Volunteers peaking at the right time as they head to American Legion State Tournament

Merced Volunteers coach Rollo Adams believes his team is peaking at the right time as they head to the American Legion State Tournament.

The Volunteers (19-14) bring a five-game winning streak to Yountville as they face the Fairfield Expos in the tournament opener at 9 a.m. on Thursday.

“I think we are playing our best,” Adams said. “I think the low-scoring games will help us. We have an idea of what we’re doing. Our defense is a lot better.”

Joining Merced and Fairfield at the state tournament will be Petaluma, Siskiyou, Patrick Henry (San Diego) and Paramount (Los Angeles).

Siskiyou will play Patrick Henry at noon and Petaluma will face Paramount at 3 p.m.

The winner of the tournament will advance to a regional in Denver.

“For us to win the tournament we’re going to have to hit,” Adams said. “We especially have to get those two-out hits. We’ve left a lot of guys on base this summer.”

The Volunteers, who are comprised of players from Merced, Buhach Colony, Golden Valley and Chowchilla high schools, haven’t counted on just one big bat in the lineup. It’s been a collection of hitters.

Jack Solis is hitting .426 this summer with 32 runs scored, 12 RBIs and nine stolen bases. Christian Witt has chipped in with a .421 average, 25 runs and 12 RBIs. Joe Flores brings a .382 average to Yountville with 25 runs, 18 RBIs and 15 stolen bases.

Kadon Floro, who was a freshman at Buhach Colony this spring, leads the team with 20 RBIs to go alone with his .353 average and 10 doubles in 68 at-bats.

“I think if we keep doing what we’ve been doing we’ll be in a good spot this week,” said Witt, who is making his fourth trip with the Volunteers to the state tournament. “We’ve been hitting well, our pitchers are throwing strikes and we’re not making a lot of errors.”

Witt likes playing up in Yountville at the Veterans Home. The outfield fence is covered in ivy with a vineyard sitting on the hill in the background. Veterans also come into the grandstand to watch the games.

“My favorite part is seeing all the veterans,” Witt said. “They all come out to watch the games. If you be respectful toward them they are respectful toward you.”

The Volunteers have eight returning players on their roster who have made the trip to Yountville. The other eight are making their first trip.

“I’m pretty excited because it will be a new experience for me,” Flores said. “I’m ready to compete.”