Accident could sideline star Silverado catcher

Spencer Patterson

Tuesday, May 2, 2000 | 10:32 a.m.

FIRST-ROUND MATCHUPS

SUNRISE REGION / At Burkholder Field

Wednesday

Silverado (18-7) vs. Valley (6-22), 4 p.m.

Las Vegas (20-10) vs. Chaparral (18-9), 7 p.m.

Thursday

Eldorado (13-12) vs. Green Valley (21-5), 4 p.m.

Basic (23-4) vs. Rancho (5-20), 7 p.m.

SUNSET REGION / At Durango High

Wednesday

Bishop Gorman (17-14) vs. Palo Verde (12-13), 4 p.m.

Cimarron-Memorial (18-4) vs. Western (8-18), 7 p.m.

Thursday

Cheyenne (14-12) vs. Bonanza (17-10), 4 p.m.

Durango (23-7) vs. Centennial (8-12), 7 p.m.

Once touted as the overwhelming favorite to win this year's 4A state baseball title, the Silverado Skyhawks appear more vulnerable than ever as they prepare for Wednesday's first-round playoff contest.

Silverado, ranked No. 14 nationally by Baseball America in the preseason, could be without the services of star catcher Tommy Rojas for some or all of the postseason, according to coach Brian Whitaker.

Rojas, a first-team All-Southern Nevada selection this season and an early signee with Pepperdine, was injured in a single-car accident on Sunday morning. The senior suffered a deep cut on his head, along with bruises throughout his 6-1, 195-pound frame.

"He said he felt like he'd just played a football game," Whitaker said. "He's out. I don't know how long yet. We're just glad he's all right. It's a bigger picture than a baseball season."

If Rojas is unable to play, backup Shane McPherson will get his first start of this season behind the plate in round one of the Sunrise Region Tournament against Valley Wednesday. The junior has played in just a handful of contests this spring.

"We've told our backup players all season they have to be ready," Whitaker said. "He's going to get thrust into the fire."

The Skyhawks may also be without starting pitchers Robbie Van (elbow) and Kenny Clayton (shoulder). Right-hander James Wickman will likely start against the Vikings, with Van and Clayton resting with the hopes of pitching in the team's next contest.

All-Southern Nevada shortstop Ryan Ruiz also missed Monday's practice after having an allergic reaction to allergy medication.

Whitaker said his club remains positive, and that he's trying not to focus on all the injuries.

"I'm not trying to cry in my beer here," he said. "We're gonna get after whoever we play. We're just not all full strength. Hopefully, we'll just stay alive long enough to get healthy."