O-range Nation means shutout pitching

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: March 11, 2023

2023 EAST COUNTY PREP BASEBALL

By Nick Pellegrino
ECS Senior writer

RANCHO SAN DIEGO -In regards to Orange Nation, now we know what the “O” stands for. For the first time in nearly a decade, the pitching staff of the Valhalla Norsemen have posted consecutive shutouts.

On the heels of Wednesday’s 2-0 blanking of Madison behind junior left-handed starter Colton Stinkeoway, Orange Nation followed by with a 7-0 pasting of San Diego High.

Yjos tome, the pitcvher was sophomore Tanner Lough, who tossed a 6-hitter in a complete-game effort — the contest went five innings before rain halted play. Lough struck out three Cavers batters without issiug a walk.

It’s the first consecutive shutouts by Valhalla since 2014, when the ballclub did it twice. Earlyin the season, The first set were tournament victories over Hilltop (10-0) and Monte Vista (2-0). Later, the Orange accomplished the feat in Grossmont Hills League axtion — not Grossmont Valley League play –against Grossmont (4-0) and Helix (12-0) when players Mitch Coombs and Brent Keaton took the mound.

Even future standouts like Riley O’Sullivan (Class of 2019) and Joseph “J.J”. Ingrassia (’20) couldn’t accomplish the feat.

Considering Lough and Stinkeoway are both underclassmen, the future for Valhalla baseball looks right.

The Norsemen opened the scoring with two runs in the third inning, then busted it open with four additional markers in their next trip to the plate.

With the bases loaded, catcher Mace Wheeler slapped a ground single to left field to bring home freshman shortstop Jesse McCormick. Then with two out, Stinkeoway tabbed a ball to the mound which wasn’t easily to field, receiving credit for an RBI single as Lough scored.

In the fourth, San Diego pulled its starting pitcher after a pair of hit batsmen loaded the bases on a 1-1 pitch, first baseman Julian Jerjees went to right field with a deep double to clear the bases for three RBI.

Valhalla, which is off to a fast 3-1 overall start, next opens a stretch of five straight against City Conference ballclubs, going to University City on Monday, the hosting Mission Bay on Wednesday. Both are slated for 3:30 p.m.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Three parents and one student promised to send one of their game photos; none did.

Elsewhere

El Capitan 4, Foothills Christian 2, susp., 4 inn., rain

LAKESIDE – While Valhalla High accomplished a feat for the first tie since 2015, the noteworthy accomplishment of the El Capitan Vaqueros may not be as significant, but it could change the direction of the program.

El Capitan ran its record to 3-1 after downing visiting Foothills Christian, 4-2, at Hostetler Field. With the triumph, the Vaqueros match their best start since 2016.

The mark may not mean much, but when you’ve spent the past half-dozen seasons looking at opponents standing above you in the standing, the feelings for a potentially solid season are gaining ground.

Onlt one problem.

The contest called following four innings due to rain. Thus, it’s a suspended contest and needs to be re-started from the point of interruption or declared a no-contests.

Stay tuned

Scoreboard

Valhalla 7, San Diego HS 0 (5 inn.)
Eastlake 3, Steele Canyon 0
University City 6, at Mount Miguel 1
Anza-Hamilton 10, at Borrego Springs 2
El Capitan 4, Foothills Christian 2, susp., 4th inn., rain
Montgomery at Helix, ppd., rain
Patrick Henry at Canyon Crest, ppd., rain