Daniel Carranza spent a lot of time studying the type of pitcher he hoped he could be if given a chance to start for Verdugo Hills High of Tujunga's baseball team.

The junior right-hander has aced his early tests.

In just his second varsity start as a pitcher, Carranza threw a no-hitter Monday against Van Nuys. He has a Sunset Six League-best 0.58 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 12 innings.

"I've been studying Greg Maddux a lot lately," Carranza said of the crafty major-league veteran who has won four Cy Young awards. "He has good location. That's what I need to be successful -- location. I'm not throwing overpowering stuff."

Carranza's fastball tops out in the low 80s, but he's found success through his curveball, a devastating changeup and an ability to outthink batters.

"He thinks like a pitcher," Verdugo Hills coach Bud Schaetzle said. "He's a craftsman. He's always thinking ahead, like a chess game. A lot of kids just throw. For him, it's a cat-and-mouse game, he's always thinking."

Carranza spent last season primarily as a second baseman. He's also played shortstop and outfield this season.

He says he feels most comfortable on the mound, being in control of the game, and spent the offseason making sure he'd get a chance to be there.

"I've been practicing, throwing a lot to get better," Carranza said. "This season I really wanted to be one of the better pitchers in the league, so I've been working really hard.

"My dad helps, I practice extra with him. But another big thing is watching the pros. I try to study what they do and copy them."

Carranza struck out five in two hitless innings of relief in his first appearance this season. He had 14 strikeouts and one walk in Monday's no-hit performance that he describes as "my best game ever, at any level."

"He's really made himself into a ball player," Schaetzle said. "He' s really worked really hard. He really wants to succeed. This year he's put it all together.

"He was dazzling (Monday). The only thing that got him there was his own hard work. I couldn't be prouder. ... We're going to have a lot of fun seeing him the next few years.

"He's been a real quiet, gentlemanly kid. He shows up, works hard and does everything you ask of him without drawing attention to himself. But I think he's someone, who if he keeps working as hard as he does and pitching like this, guys are going to start looking to him and saying, 'That's someone I want to be like.' He'll be a leader by example."

Carranza has already helped lead the Dons to the top of the Sunset Six standings. He joins seniors Nash Hutter and Stephen Hansen on a staff that boasts a 1.40 ERA through five games.

"We've got great pitching this year," Schaetzle said. "All the guys. Danny's in real good company. The guys are going to be elbowing each other for the top spot. It's good, it pushes them, but in the friendliest of ways. It's fun to watch."

heather.gripp@dailynews.com

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