 2 for 3, with 2 RBI's a double and a homerun (3) in his effort today. The Lassen Cougars were only able to produce 4 runs late in the game, but it wasn't enough. The TC Cougars were able to get another win as they keep rolling on a five game winning streak.

The Taft Cougars baseball team, on a four game win streak, hosted the Lassen Cougars today. The TC Cougars came out swinging the bats, scoring in three of the first four frames. Michael Hayes and Devan Pearson hit back to back homeruns in the 4th inning, followed by a two run homer by Josh Dickey. The TC Cougars jumped out to a 12-0 lead manufacturing ten runs in the fourth inning alone. In the top of the 5th Lassen chipped away and scored four runs on four hits and two errors. The TC Cougars continued to add to their lead and added five runs in the 7th to make the score 19-4. Hayes, Pearson, Dickey, Ventura, and Christiansen, all had homeruns in Taft's 20-4 victory today.

The TC Cougars took the field Friday against a solid College of the Siskiyous team who was yet to be beaten. The Cougars scored three in the first 6 innings of play and held the Eagles scoreless. In the top of the 7^th,Siskiyous rallied back hitting back to back homeruns to tie the game at (3-3). In the bottom of the 7^th, Anthony Rodriguez led off with a double, and later scored on Josh Dickey's base hit to take the lead. The Cougars tacked on one more in the 8th inning and held on to win it (5-3).

Saturday morning the Cougars faced off against the College of the Siskiyous Eagles for the second time this week. The game started with a display of solid hitting by the Cougars including Darby Ventura's effort of (3-4) with a homerun and four RBI's. The Cougars scored eight runs in the first two innings, but the Eagles answered back in the middle innings scoring six runs on ten hits, making the game (8-6). In the last two innings the Cougars were able to add two more runs for a final of (10-6).

The TC Cougars hosted the Barstow Vikings Sunday to finish off the weekend's play. The Cougars seemed to have their bats with them today; they were able to produce runs in almost every frame. Anthony Rodriguez had a good day at the plate going 3 for 4 with a double, two singles, two RBI's and a stolen base. The Viking were unable to produce and found themselves with a loss. (11-3)

Vince Maiocco begins his sixth season as the Cougars head baseball coach. Maiocco came to Taft College in 2001 and served as an assistant coach until 2004 working under long time head coach and 2007 CCCBCA Hall of Fame Inductee, Tony Thompson. Before coming to Taft College; he coached at Gavilan College in 2001, Delano High School in 2000, and Porterville College in 1999. Maiocco spent the most of his coaching career at College of the Siskiyous from 1988-1998.

The Cougar baseball program has a rich history of developing players for the professional and 4-year collegiate level of baseball. The vast majority of Taft College's graduating sophomores have went on to play at the 4-year collegiate and professional level. It is the coaching staff's obligation to develop players to play at the 4-year collegiate or professional level.

The philosophy of Taft College Baseball is: "Take the academic aspect of college serious, maintain an image on and off the field that sheds a positive light on Taft College, and work hard while practicing and playing the game of baseball!"

Last season the Cougars enjoyed their most successful season in over 15 years, winning 24 games- TC's second most games won in the long history of Taft College baseball. The Cougars also were ranked as high as 12th in the NorCal baseball rankings during the 2009 season.

Head Coach: Vince Maiocco

Assistant Coaches: Jeremy Wedel, Ryan Watson, and Jeff Twist

Athletic Trainer, Bruce Ferguson

Superintendent/President: William Duncan

Vice President of Student Services: Brock McMurray

Athletic Director: Kanoe Bandy

Athletic Secretary: Jennifer Edmaiston