Gearing into the post season, Caver Baseball couldn’t seem to find their footing to maintain a win streak. After 4 consecutive losses in April, the team went on to split the rest of their games, placing them just barely out of playoff contention. But when given the opportunity for a play-in game at Mission Vista, the Cavers made it count, and recorded a 9-3 win on May 19th, making it to the first round of playoffs.
Esteban Quintana was a large part of the team’s success against Mission Vista, the junior right-handed pitcher was on the mound for 6 innings, boasting a perfect 0.0 earned run average. As a two way athlete, He’s held impressive stats this season, playing outfield when he’s not on the mound, and hitting as well, with a .400 on base percentage. Quintana has been a key asset to Caver Baseball’s bullpen for 3 years, and his performance in this game proved that, limiting the Timberwolves to just 1 run.
That first inning run was the only one that scored against Quintana during his 6 innings on the mound for the Cavers, “Yeah it felt a little rough the first inning, it was before I could really get into a groove” Quintana says. Part of the reason Quintana was able to “get into a groove” was because of the offensive showout from Kai Jacobson and Jayden Harris, both homering and putting up 2 runs on the board for the Cavers in the first inning. Quintana believes this 25-26 Caver team has the most potential for playoff success that he’s seen in his career at San Diego High, “We have a strong team with a really great defense, so as long as we keep our bats going in this post season we have a shot”
As the Cavers continue into their post season, they also think about taking this success into the next year. As a team with 3 seniors they will definitely see some roster openings next year, but the class of ‘27 also has 5 players on the roster. Quintana being one of them, isn’t worried about this. As a rising senior for the 26-27 season, he believes in the underclassmen and believes that the Cavers will continue to win well after he graduates, “You know we have a good squad of boys here, probably some of the most fun I’ve had playing baseball. I’m excited for next year, we’re still gonna have a really strong squad since a lot of young talent is coming up” Quintana says.
To support Quintana and the Cavers in the playoffs, you can attend their upcoming game at Francis Parker High School against the Lancers on Friday, May 22 at 4:00 PM
