Good Sports: Clovis North pitchers learning from former Bulldog, MLB pitcher

From the coaching staff to the pitching staff, Clovis North baseball has raised the bar.

It's the first season former major league pitcher Matt Garza is coaching the Broncos pitchers, and the team can already tell the difference.

"It's been unreal to have a 12-year big league guy that's walking around, and he's great with the kids," says head coach Jeff Prieto.

Garza is a Washington Union grad and former Fresno State Bulldog that went on to win ALCS MVP in 2008.

Now, Garza is bringing his toughness to the high school ranks.

It's starting to click for Broncos right-handed pitcher Davis Wilson.

"I'm always looking to get better and having him to find those little key details," Wilson said.

"He (Garza) was one of the first ones to really jump on, really listen and really buy in," Garza said. "(He) really let me challenge him and really step up."

The junior is already committed to play at an SEC powerhouse with Vanderbilt.

"I'm challenging him to attack guys," Garza said. "I want to see him do things in less pitches. I want see you through seven innings in 90 pitches. That should be your goal."

Aside from the mechanics, Coach Garza is big on the mental side of the game.

"Pressure to perform is there," he said. "If you understand that failure is already geared into the game, then succeeding is a lot easier. You got to enjoy that more than worrying about the failures."

For sports updates, follow Sydney Berger on Facebook, X and Instagram.