Alex Sandoval learned his lessons well
The Loras College junior infielder has displayed all five tools at points during the last three seasons.
Sandoval, a graduate of Central Lee High School, is the Duhawks’ starting shortstop.
After a slow start, Sandoval is beginning to heat up, just as Loras begins American Rivers Conference play.
While Sandoval struggled at the plate early, his glove kept him in the lineup.
Now, his bat is coming to life, and the five-tool player is showing just how good he can be.
“We got off to a slow start to the season, but then we went 8-0 in Florida,” Sandoval said. “We’re starting to put things together at just the right time, getting ready for conference play.”
Sandoval is hitting .175 for the season with a .277 on-base percentage. In 57 at bats, he had 10 hits — three doubles — 11 RBIs and has scored nine runs. He has drawn four walks and been hit by pitches four times.
“I have had a slow start with the bat this year,” Sandoval said. “It’s been a mental thing. I’ve got to get back on the horse and help the team.”
After hitting .270 last year, Sandoval is finally starting to find his rhythm at the plate this season.
During a trip this past weekend to Lincoln, Nebraska to play ARC foe Nebraska Wesleyan, Sandoval’s stick came to life. He was a combined 5-for-11 with two doubles, drove in six runs, scored twice, walked twice and was hit by a pitch.
In the first two games of the series — both Loras wins — Sandoval was a combined 5-for-8 with two doubles, six RBIs and scored two runs.
While Sandoval’s bat is slowly coming around, his defense has been stellar. Sandoval plays a key position in the infield and is part of the Duhawks’ double-play combination. In 71 chances, he has committed just seven errors for a .901 fielding percentage. He has 43 assists and 21 putouts and has been a part of nine double plays.
“I’ve played shortstop for the last 2 1/2 seasons here and I’ve been playing well,” Sandoval said. “My defense is what is keeping me in the lineup. As long as I keep making the plays in the field, I am helping my team win.”
Loras went 5-2 on their recent week-long swing through Florida. Sandoval said getting to play in warm weather is just what he and the Duhawks needed to get them ready for conference play.
“That was a great trip for us,” Sandoval said. “That was some really good competition for us. It’s the kind of competition we will see in the ARC the rest of the season.”
On March 3, Sandoval got to play against the University of Iowa at Duane Banks Field in Iowa City in an exhibition game. Sandoval belted a solo home run and was part of a Duhawks double play.
“That was a great opportunity for us, especially with the beautiful new turf,” Sandoval said. “We saw some high-caliber pitching. Those are the best arms we will see all year. We don’t see anything like that in Division III.”
Sandoval is majoring in Kinesiology, with a minor in Spanish. He plans to attend Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport after he graduates from Loras next spring.
Sandoval credited Central Lee baseball coach Shane Weirather and his staff for helping prepare him for play at the college level. Those lessons and values he learned as a Hawk have helped him earn a starting spot at Loras.
“The biggest takeaway for me is that hard work prevails over talent,” Sandoval said. “We had a great group of guys my first two years at Central Lee. We run-ruled 15 of the 20 teams we played one year. We worked hard in the offseason. All of us were at all of the optional workouts. Hard work and discipline helped me on the field and in life.”
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