Raul Godinez, Kyan Bowen, Brayden Clark and Vincent Castrejon led Ceres High’s baseball program to a tie for third place in the Western Athletic Conference standings this spring.
Godinez, Bowen, Clark and Castrejon garnered special recognition during the WAC’s year-end head coaches meeting on May 13 in Ceres.
“It was a good day,” said Godinez, second-year leader of the Bulldogs. “To have three guys recognized is great. I’m happy.”
Godinez was named the WAC’s Coach of the Year for directing the Bulldogs to a 9-5 record versus league competition. Ceres High fell one win short of qualifying for the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs.
“It’s pretty cool. It’s something I didn’t expect to get.”
Bowen and Clark were both selected to the WAC First Team.
Bowen, a senior outfielder who batted cleanup in Ceres High’s lineup, hit .442 with one triple, five doubles, 13 RBIs, nine runs and a .604 slugging percentage.
He ranked first on the team in hits, triples, doubles and RBIs, second in batting average and slugging percentage, and fourth in runs.
“It all started clicking for him this season,” Godinez said. “The big difference from last year to this year was he had more solid contact at the plate. He was more disciplined. He was confident. When the pressure was on, he stepped up.”
Clark, a senior, starred at pitcher for the second year in a row.
He posted a 3-1 record with a 0.75 earned-run average, 45 strikeouts and 16 walks in 371/3 innings.
“He had a great season. He was our ace pitcher. He did his job on the mound. He kept us in games.”
Clark logged playing time as an outfielder when he didn’t pitch.
He batted .300 from the plate with one double, three RBIs and three runs.
Clark had a combined record of 5-1 with 67 strikeouts at pitcher in WAC play the past two seasons.
“When it was time to lock in, he competed. He was level-headed. He was focused. He brought a different energy to the team. He’s going to be missed.”
Castrejon was selected to the WAC Second Team.
The junior shortstop who batted third on offense, also contributed at pitcher.
Castrejon hit .318 with one home run, one triple, two doubles, 13 RBIs, nine runs, 11 stolen bases and a .447 slugging percentage.
He ranked first on the team in homers, triples and RBIs, second in stolen bases, third in hits, doubles and slugging percentage, fourth in runs, and sixth in batting average.
Castrejon collected one win at pitcher with 14 strikeouts in 22 innings.
“Without him, our team would have been different,” Godinez said. “He’s a valuable piece. He brings good energy to the team. The guys listen to him. He’s the quarterback of the defense.”
