While the high school baseball season is still eight months away, soon-to-be Turlock High seniors Damon Treadwell and Tate Soderstrom haven't put down their mitts and bats, in fact the two standout Bulldogs have spent the summer striving to better their game.

“I would like to increase my average from last season. I would also like to hit for more power in the coming season. I am real excited for my third year at the varsity level under coach De La Motte,” said Soderstrom.

“To get better this summer I am on a seven- day workout plan that includes sprint work and core workouts every day. This is something I just started a month and a half ago,” said Treadwell.

Both were also fortunate enough to compete in a few in-state showcases that provided them the opportunity to play in front of a plethora of college and professional scouts.

This summer, Soderstrom has been playing for the NorCal Baseball Blacksox 2017 travel team.

Treadwell plays for the Nor Cal Valley, having just concluded the Perfect Game So Cal Classic in Fresno less than a week ago.

In that game, Treadwell tossed 5 shutout innings as he allowed no hits, walked one, hit two batters and struck out five in a complete game.

“The main difference I see is being able to last longer and not getting as tired late in the game and feeling fresh after that seventh inning is big,” said Treadwell.

Treadwell is also a scout's dream, standing nearly 6 feet, 6 inches tall, the right handed hurler has shown time and time again that he is able to overpower hitters with his ability to throw hard and can strikeout nearly anybody at his level.

He reached 92 miles per hour during tryouts, the best of all pitchers.

During his junior year at Turlock, Treadwell was tied for second on the team with an ERA of 2.48 over eight games, including two complete games. He tossed 42 1/3 innings, and allowed just 15 earned runs over 27 hits and struck out a teams and league best, 52.

“My pitching coach Mike McNeil noticed I had a great chance this summer to be selected in the (Major League Baseball) Draft, but I might need a little extra more. I feel my current workout will definitely help me,” said Treadwell.

Both Treadwell and Soderstrom were also recently selected to compete in the 2016 Oakland Athletics Area Code team, which will be playing at Long Beach State in the first week of August.

Only 20 players were chosen for the Area Code team out of 250 who tried out.

“I've been facing some very good pitching in the CBCA North South Showcase, which was held in San Diego,” said Soderstrom. “Also making the Oakland Athletics Area Code team is great... I am very honored to have made it.”

Treadwell and Soderstrom are the only athletes from the CCC and the only players from the Stanislaus District who made the Area Code team.

Soderstrom had the highest batting average for the Bulldogs this past season at .420 and tallied 34 hits, 18 RBI and two doubles. He also fielded at .986 from first base, only committing three errors in 27 games.

“Heading into my senior year I am working on dialing on my swing and really getting my body in better physical shape such as strength, speed and agility,” said Soderstrom. “I also want to stay more consistent with the bat and my defense during the season as well.”

Focused and determined, both future collegiate players will have the edge over their competitors once the next season begins.

The Area Code game will be held at Long Beach State as they will compete in eight games from Aug. 6-10.