Westminster Christian And Westwood Christian Thrilled For HSBN GOW

The Game: Friday, 3:30 at Westminster Christian

Westwood Christian has waited 53 years to play in High School Baseball Network’s first-ever Game of the Week.

Ever since the school first opened its doors in 1960, its baseball program had never won much of anything. But after a big season in which the team went all the way to the Class 2A state championship, now people are starting to take notice of them.

A victory over local powerhouse Westminster Christian in Friday night’s highlight game will go a long way to defending the claim that Westwood Christian has arrived.

But as so many programs already know, beating Westminster Christian is easier said than done.

“They are an elite program and we always want to play them,” Westwood Manager Luis Padron said. “We don’t shy away from playing teams. We want to beat the best and learn from what they do well. We’re just thankful that they give us a game every year.”

As Westwood has improved recently, less and less teams have lined up to play it. But Manager Emil Castellanos and his Westminster program have continued the tradition the schools began long ago.

“It’s exciting to get to kick it off with our good little rivalry,” Castellanos said. “In order to be a state champ you have to beat the best programs. We want to play the best. It’s the only way to get better so why not play them? We get to see everybody’s number one pitcher all year.”

In Friday’s showcase contest that will also be the case, as Westwood will turn to ace left-hander Danny Garcia on the mound. Garcia, a University of Miami commit, tops out between 87 and 91 miles per hour and is every bit as good as advertised. He will also be pitching with history on his side, as Garcia was the winning pitcher when Westwood defeated Westminster 6-5 last season.

“It was huge to win last year, because Westwood always got whooped by them,” Padron joked, referring to the lopsided overall series history.

With the game happening on its home turf this year, Westminster Christian will also benefit from playing in front of its own fans on a field that it went 12-4 on last season.

“Last year they beat us, so this year we are taking it a little more personal,” Castellanos admitted. “I’m OK to lose a ballgame, but we are going to go at them strong. It’s always a great environment at our home. There is a rich tradition and we have a lot of alumni in the stands. It’s going to be a fun game to watch and we’re excited.”

Padron and his Westwood team could not be happier that teams get up to play them. This focus helps both sides harness their passion for the game by putting out their best performances.

“When I teach the game, I preach to know the game and to love the game,” Padron said. “When you show kids that the head guy cares that much and is that passionate, it trickles down to them. We are excited and I love Emil for giving us this game every year.”

As both programs have realistic aspirations for a state championship this year, each team hopes to use this game as its chance to set the tone for the entire season. Win or lose on Friday, this level of competition will establish the approach each team will need to maintain throughout the year.

“It’s not how many games you win or lose. It only matters if you win the last game,” Castellanos said.

Westwood Christian will also be unveiling new uniforms for the event. After “flying under the radar” last season while playing in their tired old garbs, the team decided to dress in a way that reflects their seriousness and focus this season.

“The game belongs to the players, and whatever happens, happens,” Padron said. “We are just thankful for the coverage, and it is second to none. It’s going to be a great game.”

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