PIEDRA VISTA’S PITCHING RUNS DEEP

Beating one ace pitcher is tough.  When you face a staff like Piedra Vista it’s quite the challenge.

“We really rely on our pitching, we got guys who know how to get the job done,” said senior pitcher Nate Swarts.

“We’re comfortable with our depth at the pitching position,” said head coach Mike McGaha.

The Panthers could pitch five deep and the two at the top are pretty good.

Tennesse commit Chase Silseth is a power right hander who throws in the low 90’s and can beat you with velocity.

“When I’m on the mound I want to dominate you,” said Silseth.  “I’m going to try everything I can to get you out.  You get a hit, good job.  I’m going to compete and dominate up there.”

“I like throwing change up more than my curveball right now because my changeup has good depth to it. Hitters have to have a perfect swing on the changeup to hit it.”

Nate Swarts committed to play for New Mexico State.  He’s more of a command guy who relies on location.

“I work my changeup a lot, that’s my go-to pitch,” said Swarts.  “My curveball is finally coming around.  I can spot up with that a little more than I used to.”

There was a six year stretch from 2009 to 2014 where the Panthers made a championship appearance every season, but Piedra Vista hasn’t been back to a title game since then.

“We know once you come to Albuquerque anything can happen,” explained McGaha.

But a pitching staff like theirs can sometimes tip the scales in your favor.