The old saying is that pitching and defense wins in baseball. In 2014, the Pumas have an added focus on playing defense and pitching to a championship caliber on a daily basis.

Eleven of the 20 players can pitch, which, according to Coach Damien Tippett,  provides depth to their team.

“We are incredibly deep in pitching this year,” starting pitcher Kyle Huckaby stated, “It puts us in a position to win every game.”

This will benefit the boys and give them several pitching options. As compared to a typical MLB roster that consists of 25 players with 11 or 12 pitchers, Perry seems to be on the right track.

Seniors Kyle Huckaby and Joey Bostaph, as well as junior Tyler Watson are the starting pitchers. Some relief pitchers include senior Tylor Kerpan, junior Ben Terhark, and senior Curtis Hargy, who does not follow the “typical” pitching style.

He may be the most unique out of the bunch, as he throws the slowest on the team – on purpose. In fact, many players joke that Hargy throws under hitting speed, meaning that Division I players cannot wait long enough to hit his pitching.

Senior and catcher, Brady Weiss is also a great contributor to the team and has a very close relationship with baseball and his teammates.

“I wake up in the morning for baseball,” Weiss stated. “I live and basically breathe baseball.”

Although the pitcher may frequently change, Weiss and pitcher Kyle Huckaby have a relationship no other pitcher and catcher has. They have been together since the seventh grade which benefits the team in many ways other schools will never have.

Second baseman Jeremy McCuin, shortstop Austin Bull, and right fielder Brady Hettinger are also great key elements to the teams defense this season.

“Our defense is the best it’s ever been,” Hettinger stated. “I have full confidence in our defense.”

The only struggle the team looks to have this season is hitting, but once the boys lock in their hitting they will be a tough competition to other schools.

Coaches Shane Hilstrom and Damien Tippett have helped guide each and every player to their full potential and made them into the athletes they are today.

“Being able to practice everyday with the same kids and coaches allows me to grow as a player,” Point Loma commit Joey Bostaph stated when asked how Perry has helped mold him into the player he is today. “This season will be a great one!”