The Central California Conference was owned by Turlock and Pitman High baseball this past season and their all-league selections.
Combined, both the Bulldogs and Pride had a total of 11 players selected to the CCC all-league squad with players from all positions. They each had a 10-2 CCC record to top all.
Leading the way was the CCC Most Valuable Player in Tate Soderstrom (University of Arizona) of Turlock, who capped off his league performance on fire after 10 undefeated CCC games before being sidelined with an injury for the remainder of the season that included the playoffs.
“We are proud of the effort our players gave,” said Turlock head coach Mark de la Motte. “It was a struggle to be consistent early with the weather, but they persevered and they were able to reach their potential. Our graduating guys will go on to succeed in life.”
The first team pitching honors were awarded to Pitman High's Jack Wheeland, who completed a more than impressive senior year. Opponents hit .218 against Wheeland, who was the team’s ace after clocking in 61 and 2/3 innings pitched for the year. He struck out 65 and had an ERA of 1.93 with a 6-4 record in 13 appearances that included a complete game.
“We weren't deep in pitching but the guys we had gave us their all each day they went out there,” said Pitman head coach John Acha. “This is one of the most improved teams I have had from where we started in February to where we ended in last May.”
Dallin Tilby of Turlock made the second team all-league selection after the football star had one of the most unexpectedly superb seasons from the mound.
The junior did work after accumulating an ERA of just 1.09 in nine appearances with a record of 6-1, including two complete games pitched after 51 and 1/3 innings pitched.
Cole Carrigg of Pitman was the first team catcher for the CCC while sophomore Mac Cabero was first team second basemen and Turlock's Justin Hines missed second team by one spot.
Tate Soderstrom was first team at first base. AJ Encalade of Pitman was chosen as the first team third basemen and Tyler Soderstrom was second team at third. Kayleb Becerra of Turlock was a first team outfielder selection.
Pitman's Jordan Lavezzo along with Chris Steeley made the second team outfield. Brandon Pacheco was ninth overall in the outfield voting.
The first team selection for utility players went to Case Pacheco of Turlock. Cameron Martin and Hines earned honorable mention honors.
Pitman managed to win two straight playoff games before dropping the next two in the double elimination round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-I South bracket.
The Turlock Bulldogs won their first-round match in the same bracket before falling to St. Mary's in a mercy-rule decision.
Turlock accumulated an overall record of 18-8 for the year. Pitman finished at 19-11 after beginning their preseason with the worst start in program history.
“Hard working bunch that really learned how to compete at a high level and never gave up,” said Acha of his players selected.
Pitman graduates 12 seniors while Turlock returns all but two regular starters for next season. The Pride returns two of its three regular starters.