Baseball: Alonzo Garcia could be key to City Section season

Right-hander Alonzo Garcia is a 6-foot-2 sophomore pitcher at San Fernando who could be the individual most likely to decide the City Section baseball championship.

The defending champion Tigers return eight starters, but they have to replace their outstanding pitchers from 2011, and Garcia will be counted on to become the ace after playing junior varsity.

But based on winter form, Garcia is ready to deliver. First, he's an honors student. Every grade on his report card is usually an A. And he seems to handle pressure well.

"He's a great kid," Coach Armando Gomez said.

He's scheduled to pitch on Sunday at the Urban Youth Academy during an all-star game at 2 p.m.

San Fernando plays excellent defense and returns the City player of the year in third baseman William Vazquez. Much will depend on what Garcia can accomplish on the mound when the season begins in one month.

-- Eric Sondheimer