Jul 30, 2010
Pearland diamondmen open 2010 season
March 2, 2010
PEARLAND — Head coach Ben Pardo has a lot on his plate these days. Not only is he coming off the greatest season of his coaching career after his diamondmen claimed the 2009 Class 5A Region III crown to advance to the 5A state semifinals, but he is also getting acclimated as the new Pearland ISD athletic director with just over two weeks on the job.
While the Oilers lost some key players to graduation from last year's team, the cupboard isn't bare and Pearland certainly has some talented players in the fold that can lead this team back to the region throne room.
All-State pitcher Matt Rhodes will headline the pitching staff while getting plenty of help from Cody Michna, Ryan Perea, Shane Michna, Kyle Cross, Brock Hartson, Bradley Cuyos, Chris Clark, and Kelly Cross.
All-Greater Houston pick Drew DeKerlegand will also be one of the key leaders for the Oilers this season.
“Right now, I definitely believe pitching is our strength,” Pardo said. “We feel like we’ve got some quality people we can put on the mound with a good combination of righties and lefties.
“Matt (Rhodes) did a great job for us last year, and anytime you have a lefty out there, it slows down the running game.”
The Oilers opened up the season with an 11-1 win over a traditionally strong Alvin team. Senior Ryan Perea took the mound and pitched a four-hitter while allowing a single run as the Oilers took the game in a five-inning contest because of the 10-run mercy rule.
Meanwhile, Pearland collected 10 hits for 11 runs to dust the Yellowjackets to begin the season with a strong victory.
DeKerlegand, Cuyous, and Brock Hartson led the offense with two hits apiece.
The Oilers hosted the Pearland Invitational and finished the tournament with a 3-2 mark.
Pearland got wins over Alvin (5-3), Clear Springs (8-4), and Hightower (20-1) while dropping a couple of close games to College Station A&M Consolidated (2-0) and Clements (6-5).
Pearland also plays in the Clear Creek and Alvin tournaments before entering District 22-5A play on Tuesday, March 16 at Pasadena.