SAMOHI — Santa Monica baseball opens Ocean League play this week with a full head of steam.
The 7-1 Vikings have won six straight heading into Tuesday's league opener against Hawthorne at home. The game begins at 3:15 p.m.
"We're on fire," head coach Kurt Schwengel said. "This team is looking really good."
Ranked No. 7 in the latest CIF-Southern Section Division 3 poll, Samohi has relied on its stable of pitchers to fuel the streak.
Combined, Viking hurlers have an earned run average hovering around 1.00.
The emergence of junior catcher Matt Kassowitz has steadied the staff. Schwengel said he couldn't recall if an opposing runner has successfully stolen a base.
"He's running the show this year," Schwengel said of his catcher.
Kassowitz' stock has been on the rise, even with scouts.
A number of scouts have been following around senior pitcher Alex Gironda, who has committed to play for Cal Poly, and more than a few have told Schwengel that Kassowitz is now on their radar.
This week will prove to be busy for the Vikings. They start with Hawthorne at home and travel there on Thursday. On Friday they take on El Segundo at home in a non-league matchup.
Rudy Olmedo will get the starting nod on the mound for Tuesday's game.
daniela@www.smdp.com
