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California Community Colleges Commission on Athletics Baseball Championship May 26-28 Fresno City College Fresno, CA

Fresno City College

Fresno City College Rams (42-6, 25-3, 5-0)
Coming into the 58th California Community College Baseball Championships, the Rams have an eleven-game winning streak. This season's characteristic has been a come-from-behind mentality, whether in early or late innings. Of the Rams six losses, two are by two runs and four are by one run.

The offensive production was highlighted by three Rams who have 50 or more RBI: Jameson Smith, Sean Halton and Brian Oliver.

Smith, a catcher, was the Central Valley Conference's Player of the Year. Through last weekend's regional, Smith is hitting .379, with 59 RBI, 8 homeruns and a slugging percentage of 604. Halton, the All-CVC first baseman is at .380, 59 RBI, 8 homeruns and a .630 slg. Brian Oliver, All-CVC designated hitter, is at .365, 52 RBI, 5 homeruns and a .506 slg. Leadoff batter Derek O'Reilly, the All-CVC shortstop, leads the Rams in runs scored (65) and hits (73). His average is .369 and is third in doubles (14) behind Halton (20) and Smith (17). O'Reilly is the ignition to FCC's offense.

On the mound, Michael Guerrero has an 8-1 record, with 73 strikeouts in 91 innings and an ERA of 2.86. Larry Holscher's record is 6-1 with 64 strikeouts in 62 innings and an ERA of 1.16. Marcus Walden, the Rams freshman closer, has 4 of the Rams 12 saves, a 5-1 record, with 39 strikeouts in 37 innings and an ERA of 3.41. The team ERA is 2.68.

The Rams pitching staff is deep and this has served FCC well in many situations. The same can be said for FCC's position players who have successfully pinch hit or been fine defensive replacements in late innings. The team batting average is .334. This is the 14th time FCC has reached the state finals. Whether this adds up to FCC's sixth state championship, and first since 1992, remains to be seen. It would be FCC's first state championship at Euless Ballpark since 1962.

Narratives were prepared for the COA by these members of the Calif. Community College Sports Information Assn.: Teresa Wang, Cypress; Robert Schmidt, Riverside; Steve Gill, Sacramento City and Woody Wilk, Fresno City.