Jack Bunnell threw a complete game 1-0 shutout in his final start of the season to clinch the title for the Woodbridge Warriors.
“This has got to be number one of any game I’ve pitched in,” says Bunnell, who as a sophomore threw a no-hitter.
In clinching the title, Bunnell also struck out 12 and drove in the game’s only run against Beckman High, winner of the last two league titles.
Bunnell shined all year as a starter and right fielder. He finished 5-0 on the mound with a .94 ERA and 61 strikeouts. He batted .417 with 18 runs scored.
“Jack emerged as our No. 1 pitcher during his sophomore year because he is a strike thrower,” says Coach Ryan Brucker. “Offensively, he has a great approach at the plate. Jack is a leader and an unselfish baseball player who will do whatever it takes to help our team win.”
Bunnell signed with the University of Washington, where he will continue his baseball career.
Lacshan Ramanathan is called “Lucky,” an appropriate name for a relief pitcher facing critical situations.
He didn’t have to rely on luck this year, though. His talent, determination and ability to compete under pressure made him the Warriors’ top reliever as they fought for the Pacific Coast League championship.
“One of my old coaches couldn’t pronounce my first name, and he started calling me Lucky for some reason,” Ramanathan says. “The name just stuck, and I kept it going. Even in classes I go by Lucky. I just like the name a lot.”
For the season, Ramanathan led the team in wins with eight, to go with a sparkling .72 ERA, and played a key role in the team’s 10-game winning streak.
“We know Lucky is going to compete at an extremely high level and keep us in position to win any game,” says Woodbridge Coach Ryan Brucker.
Next year, Ramanathan will pitch for Ottawa University in Arizona.
