Green Valley, Gorman favorites at zone tourney

Spencer Patterson

Wednesday, May 6, 1998 | 8:14 a.m.

The qualifying is over and the eight surviving entries are lined up at the gate, ready to run to glory.

It's time for the annual Southern Zone Baseball Tournament, a two-week derby that will determine which two area clubs will do battle for the coveted state title later this month in Reno.

The first round of the double-elimination tournament will take place at Durango High School, with the first post set for 10 a.m. Thursday, when Cimarron-Memorial takes on Chaparral.

Ten days and 15 games later, the winner will cross the finish line on May 15 at UNLV, which will host the second round of the event.

Here's the early morning line on the eight teams ready to run for the roses:

The favorites

Green Valley (26-2, Sunrise #1): The Gators have responded to all their preseason doubters, emerging as the odds-on favorite to claim a sixth-straight state trophy. The top-ranked team in the Sun poll all season and a top-10 club in the USA Today national rankings, coach Rodger Fairless' squad has been a consistent offensive force and a nearly flawless defensive unit. And although the Gators' late-season loss to Silverado proved they aren't invincible, it's tough to imagine Mike Nannini or Joe Orloski -- the state's top two pitchers -- losing a critical postseason contest.

Bishop Gorman (22-5, Sunset #1): The Gaels emerged from a tough three-way race to claim the top seed from their division, and they seem to be peaking at the right time. Coach Tim Chambers has the area's best three-man pitching rotation, with zone Player of the Year Jason Van Meetren, Paul Wurts and Brandon Boesch all able to shut down an opponent. At the plate, Gorman is capable of doing serious damage with a lineup filled with long-ball threats and solid contact hitters. After failing to reach the state tournament in 1997, the Gaels might be the hungriest club in the postseason.

Durango (24-7, Sunset #3): Late-season losses to Gorman and Cimarron cost the Trailblazers a higher seed, but make no mistake, this team has a very real chance to earn a trip to Reno. Coach Mike Gomez has the area's deepest pitching staff, highlighted by starters Scott Yahraus and Chris Bannister. Despite a solid batting order, Durango had trouble producing runs in critical situations this spring. Still, home field advantage throughout the zone playoffs could be a major factor, particularly if things come down to a rematch with rival Gorman.

The dark horses

Silverado (19-8, Sunrise #2): The story of last year's zone tournament, the Skyhawks are ready to make a second-straight run at the state title. Coach Brian Whitaker has an extremely young group, but a late-season road win over Green Valley helped the squad grow up in a hurry. Scoring runs should be no problem for Silverado, which placed five hitters on the All-Sunrise first team. But pitching remains something of a question mark.

Cimarron-Memorial (18-7, Sunset #2): The Spartans showed they can play with anyone this spring, as evidenced by victories over Green Valley, Gorman, Durango and Silverado. Mike Esposito is one of the top five pitchers in town, but he'll need some help from his fellow starters if coach Calvin Valvo's club is to advance. If the middle of the Cimarron lineup catches fire, Cimarron could be a club to watch out for.

Chaparral (17-8, Sunrise #3): The Cowboys had a chance to catch Green Valley late in the season, then fizzled down the stretch to wind up third in the division. Coach Richard Ebarb's staff may not be a strong as some, but starters Brett Bollman and Shane Clatterbuck will surprise anyone who takes them lightly. Catcher Russell Cleveland is capable of putting his team on his back, but opponents are unlikely to let the power-hitting senior beat them at the plate.

The long shots

Bonanza (16-14, Sunset #4): After failing to live up to expectations this season, the Bengals got new life after squeaking past Cheyenne on a playoff tiebreaker. Coach Kort Miner's squad seemed to tire around midseason, but its experiences from the Gorman and Durango Easter tournaments could pay off in the postseason. Pitcher Glen Fleshman can be counted on for a solid performance in game one, but after that things could get hairy for Bonanza on the mound.

Basic (12-14, Sunrise #3): The only team in the playoffs with a losing record, the Wolves will have the distinction of being the tournament's biggest underdog. If coach Anton Jones' squad stays loose, it could prove to be an advantage. If pitchers Eric Wise and Pete Alder have their best stuff, Basic could sneak up on someone.

ZONE TOURNAMENT

Thursday

(All Games at Durango)

Cimarron-Memorial vs. Chaparral, 10 a.m.

Silverado vs. Durango, 1 p.m.

Green Valley vs. Bonanza, 4 p.m.

Gorman vs. Basic, 7 p.m.