By Aaron Valdez
With spring around the corner, Arcadia baseball returned to the diamond last week as it went 3-0 in the Frozen Ropes Classic to open the season.
Last season, the Apaches came up just short of the Pacific League title, finishing with a 12-2 record behind Crescenta Valley (13-1). Arcadia did qualify for the CIF playoffs but were quickly bounced out in the first round by Paraclete.
Fast-forward to 2018 and the Apaches are looking to win their first league title since they went 14-0 in 2011. This year’s roster features many returners who have proved to be key contributors in seasons past including Chase Pedersen, Jeffery Castillo and Tyus Santa Anna.
Throughout their three-game slate at last week’s classic, Arcadia never trailed at any point. The Apaches dominated Duarte and Los Altos, taking both games by a combined score of 20-2.
The game against West Covina, however, saw a much tighter contest as the Apaches only squeaked by the Bulldogs for a 1-0 victory. Despite the low-scoring affair, Arcadia pitcher Caden Ross was lights out, dealing five scoreless innings en route to his first win of the season.
On deck for the Apaches will be a nonleague game against the Temple City Rams on Tuesday before they head to Crescenta Valley for the Babe Herman Tournament.
