Four Wahluke Warrior boys garner baseball star honors

WAHLUKE - It was a tough year (4-14) once again for Wahluke baseball in 2011, but the season ended on the upswing when four Warriors were voted South Central A Conference East honors last week.

Senior Jose Jimenez, who pitched and played shortstop and second base, was named to the first team. He batted .358 with a team-high seven extra-base hits. He posted an earned run average of 2.87.

Junior Albaro Rodriguez took second-team honors. He played outfield, first base and pitched. He had a team-leading average of .389, led with 16 runs, stole 18 bases and had and ERA of 3.13.

Junior catcher Jared Sabin, who batted .319, was given honorable mention. Sophomore third baseman-catcher-pitcher Jaime Jimenez, who hit. 348, was also given honorable mention.

"The team was also voted second in sportsmanship," coach Matt Watrous said. "That meant just as much to me as the individual awards."

The best news, Watrous said, is that three of the honored players will be back to lead the team next year. 

"The bad news is that we are losing five seniors, two of whom were four-year varsity contributors," Watrous said.

Next year's team will be built around nine underclassmen who played this year. 

The additional returnees include shortstop Oscar Jimenez, who batted .308, and pitcher-first baseman Jordan Zirker batted .302. 

Other valuable returnees will include outfielder Tyler Yorgesen, infielder-outfielders Arturo Salazar and Luis Lara, and junior Vic Sandoval, who plays wherever needed.