Soledad baseball

 When you average 20 wins a season over an eight year stretch, it's not an accident.

 Yet, it's been a quiet run of supremacy for the Soledad baseball team, who sit alone in first place in the Mission Trail Athletic League.

 Perhaps it's because Soledad has won just two league titles during its magical stretch, co-champions on both occasions.

 Still the 160 wins over the last eights years is the most of any program in the county. Halfway to 20 wins this year, the Aztecs are on pace to reach the mark again.

 But that's not what is driving head coach Damien Ryan and this program. No doubt, a league title is at the top of the agenda, a title to themselves.

 "We truly try to drive a culture of family and accountability to the coaches and, to some extent, more importantly to each other," Ryan said. "You don't want to disappoint your brother."

 Soledad holds a two-game lead at the mid-point of league play at 8-1. It has already swept nemesis Carmel. It's also aware that defending champion Pacific Grove remains on the calender.

 The Aztecs, who host Stevenson on Tuesday, have won six consecutive league games since falling at home to Gonzales over a month ago.

 "This year has been like any other," Ryan said. "We've laughed, fought and tested each other like any family will. It sitting down and talking, we realize there is too much talent on this team. It would be a shame to throw it all away with selfishness."

 Different players have stepped up each game, such as junior hurler Andru Holqin throwing a gem at Carmel, and Joseph Calderon coming up with a big three-run double in another game.

 Sophomore Ben Pajas has swung a consistent bat all spring, while leadership is coming from seniors Chris Villarreal, Isaac Lopez and Anthony Ramirez.

 You can make the argument that a loss back on March 14 to Gonzales changed the mindset of this group, as Soledad has played with urgency, outscoring six league opponents 81-15.

 "The core of these young men have grown up together," Ryan said. "All I ask is to play the game the right way and be accountable to each other. They've put themselves in position to chase a championship."