By James Yodice / Journal Staff Writer
District 6-4A is heavy with ace starting pitchers: UNM-bound Jacob Gergen of Hope Christian, Uriel Castro at Bernalillo, Jayden Martinez at Valley and Matt Delaney for Academy.
The Chargers lost in extra innings to Grants in the 4A state semifinals last May.
Delaney, who also plays first base, heads the list of top returners that also includes senior center fielder and leadoff hitter Andrew Olson, senior shortstop EJ Gallardo (moving from second base), and junior corner infielder Ryan Williams.
Academy lost its top two bats and two of its top three starting pitchers.
“If everything comes together,” coach Chris Alexander said, “we should be in a good position. It’ll be a steep learning curve for us.”