With a New Coach at the Helm, Eagles Look to Repeat as League Champs

Alan Pandullo, the first-year head coach of Eagle Rock’s baseball team, knows that it's a big responsibility inheriting a team that only lost two league games last year and then lost by one run in the second round of the playoffs.

“I feel like I’ve been given the keys to a nice new car, like a Mustang,” Pandullo said. “And I’ve got to make sure that I polish the rims, I wash the car and I maintain it. And I don’t wreck it."

“The core of the team is still here,” he added. “I have to make sure that things go smoothly and we progress and get better as people and players."

Eagle Rock finished 15-8 overall last year and won the Northern League with a 13-2 record before losing to Venice in the playoffs.

Eagle Rock (1-1) got its first win of the season on Wednesday when Calvin Bonilla, a senior right-hander, struck out a career high 13 batters in a 5-2 win over Grant. The day before the Eagles lost to Hollywood 10-6.

“(Bonilla) essentially will be the No. 1, the ace,” Pandullo said. “We are going to have to hang our hats on Calvin.”

Senior captains Noel Orihuela (shortstop) and Mustapha Fawal (second base), “will be our one-two punch at the top of the lineup,” Pandullo said.

Bonilla can hit as well as pitch and might DH when not on the mound. Senior Daniel Reyes will play first base.

John Sevilla is currently injured but hopes to be ready for league play. “I expecting some big things from his bat,” Pandullo said of Sevilla, a senior catcher. 

Wes Romero, a junior third baseman, “has shown a pretty lively bat,” said Pandullo.

Aurilio Carranza, a senior, will be a sort of super utility man, playing wherever he’s needed and providing a spark will his base-running ability.

Chris Nobles, a junior, is also “sort of a jack of all trades,” said Pandullo.

Mitch Williams, a left-handed sophomore, was the closer last year and is slated to be the No. 2 starter behind Bonilla.

“There’s some big things expected of this young man, who last year was a freshman varsity pitcher,” said Pandullo.

Orihuela will close for the Eagles and may pitch more than an inning in relief sometimes. Pandullo also considers Orihuela his No. 3 starter. Phillip Hernandez, a senior, is the No. 4 man in the rotation.

Pandullo said he has been “pleasantly surprised” by the maturation and mental toughness of his younger players and that his veterans are providing leadership. He said assistant coach Hector Cabral is a vital part of the program.

It will be a tougher road this season as the Eagles were moved into Division I in the Los Angeles City Section.

The Eagles play at Poly on Monday and then return home next Friday against Hamilton at 2:30 p.m. The Northern League opener is March 28 at Lincoln.

Eagles Softball Looks to Bounce Back

The Eagle Rock softball team is hoping to improve upon last year’s campaign during which the Eagles won two Northern League games.

“Last year we had a rough year because we had a mainly sophomore roster,” said second-year head coach Jillion Butchko. “This year we have a slightly older team, but we’re still rebuilding our program.”

Carina Bustos, who will play right field, and Karla Medina, who will start in center, are the Eagles only two seniors. Bustos returns after already proving herself in the outfield last year.

“Carina can get pretty much anything that’s hit at her,” Butchko said.

Medina, who played junior varsity last year, “is stepping into a pretty demanding role playing center field for us,” said Butchko.

Olivia Kenney, a junior, is slated to be the Eagles starting catcher.

“We’re hoping she will contribute behind the plate as well as at the plate,” said Butchko. “She’s got a pretty strong bat and quick hands.”

Jessica Vargas, a catcher, is not medically cleared yet to play. When that occurs, Kenney may move back to her natural position at first base. Butchko called Kenney “a stellar” first baseman. Meanwhile, sophomore Jacki Buena has been playing first base.

Freshman Genifer Garbellini will be one of the Eagle’s two primary starting pitchers. When she isn’t pitching, Garbellini is expected to start at shortstop.

“We’re hoping she will be a good addition to our pitching staff,” Butchko said.

Also starting in the circle for Eagle Rock is junior Eileen Rodriguez. “The two of them ought to be able to keep the batters off balance,” Butchko said.

Rodriguez was a starting pitcher last year.

The Eagle’s season opener is Saturday at Cleveland and the team won’t play at home until March 22 in the Northern League opener against Roybal.