Benicia’s Senior League all-star team has had a hard time getting on the field this postseason, but if everything goes according to plan, they’ll finally make their debut Saturday at Fitzgerald Field in the Section 1 Tournament.

Benicia was supposed to take part in the District 53 Tournament last week, but that tournament got canceled after American Canyon (the only team besides Benicia in the bracket) failed to put together a squad in time. That vaulted Benicia into the Section 1 Tournament, where 10 Benicia players and six American Canyon players will merge to represent District 53.

Trouble is, those six American Canyon players had yet to join the team as of Wednesday, and Benicia’s 10 players have had only one practice prior to Thursday.

“It’s been frustrating, but our kids are prepared to welcome them (American Canyon) and I think we’ll fit together really well,” said manager Jon Wood. “I’m hoping the transition will be smooth.”

Benicia’s Senior players kept busy during the spring, going 25-4-1 overall while competing against teams like American Canyon, Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, Pleasanton, San Ramon and Livermore. Benicia, Healdsburg and Oakland are the only three teams in the Section 1 Tournament, and Benicia beat Healdsburg in 2-of-3 meetings this year. Healdsburg and Oakland open the tournament Friday, with Benicia taking on the winner Saturday.

“I like our chances against Healdsburg,” Wood said. “Oakland is an unknown for us but I know they were a tough team in this tournament last year. But with our pitching rested while Oakland and Healdsburg have to play the night before, I think we’ll have an advantage.”

Benicia has five quality pitchers in addition to whatever American Canyon can provide. Clayton Farmer is the hardest-throwing pitcher and is capable of tossing a no-hitter. Jon Lee, Cody King, Justice Alexander and Jordan O’Connor are consistent pitchers who throw strikes.

Wood has been looking for a leadoff hitter and may settle on O’Connor, who has speed and gets on base a lot. Lee also has a high on-base percentage and has some pop in his bat, and Charlie Rose is another quick player.

King is a solid RBI guy and will probably bat third, with Farmer as the cleanup hitter. Kobe Hanson is another power hitter who has come on strong in recent weeks.

Other Benicia players expected to contribute inlcude Patrick Cerna, Ethan Espejo and Josh Ramirez.

Benicia played most of its games on the road during the spring but will enjoy home-field advantage at Fitzgerald Field in the Section 1 playoffs. If the combination of American Canyon players and Benicia players can blend together quickly, the District 53 champs could make some noise.

“It would have been nice to have everyone together earlier and gotten in some more practices, but it is what it is,” Wood said. “Hopefully it all comes together for us.”

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