Moorpark's Higginbotham a Big Hit in Baseball Return

After missing four games because of a shoulder injury, Moorpark High baseball standout Matt Higginbotham celebrated his return in style Wednesday, hitting a three-run home run and pitching the last inning in a 16-7 win over Agoura.

“He can swing the bat a little bit,” coach Scott Fullerton said.

Higginbotham, who’s been out since dislocating his left (non-pitching) shoulder sliding into second base in the season opener, was 2 for 4 with a walk and three RBIs while wearing a special brace that makes it easier for him to swing the bat.

“It was my first game back, and it felt great,” Higginbotham said. “With the shoulder brace, it lets me hit without it hurting. It’s OK, but the left shoulder is still a little weak, and I still risk dislocating it again, so I can’t dive or slide head first. I have to go feet first.”

Higginbotham, 6-2 last year as a pitcher/center fielder, played left field, then pitched a 1-2-3 seventh inning, totaling 10 pitches.

“It was good to get him on the bump again,” Fullerton said.

Higginbotham is scheduled to be the starting pitcher today at 3:30 p.m. against visiting Westlake in a Marmonte showdown between two the area's hottest teams. Both are 5-1, 1-0, and they want to keep pace with first-place Newbury Park (6-0, 1-0).

“That’s the big news today – that we’re playing Westlake,” Fullerton said. “It should be a good battle.”

Among Moorpark’s key hitters are Higginbotham, Blake Barnes, Jake Woolley, Spencer Dubois and Sean Houlihan.

“Sean Houlihan is hitting the ball well, and Spencer Dubois is doing really well, too,” Higginbotham said.

A key pitcher who has emerged is Steven Donlan, a right-hander who has two wins and a save.

“He’s a closer-type, and so far he is a pleasant surprise,” Fullerton said.

Moorpark is still awaiting the return of Johnny Wilson, an impact transfer from San Clemente who has an arm injury.

“He’s doing rehab, and we expect him back in three weeks,” Fullerton said. “He’s got a good bat,, and he swing it. I’m not sure what position he’s going to play, but there will always be a place for his bat in the lineup.”