2018 Desert Pines Baseball Capsule

Head coach: Ricky Earp, fourth season

2017 record: 9-19-1 (5-5 3A Sunset/third)

Returning lettermen (starters): Eight (eight)

Top players: P/IF/C Juan Castaneda (Sr.), P/IF/C Steven Laureano (Sr.), P/CF/C Cesar Bailon (Sr.), P/IF Salvador Becerra (Sr.)

Outlook: The Jaguars return eight starters from last year’s playoff-qualifying team.

Castaneda (.493, 3 home runs, 36 RBIs), Laureano (.297) and Bailon (.308, 2 HR, 16 RBIs) return to lead the offense. They’ll also see time on the mound, along with Becerra.

“We come into the season with a very experienced team,” Earp said. “We are looking to build on our playoff appearance from last season.

“We have high expectations and will be looking for leadership from our senior class to be successful in the playoffs this season.”