As the calendar turns to April, the Sedona baseballteam has regained its swagger.

Though the Scorpions lost five seniors to graduation,the young players are beginning to put it all together.

Following a less than ideal start, the Scorpions have improved to 4-4 after rattling off three consecutive
wins.

“We are improving everyday, but we face some challenges down the road as far as pitching,” Sedona coach Pedro Ortega Sr. said. “We are teaching kids how to pitch because our rotation has gotten out of rhythm.”

While Ortega had initially called this season a rebuilding year, the Scorpions are right in the playoff hunt.

“Qualifying for the playoffsis our main goal, so we are working very hard on fixing our mistakes,” Ortega said. “We still must work hard and learn our strengths and weaknesses, but we can accomplish it.”

Sedona has used eight different pitchers so far this season.

“While our offensive and defensive drills have not changed, we have placed a heavy emphasis on our bullpen in practice,” Ortega said. “Our pitching has improved but, with so many games, you have to maneuver your rotation.”

Scorpions pitchers have allowed 39 earned runs this season, good for a 6.35 earned run average.

Sophomore Nate Ross leads the Scorpions with 25 strikeouts in 20.2 innings pitched.

“Nate, Matthew Capozzi and Jaiah Grondin have each shown noticeable improvement,” Ortega said. “Eventually, those three will become the heart of the team.”

Senior Ryan Farmer has struck out eight batters and allowed 14 hits in 10 innings pitched.

“One kid is out for the season with Tommy John’s surgery, and my other pitcher has been sick for a month,” Ortega said. “ We have been finding our rotation, but I am proud of our kids for working hard.”

The Scorpions are currently 3-2 in conference play, good for fourth in the 2A Central region.

The Cowboys outscored Valley Lutheran and Heritage Academy 19-0 thanks to solid baserunning and a stingy defense.

“I was very impressed by our pitching, as everything starts on the mound and with the catcher,” Ortega said. “Our routine and the kids’ work ethic and commitment have been great,” Ortega said.

Though Sedona’s offense struggled in March, the Scorpions are currently batting .307 with a .462 on-base percentage.

“I think our defense is improving and our bats are coming alive,” Ortega said. “Our speed on the base paths is also making a big difference right now.”

So far, the Scorpions are averaging 7.6 stolen bases per game and have stolen 61 bases this season.

“Our baserunning has been great, the players have executed well once they reached the base,” Ortega said.

Capozzi leads the Scorpions with 13 stolen bases and is fourth in the 2A Central.

Twelve different Scorpions have stolen a base this season and two Scorpions have already eclipsed double-figures.

“We simulate a lot of game situations in practice so the players know how to react,” Ortega said. “Our players can often exploit the opponents weaknesses after they make it to first.”

Sedona’s athleticism is what has impresses Ortega the most about his squad.

“They are young and athletic, and I believe our future is bright,” Ortega said. “I believe we are on the right path, so I think we can compete with everyone in the region.”

Sedona is currently ranked 21st in the state.

While the Scorpions roster includes only three upperclassmen, Ortega is taken aback by the Scorpions maturity.

“A lot of them lack varsity experience, but I am impressed with how they have handled this season,” Ortega said.

The Scorpions next match is Friday, April 5, when Sedona hosts Camp Verde.

When these two rivals last squared off, Sedona defeated Camp Verde 11-2 on Monday April 1, 2018.

Ross registered four hits and two runs batted in five at-bats.