Haters proven wrong Ortiz wins yet again

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: April 16, 2026

MORE TO COME

2026 EAST COUNTY PREP BASEBALL

East County Sports.com

Monte Vista 5, Montgomery 3
SPRING VALLEY — Yes, ECS has read all those posts from haters who claim Monarchs pitcher Michael Ortiz isn’t that good. They mention an earlier loss to Olympian — so we now offer the counter argument.

On Thursday (Apr. 16), Ortiz captured his fourth victory of the season by tossing a complete game to stop Montgomery, one of the Olympian’s chief rivals. Ortiz struck out four Aztecs and walked just one.

Monte Vista (10-8 overall) beat Montgomery for the first time since 202, snapping a 30game losing streak to the Aztecs, which out-scored the Monarchs 26-3 (twice by shutout).

However, the Monarchs offense was ready with two quick runs to hold the lead throughout. The advantage came thanks to Adrian Gutierrez , the second baseman.

With left fielder Ben Kurtz on base, Gutierrez teed-off on an outside fastball, depositing the ball over the right-field fence for a 2-0 cushion.

In the fifth inning, Montgomery ended the shutout with a run but the Monarchs answered with a 3-spot, courtesy if a 3-run homer from Reece Williams. Scoring were Kurtz and Gutierrez,who both collected two hits.

For Montgomery (8-9), a pair of seniors led the way as center fielder Marco Reyes registered three hits from the leadoff spot, while shortstop Noah Floreshad two hits.

Monte Vista, which has won four straight, open its Grossmont Valley League slated next Thursday (Apr. 23), hosting Steele Canyon at 4 p.m.

— Nick Pellegrino