Capo Valley won't soon forget Matzek

ANAHEIM - Capistrano Valley coach Bob Zamora has seen a lot of special talent in his 30-plus years as coach of the Cougars.

Tyler Matzek is undoubtedly on the list.

“You’re watching a future major leaguer,” Zamora said of Matzek. “He does things that major leaguers love to do. They love to be in the limelight. He wanted the ball and he wanted to be at the plate.

Matzek will likely be a top 10 draft pick in next week’s Major League Baseball Draft. Several mock drafts have him going sixth to the San Francisco Giants.

Matzek pitched 18 1/3 scoreless innings in the playoffs.

“He’s a winner,” Zamora said. “He’s a tremendous talent. He’ll be in the big leagues, just watch.”

Matzek also takes things into his own hands.

“I’ve had players, but I haven’t had anybody with a 97-98 MPH fastball,” Zamora said. “He’s right up there in the top five … maybe even the top three. That’s pretty special after 32 years."

In the sixth inning in a scoreless tie, Edison starter Kurt Heyer fell behind Matzek 3-0. Zamora gave Matzek the swing sign. Matzek thought it was the take sign, but swung anyway and hit a home run into the left field seats.

“We had an inkling that he’d be swinging,” Edison coach Steve Lambright said. “What we were hoping to do was to get a fastball in there and get the count to 3-1 and maybe surprise him with a curveball … and then who knows."

OPEN-AND-SHUT CASE FOR MATZEK

Despite Matzek’s hitting heroics, he still left the door open for Edison to possibly take the lead in the seventh.

Matzek retired the first batter, but allowed the next three to reach base: he hit Jimmy Madden and walked Kyle Jones and Eric Snyder.

Edison had to like its chances with its Nos. 2 and 3 hitters, Chris Czerniachowksi and Josh Lesinski, due up with one out.

Matzek struck out both batters.

“Obviously, he has first-round stuff,” Lambright said. “Just being the kind of coach that I am, I thought we could beat him.

“The kid has ice in his veins. He was able to get out of that jam by striking out 2 and 3 hitters. We had chances to do it, but when you’re facing a 93-94 MPH fastball, it is hard for high school hitters to catch up to it.”

The loss ends a season in which Edison has had to deal with the death of two lower-level players, Nick Mazzone and Richard Gonzales.

“We had a wonderful season and I proud of these guys,” Lambright said. “I want to make sure they keep their heads up.

“They might not be champions on the baseball field, but they are champions in life.”

CHAMBERS DOES IT ALL

Not be overlooked was the performance of starting pitcher Kevin Chambers.

Chambers pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings before giving way to Matzek in the sixth.

The senior also went 3 for 3 at the plate and made a diving catch of a bunt attempt in the third inning that led to a double play.

“He went in there and threw strikes to a lineup that really likes to swing the bats,” Zamora said. “He’s a very good defensive player. You saw the athleticism on the bunt where he dove and still had the presence of mind to get to his feet and throw back to first base for the double play.

“Oklahoma State has a very fine ballplayer coming there way.”

Contact the writer: dcalhoun@ocregister.com