ARMED AND READY ROYAL PITCHER HEALTHY AGAIN AFTER INJURY.

Byline: Sean Ceglinsky Staff Writer

Royal pitcher D.J. Smith has been bothered by a troublesome shoulder injury for a majority of his senior season. In fact, there were times when it was believed that the Highlanders' right-hander might not return to the mound at all.

Optimism, however, has prevailed.

Smith is healthy again, seemingly stronger than ever, and his timing couldn't be better as Royal prepares for the Southern Section Div. I playoffs, which begin Friday.

``Everything is good,'' Smith said ``It's like I never got hurt.''

The injury occurred earlier this season in a collision at first base. But the mishap almost seems an afterthought now. Smith's last two appearances have displayed just how good he is feeling and how lucky Royal (23-3) is to have him back at a crucial time of the season.

He made his first start since mid-March in the regular-season finale against Simi Valley on Wednesday. Smith worked five-plus scoreless innings, giving up three hits and striking out six to earn the victory in a 10-1 win.

``We knew D.J. would be back,'' teammate Clayton Edwards said. ``It's a great plus for us. He goes out and gets the job done.''

The previous week, the 6-foot-3, 190 pound Smith threw two scoreless innings of relief, striking out five of seven batters to earn the save in a 1-0 victory over Moorpark.

``We've been monitoring his progress the whole time,'' Royal coach Dan Maye said. ``The plan was to bring him along slowly. He's ready to go.''

Smith has 19 strikeouts in 18 innings. He is 2-1 with a save and a 1.56 ERA.

While Smith was recovering, Edwards did his best to take some of the pressure off the pitching staff. The senior finished the regular season 9-1 with a 1.40 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 60 innings.

Together, Smith and Edwards form a capable two-man rotation, one that matches up well with any team in the division.

``We have a solid staff,'' Smith said. ``With me and Clayton pitching, we can make it to the championship game.''

It will take more than good pitching to get Royal to the title game. The Highlanders also have to deliver at the plate, something Smith, in particular, has done well throughout this season.

While injured, Smith filled in and played at first base. In 26 games, he's hitting .457, second-best on the team, with 37 hits, 20 for extra bases. His team-high 36 RBI are twice as many as any other teammate - Phil Boscarino, Kevin Harrington and Edwards are tied with 17 each. He also has six home runs, tied with Boscarino for tops on the team.

``Everything is back to normal now,'' Smith said. ``I knew I'd be back sooner or later. It's good to be back at 100 percent.''

Sean Ceglinsky, [phone]

sean.ceglinsky(at)dailynews.com

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Photo:

D.J. SMITH

Royal High pitcher is 2-1 with a save and a 1.56 ERA this season.

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LOCALS IN COLLEGE