Sacred Heart-Cathedral Irish

If the WCAL is a pitcher's league, Sacred Heart-Cathedral might feel right at home entering the 2026 season.

"I believe we have the pitching and depth this season to give us a chance every day," said coach Gregg Franceschi.

The Irish feature Jacob Vines, who is on the short list of the WCAL's top returning pitchers from a year ago.

"I'm confident in our team this year," Vines said. "I think we are going to make some noise this year.

Much of that has to do with a rotation that goes three-deep. Southpaw Cooper Rogers Lewis, who was limited to 17 innings after being injured in the second half, is back, and Zach Stallworth returns after being hurt all of last year but going 5-4 in 43 innings as a sophomore.

"Zach has come back hungrier and more confident than ever," Franceschi said.

Still, the Irish will go as far as Vines' right arm can take them. With him on the mound, they have the chance to win each outing. Last year, Vines, who has signed to play at Pacific, established himself as one of WCAL's elite pitchers by going 5-3 with a 2.01 earned-run average. He struck out 81 batters in 52.1 innings.

"Jacob's leadership on and off the field is unmatched," Franceschi said. "He competes his tail off on the mound. That's a kid you want to play behind. He makes everyone around him better."

Offensively, infielder Tedford Lewis is one of the few returning position players. He hit .366 with 26 hits and nine RBI last year. Tommy Do hit .296 in a reserve role last year.

"There aren’t a lot of returning hitters to the lineup, but we’ve done all we can do to prepare them and get them ready for the grind of the season," Franceschi said.

2026 Schedule

Feb. 24 at Palo Alto, 3:30 p.m.

Feb. 28 at Marin Catholic, 1 p.m.

March 4 at Redwood, 3:30 p.m.

March 10 Lincoln, 3:30 p.m.

March 11 at Head-Royce, 4 p.m.

March 14 at Casa Grande, 1 p.m.

March 17 at Serra, 4 p.m.

March 20 Serra, 4 p.m.

March 24 Bellarmine, 4 p.m.

March 27 at Bellarmine, 4 p.m.

March 28 at Burlingame, 7 p.m.

April 7 Carlmont, 3:30 p.m.

April 10 Vacaville, noon

April 14 Valley Christian, 4 p.m.

April 17 at Valley Christian, 4 p.m.

April 18 vs. St. Ignatius Prep at Oracle Park, TBA

April 24 St. Ignatius Prep, 4 p.m.

April 25 Menlo-Atherton, noon

April 28 at Saint Francis, 4 p.m.

May 1 Saint Francis, 4 p.m.

May 5 Mitty, 4 p.m.

May 8 at Mitty, 4 p.m.

May 12 Riordan, 4 p.m.

May 15 at Riordan, 4 p.m.