When Temecula Valley takes the field against top-seeded Norco on Tuesday in the Southern Section Division 1 playoffs, Golden Bear pitcher Brooks Pounders will likely be looking for a little redemption. That’s not good news for the Cougars.
Norco defeated Temecula Valley 6-3 early in the season last year with Pounders going five innings and taking the loss. Among the hits he gave up that game was a home run to Matt Hobgood, who enters Tuesday’s game as the reported national leader in home runs with 20.
So while all signs point to a potential Norco win, Temecula Valley coach Anthony Mendez likes his chances, especially with Pounders on the mound.
Brooks Pounders, Temecula Valley
Photo by Kirt Winters
“As a sophomore, Brooks started a game on a Wednesday and had a rough outing. He lasted two innings,” Mendez said. “He came back on Friday against the same opponent and shot them down. He also hit a monster home run to dead center late in the game that put it out of reach. That is when I knew that he would be something special.”
Pounders’ talents and ability to put tough losses behind him are one reason why the Golden Bears have a shot at getting past the Cougars. While Pounders pitched three innings and got the win in a first-round 9-5 playoff win over Esperanza, he could get the start against Norco on Tuesday. The Southern Section playoffs are a single-elimination tournament, meaning every game could be the last. Mendez would like nothing better than to have his toughest competitor on the hill facing the Cougars’ impressive lineup.
“Brooks is driven to be the best and he expects to win every battle,” Mendez said. “He throws every pitch with a purpose when he is on the mound. I think the fact that he expects the best out of himself each and every day is what makes him so special. Because he has this attitude, he expects the same of his teammates, which brings up their game also.”
The son of former San Diego Padre and UC-Riverside All-American Brad Pounders, Brooke has been a four-year starter for the Golden Bears. As a junior he batted .333 with 10 home runs and 39 RBI. He also had a 7-3 record on the mound with a 1.81 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 65.1 innings pitched.
This year Pounders lost his first game of the season, a 5-1 defeat to La Costa Canyon. Since then, he’s been nearly perfect, winning nine straight games including the win over Esperanza. He has 82 strikeouts and just 19 walks in 57.1 innings pitched.
At the plate, Pounders has upped his average to .421 while cranking out seven home runs and seven doubles with 25 RBI.
“Brooks, physically, is the most talented player I have had the privilege of working with,” Mendez said. “He is 6-foot-6, 230 pounds. His presence on the field is impossible to ignore. On the mound, Brooks is in the low 90s consistently and occasionally touches the mid 90s. At the plate, he has the ability to change the game with every swing and teams know this.”
Opposing teams are well aware of Pounders’ ability, which is one reason he has walked 24 times this year.
“I’m getting intentionally walked a lot, but I am pitching well and hitting well,” he said.
Pounders was able to showcase his talents in the Aflac All-American game at Dodger Stadium in August. The second pitcher in the game for the West, Pounders faced Plant’s Mychal Givens, Sarasota’s Scooter Gennett and Cartersville’s Donavan Tate in the third inning and induced two flyballs and a grounder to third for a 1-2-3 inning. He hit 90 mph with his fastball in the inning and threw a 76 mph curve ball. He flew out to deep centerfield in his only at-bat.
“It was a blast playing against the best competition from all over the nation and making some life-long friends,” Pounders said.
Pounders says that his first memories are playing waffle ball in the backyard with his dad “as soon as I could walk.” His father, who was a member of Riverside’s College World Series championship team, credits his father with all of his success.
“He has pushed me to be the best that I can be and to never be satisfied,” he said. “If you think you are good enough already, keep working. There is always someone else who is trying to outwork you.”
Ranked No. 45 in the MaxPreps Baseball Top 100, Pounders is headed to play at USC next year. However Pounders is expected to go among the top 75 players in next month’s MLB draft.
“I’m pumped to get the opportunity to become a major leaguer and reach a life-long goal.”
Mendez says that Pounders has a great chance to excel at the next level.
“Brooks will be able to compete because he possesses the physical skills and the mental toughness,” Mendez said. “He will continue to get stronger, smarter, and polished on and off the baseball field as time goes on. The sky is the limit for him with the talent that he has.”
