After playing four consecutive games on the road, the Sharks return home today for the first of this season's three Saturday doubleheaders. Malibu will be looking to reverse a three-game losing streak before beginning Tri-Valley League play on Wednesday against Oak Park.
The Sharks' opponent for today's twin bill, L.A. Baptist, compiled a 10-13 record last season. In a rain-soaked game at L.A. Baptist a year ago, Malibu came away with a 4-2 win.
The Knights, who will be playing their first game of the season today, bring a team full of seniors into the 2007 campaign. Their offensive leader is expected to be senior first baseman John Balbuena. In 2006, Balbuena led the Knights in batting average (.371), homeruns (2), and RBIs (20).
On the mound last season, right-hander Tom Gilbertson had 50 strikeouts in 46.2 innings while putting together a 3-5 record. (Gilbertson was the losing pitcher against Malibu a year ago.) Lefty Jason Pratts was second on the team to Gilbertson in innings pitched in 2006. Pratts was 3-4 with a 4.72 ERA. Gilbertson and Pratts are both seniors this year.
The first game at Malibu High is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.
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