Confident Cole begins Coyotes’ postseason pitch

Even when his pitch quality is less than his best, College of Southern Nevada right-hander Taylor Cole can appear unbeatable.

"Every time I go out, I take the mound like nobody is going to beat me," he said. "It's just confidence."

The Coyotes' entire team is high on self-esteem, and Cole continued the hot streak Thursday.

Cole allowed one run in seven innings as CSN defeated College of Southern Idaho 8-2 to begin the NJCAA Region 18 tournament at Morse Stadium in Henderson.

The Coyotes (42-14) opened postseason play with their 16th consecutive victory. They earned the top seed by winning the Scenic West Athletic Conference.

CSN's four-run first inning helped Cole's cause.

"It was an important game, and the team gave me a lot of support," he said. "I can't complain one bit. I had trouble a little bit, but I was able to bounce back."

Cole gave up seven hits, walked none and struck out four. Apparently, though, he can perform much better.

"I thought he pitched with a lot of guts. He didn't have his best stuff," CSN coach Tim Chambers said. "He pitched through some tough spots."

Robbie Garvey's leadoff single triggered the Coyotes' big first inning. After a single by Kyle Bostick put runners on the corners, Braeden Schlehuber tripled to the right-center gap.

Schlehuber scored on Brandon Trodick's single to make it 3-0 before Southern Idaho left-hander Jason Oatman recorded an out.

CSN will face Salt Lake Community College in the semifinals of the double-elimination tournament at 4 p.m. today. Salt Lake advanced by beating Western Nevada College, 7-2.

Cole, a freshman from Bishop Gorman High School, entered with a 1.39 ERA, and he stifled the Golden Eagles (31-27).

"I expect a lot of Taylor," Chambers said. "He has improved so much as a pitcher. He came in here as just a thrower, a guy with a live arm.

"He has turned into our No. 1 guy, and when he's on the mound, the kids feel like we can win."

Cole (10-3) committed to Brigham Young but opted to pitch for the Coyotes to try to improve his status in the major league draft. The Los Angeles Dodgers selected him in the 26th round last year.

"I decided to come here because I knew I could get better here. I've learned so much, and it's been a great decision," said Cole, whose fastball can hit 96 mph.

"This team is coming together at the right time, and it's nice. We've been through some up and downs. I'm just glad it's happening now."