Tech baseball team has experience up and down lineup

Tech baseball coach Yuri Sanchez is optimistic about his team’s chances this spring and he probably has good reason.The Tigers, who qualified for the Division 3 North sectionals last year with an 8-8 record, gave Lynnfield a run for its money before losing 9-8. Sanchez has most of that team back, including his top couple of pitchers.Leury Peguerro, a senior who was his No. 1 guy in the rotation, is back, as is Joan Mota, who was the No. 2 pitchers well as a second baseman or shortstop when he wasn’t on the mound.Sanchez can also call on junior righty Ron Guzman, who is usually good for about four innings.”We look strong,” Sanchez said.”It’s basically the same team with more experience.”Although Sanchez will have a few spots to fill in the outfield, his anchor, senior Jose Rios, is back in center.Sophomore Mike Lara returns at third and Justin Morgan and transfer Randy Pimental (from English) will battle it out for catcher.Eric Guerrero is back and can play either shortstop or second base.He also gives the Tigers some speed on the bases.Anthony Grilla, a junior outfielder, will move up from varsity and a couple of other players, Angel DeLeon and Jeff Delorbe, will give the Tigers some innings off the bench, according to Sanchez.”We saw a lot of improvement last year,” Sanchez, now in his second year as coach, said. “Hopefully we’re going to continue improving. We have a lot of kids who are working hard.”The Tigers open their season today against Mystic Valley in a tournament being held at Northeast Regional in Wakefield. Northeast and Chelsea will play in the other game. The final will be on Saturday.