Young Balers show growth as baseball season progresses

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After a slow and inconsistent start to the 2026 season, the Hollister Haybalers appeared to be turning the corner and finding their groove as league play was getting under way last month, powered by emerging young talent, improved chemistry and timely hitting as they build momentum, according to head coach Michael Luna.

“We’re starting to play more complete baseball,” Luna said at the time as the Balers reached.500 overall. “The guys are beginning to trust each other, and you can see that confidence building every game.”

Those words would prove prophetic as Hollister kept winning and now sits at 8-4 overall and 7-1 in the Pacific Coast Athletic League-Gabilan League. The Balers are scheduled to play at Carmel at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

Hollister remained competitive early in the season while adjusting to significant roster turnover from last year. And Luna emphasized that inconsistency was expected.

“We haven’t played our best baseball yet,” he said in March. “We’ve been inconsistent through the first eight games; a big part of that is because we’re a very young team.”

The Haybalers returned just three starters from last season and relied on four sophomores in league play. With many on the team experiencing varsity baseball for the first time, Luna said the speed of the game has required a big adjustment.

Despite those challenges, Hollister showed promise particularly at the plate, Luna said. After losing three of its first four games, the team went on to build momentum behind improved offensive play.

That momentum was highlighted on March 25 against Palma, when Hollister delivered a 10-0 win, capped by a walk-off home run from junior infielder and pitcher Evan Mendoza.

Senior shortstop and pitcher Braden Barone said the team is starting to turn a corner.

“It’s been a little inconsistent so far, but the last couple games we’ve been picking it back up,” Barone said at the time. “We started 1-3, but now we’re getting on a little hot streak.”

The Haybalers’ offense has been a key strength, helping offset early struggles on the mound.

“We’ve been swinging it really well,” Barone added. “Our hitting has definitely been our strong point.”

Mendoza pointed to energy and chemistry as contributors to the team’s recent success.

“Our hitting has been really good, and our dugout energy plays a big role,” he said. “It affects the other team’s pitching and keeps us locked in.”

While the offense has produced, pitching and catching remain areas of focus. The Haybalers graduated three starting pitchers and a three-year starting catcher, leaving key roles to less experienced players.

“Our biggest challenges have been pitching and catching,” Luna said. “We’re walking too many hitters right now, and that’s something we have to clean up.”

One bright spot has been junior pitcher Ami Lopez, who earned two of the team’s first four wins and provided consistency on the mound. Offensively, sophomore outfielder Leighton Smith emerged as a breakout player, hitting .600 early in league play while leading the team in doubles.

Beyond individual performances, team chemistry and communication noticeably improved in league games.

“I think our communication and energy have improved a lot,” Mendoza said. “Early on it wasn’t where we wanted it to be, but we’ve picked it up.”

Leadership from returning players like Barone and center fielder Jorge Casada has also been instrumental in helping younger teammates adjust to the varsity level.

“It means a lot to be recognized as a leader,” Barone said. “It shows the coaches trust the work we put in, and it pushes you to show up every day.”

As league play continues, the Haybalers remain focused on steady improvement, particularly on the mound, as they aim to compete for a league title.

“It starts with pitching,” Luna said. “If we can throw more strikes, we’ll be in a much better position to compete.”

For now, the team is taking a simple approach as it continues to build momentum.

“Just take it one game at a time,” Mendoza said. “We’ve been doing well lately, so we want to keep it going.”

With a mix of young talent, emerging contributors and experienced leadership, Hollister’s season is trending upward, and the Haybalers believe their best baseball is still ahead.

The BenitoLink Internship Program is a paid, skill-building program that prepares local youth for a professional career. This program is supported by Monterey Peninsula Foundation AT&T Golf Tour and Taylor Farms.

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