With three Division I college-bound players on the roster, Oak Ridge High’s varsity baseball team has high expectations for the season.

The Trojans are off to a 2-2 start, but have already showed signs that pitching should be a huge strength for the team. Two senior left-handers Jordan Mills and Kyle Porter, who are headed to St. Mary’s and Cal Berkeley, respectively, are two of the top pitchers in the area. Mills lost a 2-1 game to Elk Grove at Raley Field on March 9, while Porter went the distance in an 8-5 win over Bella Vista two days later, striking out 13.

Mills and Porter both throw fastballs that routinely hit mid to high-80s on the radar gun. Mills, who at 6 feet, 5 inches is an intimidating figure standing on the mound, also throws a curve ball, change up and splitter. The 6’2” Porter has a curve, change and slider in his repertoire.

“Jordan gets a lot of movement on the ball, while Kyle does it all with location,” Oak Ridge coach Todd Melton said. “He can pretty much do what he wants with it because of his great location. Jordan threw a gem against Elk Grove and deserved to win.”

The No. 3 starter’s role is Curtis Cantaloube’s to lose and after his first outing it looks as though he’s going to keep the spot for a while. Cantaloube pitched six shutout innings in a 6-0 win over Rosemont on March 5.

With three solid starters, the Trojans have the pitching to take them deep into the playoffs. Oak Ridge has other quality arms available in Austin Ales, Jake Wehr, Chris Muse-Fisher and Cole Hanson.

“We’ve got a lot of younger guys with good arms, but we’re going to have to find them some time on the mound,” Melton said. “I like our whole staff.”

Senior shortstop Jake Schu is the team’s other Division I player, as he signed to play with the University of Nevada Reno. Melton said that Schu is off to a solid start.

Around the infield, the Trojans have Ales and Robert Brown battling for time at third base with Tyler Schmidt at second, either Porter or Mills at first and Stephen Barisone behind the plate. Colby Wilmer, who’s off to a hot start at the plate, is in left field with Tommy Massa in center and Randell Bosse in right field.

Melton said Ponderosa and Christian Brothers would challenge for the league title with Vista del Lago as a possible dark horse. In the Division II field, Granite Bay should be one of the top teams, Melton said, and Rocklin always has a good team.

“Our guys want to win it all,” Melton said. “They got a taste of the playoffs last year and they’re hungry and motivated. We want to win the league and the section. It’s going to be difficult, but the guys are working hard.”

Oak Ridge opens league play on Monday at Vista del Lago beginning at 4:15 p.m.