The Solis brothers, Alex and Sergio, have been rivals on the baseball diamond at the college level for the past three years.

Sergio and Cal State Monterey Bay compiled a 4-0 record against Alex and Stanislaus State in NCAA Division-II California Collegiate Athletic Association play this spring in Seaside.

“There’s always been a sibling rivalry,” said Alex, a fifth-year senior leftfielder/designated hitter who graduated from Central Valley High School in 2019. “Nothing over the top. We’re always pushing each other to get better. I tried to set a positive example while growing up.”

“We always competed as kids,” added Sergio, a junior catcher who graduated from CVHS in 2021. “We want to beat each other badly in everything.”

Sergio batted 3-for-9 from the plate with one RBI and one run during the four-game CCAA series.

Alex batted 5-for-18 with two doubles and two runs.

“We really didn’t talk too much leading up to the games,” Sergio said. “After the first game, I saw their team bus in a parking lot by Chile’s and a hotel. I texted him to come eat dinner.”

“After one of the games, we hung out and talked,” Alex said. “That was kind of cool.”

Sergio and Alex both enjoyed career years with their respective teams.

“I always knew I could perform,” Sergio said. “I just felt it was a matter of time. I wouldn’t say I changed much. I just got a lot more comfortable hitting off-speed pitches. I trusted my teammates and didn’t feel like I had to do more than I could.”

“A lot of it (individual success) comes with experience,” Alex stated. “I’ve been playing at this level for a long time. I’ve settled in and feel comfortable at the plate hitting.”

Sergio batted .349 on the season with two doubles, 18 RBIs and 13 runs while starting 38 of 41 games for Monterey Bay, which amassed a 39-21 overall record, finished first in the CCAA standings (27-13) and fell one win shy of advancing to the World Series.

He had a .986 fielding percentage.

“I’m pretty happy with what I’ve done,” Sergio said. “But there’s still plenty of room for improvement.”

“He got a lot more playing time this season,” Alex stated. “I’m happy for him.”

Playing catcher every day took a toll on Sergio’s body. 

“I had to mentally prepare myself for going through the pain,” he said. “My feet and knees started to hurt.”

Alex batted .308 from the plate with five home runs, 13 doubles, 25 RBIs, 32 runs, 12 walks and four stolen bases while starting all 47 games for Stanislaus State, which posted a 19-27-1 overall record and placed 10th in conference play (15-23).

He ranked second on the team in homers, doubles, total bases and at-bats, third in hits, RBIs and runs, and fifth in batting average and slugging percentage.

“Individually, I think I did pretty well,” Alex said. “I made sure I was prepared mentally before every game. I also got a lot of hitting and practice in before games. It was my best season to date. I could have done better. I want to keep improving in every aspect of my game. I don’t want to be satisfied.”

Alex talked about the challenge of being a designated hitter.

“You have to remind yourself to stay focused,” he said. “I think I did a pretty good job at it.”

Sergio and Alex will continue their college baseball careers next spring.

Alex, a 2024 Stanislaus State grad, gained an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He’s working towards earning his teaching credential.

“We didn’t do as well as we would have liked this year,” said Alex, who earned a degree in kinesiology. “We’re looking to improve. We want to make another playoff run like we did in 2023. That’s the ultimate goal.”

“Our team did really well,” Sergio said. “We went very far. Hopefully, we can go to the World Series this upcoming season. That’s the goal.”

Alex and Sergio were teammates for three seasons at Central Valley High School.

They both beat the odds by earning college baseball scholarships.

“It’s been a great experience,” commented Alex. “I’m very happy we both get to play. It’s even that much more special we’re in the same league and get to play against each other.”

Just like in high school, parents Gerardo and Elida Solis continue to be Alex’s and Sergio’s biggest fans.

They both try to attend as many college games as they can each season.

They wear college gear representing their sons’ teams.

“It’s pretty cool,” Sergio said. “Sometimes, they switch. They don’t pick a side. Their (cheering) tactic is to say, ‘Come on Solis.’”

“They’re very proud,” Alex said. “They’re very supportive. I’m super appreciative of them.”