When someone takes the mound to start a ballgame for City College, chances are he’s one of the best in the league.

That’s because the Vaqueros top-ranked pitching staff features a trio of outstanding hurlers: sophomores Justin Aspegren, Dylan Axelrod, and Tyler Davis.

“It’s pretty easy to be a coach when you have the three best pitchers in state on your staff,” says Matt Hobbs, a former pro pitcher who coaches CC’s staff as well as the strength and conditioning program.

As a unit, the team’s 2.28 ERA is best among California junior colleges. All three starters are in the top 20 in the state in earned run average and innings pitched. Davis is 6-3 with a league-best 1.06 ERA, which is also second in state. Aspegren is 7-4 with a 1.67 ERA, and Axelrod is 6-4 and ranks 13th in California with 10.4 strikeouts per nine innings.

The three rank first, third, and sixth in conference in ERA. Not surprisingly, the Vaqueros (11-11, 21-13) are in contention for a playoff spot.

When asked what the three mean to the team, Warrecker responds “Everything.” Hobbs admits that he sometimes loses sleep over the possibility of one of them getting injured.

That, however, is less likely due to the work Hobbs has done to keep this group, and the whole team, in top shape.

“We have to be the strongest team in the Western State Conference, because of our lack of reputation,” says Hobbs, referring to the fact that while many programs have been distinguished by a history of success, the Vaqueros are known for being a losing program.

Hobbs has instilled in his players the idea that the only way to beat these recognized colleges is to outwork them. They have done so. Hobbs likes to say “our guys can sell jeans,” a nod to the rigorous training they’ve done this year.

“They have to get stronger while still playing, while others are simply maintaining,” the pitching coach says.

The three have responded.

“We thought going into the season we had some pretty good ones,” says Warrecker. “They’ve exceeded our expectations.”

As much as the trio has done for the program, the program has also given back to them.

“I definitely wouldn’t be in this position if I hadn’t gone here,” says Axelrod, who is being recruited by UC-Irvine, Kentucky, and Oklahoma State, among others. “It’s been a great experience, and it’s really helped me to develop my skills.”

The experience began last season, when the three were freshman. Though each was a quality player, they had not quite reached the level they’ve achieved now. As of Friday, the team had allowed 100 fewer runs than they did all of last season.

Hobbs came on board this year and took the initiative to start the conditioning program while introducing some new teaching methods to the staff.

“We had them throw nothing but fastballs for the first three months of practice,” Hobbs said. “At first, they were like ‘Who’s this guy? He’s not gonna let us throw a breaking ball?’

“But that forced them to learn location. Now, they throw a lot of fastballs for strikes.”

The three hurlers concur.

“I’m not really a strikeout guy,” says Aspegren. “I rely on location of my fastball.”

They also rely on a nobody-beats-me mentality.

“They’re all competitors with a humongous will to win,” said Hobbs. “All three of them have a tenacity you can’t teach.”

“All three of us impose our will on people,” Aspegren said. “Tyler, he’s so gritty, he’s just pissed off all the time out there.”

Warrecker nominated Davis for league MVP. Along with starting and leading the league in ERA, Davis is the closer, having set the school record for saves this year (he now has seven; the previous record was six). He is also a good hitter, with 14 hits in 45 at bats and six RBI.

“His stuff’s so dirty,” says catcher Tommy Alexander, who has had the strenuous task of keeping those dirty pitches in front of him this season. “His stuff just moves so much.”

Davis makes use of natural movement on his fastball and a sharp-breaking slider that he uses as a strikeout pitch.

Axelrod is a local product out of Santa Barbara High School. He also has benefited from “a natural ability” to throw a horsehide ball past an aluminum bat.

“As pitcher, you’re in control of the game,” said the former Channel League MVP. “Everything starts with you.”

Aspegren has thrived under Warrecker, who gave him a chance to play after he was cut by the UC-Santa Barbara team. The sophomore hurler takes classes at both CC and UCSB, and he’s gone from just being happy to play to being one of the league’s best.

So while the Vaqueros don’t appear to be headed toward a high seed if they do indeed make playoffs, the fact that they have one of these three starting every game gives them a chance to win, no matter who they play.

“I’ve been blessed with three aces,” Hobbs said. “They’re all gonna be very successful wherever they go.”