Gauchos dominate all conference ballot

The Saddleback baseball team won the Orange Empire Conference title for the first time in 16 years and when a program wins the toughest conference in the state, it only stands to reason that post-season awards will follow.  The Gauchos dominated the ballots, with nine players and a coach making the team.

Saddleback pitcher Domnique Key was named the conference pitcher-of-the-year, finishing the season 6-0 with two saves.  Key started the season in the bullpen but was called upon to be the No. 2 starter in the rotation before midseason.  He finished with a 1.85 ERA for the year, striking out 36 in 58.1 innings of work.

In addition, head coach Sommer McCartney was awarded with the conference coach-of-the-year.  McCartney's Gauchos finished 30-9 overall and 17-4 in the Orange Empire Conference.  It was the second best overall winning percentage in Saddleback history and the single best finish in conference play (.714) since the program began in 1969.

Joining Key on the first team were pitcher Jackson Rees, closer Daniel Endsley, first baseman Ryan Fitzpatrick, shortstop Luke Jarvis, outfielder Robbie Biehl and designated hitter Jared Donahoe. 

Second team selections included pitcher John Sheaks, outfielder Kyle Candalla and utility player Andrew Wilson.