Though the regular season has concluded for Sedona baseball, the games begin for the Scorpions.

The Scorpions ended the year with a bang and defeated North Pointe Prep 16-6 on Monday, April 22.

After leading 7-6 through five innings, the Scorpions exploded with nine runs in the sixth to preserve the win.

Sedona’s offense registered 11 hits and stole 10 bases against North Pointe.

“I think we have done well this season,” Sedona coach Pedro Ortega said. “We won yesterday which qualifies us for the playoffs, so I think it was a great all-around effort.”

With the win, the Scorpions finished the regular season at 10-10.

“There are games being played now within the top 24, so we are waiting for the seeding to be announced,” Ortega said. “I really believe we are in it so it is very exciting.”

Sedona ended the year 7-7 in conference play, good for fourth in the 2A Central.

Ortega has led the Scorpions to double-digit win totals in both his seasons as Sedona’s coach.

“I have a lot of fun when it comes to teaching kids,” Ortega said. “It is very rewarding to see their smiles and the things they accomplish throughout the season.”

In 2018, Sedona finished the year 9-9, good for fifth in the 2A Central.

The Scorpions are currently ranked 21st in the state.

For the Scorpions, pitching will be crucial for a deep postseason run.

Nate Ross leads with 47 strikeouts, good for third in the region.

Ross has pitched 39.1 innings this season and has allowed 22 earned runs in 166 at-bats.

The Scorpions have utilized eight different pitchers this season including two freshmen and three sophomores.

“It all starts so on the mound and I believe we have the rotation to take it from there,” Ortega said. “Anything can happen in a single-elimination game so we must stay focused.”

Despite starting the season 1-4, the Scorpions battled back into the playoff hunt.

“Making the playoffs was a top priority this season despite losing multiple key seniors from last year,” Ortega said. “For such a young team, I think the kids did a great job at regrouping and responding.”

Sedona will not have too long of an offseason as once the Scorpions season ends, next season starts back up.

“We start summer baseball in June, so hopefully we can play five to ten games once the season ends,” Ortega said. “Focusing on summer baseball will be crucial as we can improve on our game.”

“Experience and repetition will be key to an even better 2020,” he added.

Ortega singled out sophomore James Alagna for his recent hot play

“Alagna is coming around very well, as he has recorded at least one hit in six straight games,” Ortega said.

Alagna is batting .311 with 15 runs and 14 hits.

Sophomore Matt Capozzi’s two home runs are tied for the 2A Central lead in home runs.

“Capozzi and Ross have played very well for us this year,” Ortega said. “They are doing a great job of taking after Ryan Farmer, our lone senior.

Capozzi also leads the region in stolen bases with 27.

Farmer is batting .451, good for fourth in the region.

“Ryan led us to the victory with a great performance,” Ortega said. “Farmer went 3-3 and pitched four and a half innings, so he did a great job for us.”

“Our younger players receiving more training and repetition will be monumental
to their growth,” Ortega said.

With Sedona’s work ethic, Ortega believes the sky is the limit for the Scorpions.

“I am impressed with how dedicated our players to improving at the sport,” Ortega said. “I am always excited to see the team’s end result.”

“I think the team will be amazing starting next year,” Ortega said. “This group can do something special and they know how much we expect from them.”

2A play-in games begin on Tuesday, April 30.

The first round of the 2A playoffs begin on Friday, May 3, 2019.