Giulio Monello, Daniel Monti, and Maurizio Andretta lead Odessa Wranglers into NJCAA Division I Top 10

Three Italian-born and developed players are leading the charge of Odessa College, where Chicago Cubs pitching prospect Matteo Bocchi began his collegiate career five years ago. Crediting coach Mauro Mazzotti for being recruited by Odessa College, Giulio Monello, Daniel Monti, and Maurizio Andretta are enjoying success playing in Texas and beyond with an 18-2 record. Undefeated in conference play (4-0), the Odessa Wranglers have their eyes set on the 2020 NJCAA Division I World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Sophomore catcher Giulio Monello from Venice leads the team with a .527 batting average (second-best in NJCAA Division I) in 19 games played. His four doubles, three triples, two home runs (including a grand slam), eight walks, 14 RBI, and 17 runs scored make him an offensive beast. Freshman third baseman Daniel Monti has played in 17 games and has made a great first impression on Wranglers head coach Kurtis Lay. The corner infielder from Arise (Milan) has a .315 batting average with three doubles, one triple, one home run, four walks, nine RBI, and 12 runs scored. Left-handed pitcher Maurizio Andretta, a sophomore from Viterbo, has made two appearances including one start. In 3.1 innings pitched, he has tallied three strikeouts.

The Odessa Wranglers will play a pair of doubleheaders against Clarendon College on March 20 and 21, when they will likely face FIBS Academy graduate Oscar Tucci. In five pitching appearances (including one start) and 17 innings pitched for the Clarendon Bulldogs, the lefty pitcher from Macerata is 2-1 with 16 strikeouts. Clarendon College is currently 11-10 overall and 2-2 in conference play. Forza #Italia!

by Roberto Angotti