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Superb play from Central Valley's varsity baseball team
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Central Valley High School's varsity baseball team had a busy schedule last week.

The Hawks won four games in a span of six days.

Central Valley finished off an impressive preseason with an 11-6 victory over Archbishop Riordan High School on Saturday in San Francisco.

"Our seniors stepped up and the rest of our guys followed," head coach Greg Magni said. "We can't be any happier."

Hawk starting pitcher William Mestas earned his second win of the year. He scattered five hits, allowed three unearned runs and retired three batters via strikeout over five innings.

Mestas notched two saves as well this preseason.

"Every time we've used him, he's done something positive," Magni said.

Central Valley broke the game open by tallying four runs in the top of the seventh inning.

David Dart reached on an error, Greg Guerra doubled down the right-field line and Josh Claudio walked to load the bases. Luis Rodriguez drew a walk, scoring Dart from third. Guerra and Claudio came home on David Griffin's hit through the left side of the infield. Andy Lomeli knocked in Rodriguez with a single to left field.

"Our depth really showed this week," Magni said.

Guerra, Central Valley's ace pitcher, entered the game in the sixth inning. The right-handed senior gave up two hits and fanned three batters to pick up the save.

Greg logged just six innings on the mound the entire preseason.

"We wanted to make sure he was well-rested for league," Magni said. "We also wanted to see what other guys can do. Now we know what we have. We don't have one superstar. It's been a team effort."

The Hawks (5-1) will begin the Valley Oak League portion of their schedule this week.

Central Valley and Oakdale play twice. The Hawks host the Mustangs on Thursday at 4 p.m.

"We're curious to see how good we are," Magni said. "We won't know until we play league. Oakdale is definitely the measuring stick. We can't wait to be tested. It's important for our identity."