Patriots save face, whip champion Hawks

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: May 15, 2026

2026 EAST COUNTY PREP BASEBALL

East County Sports.com

GREENFIELD — Following a pair of seventh-inning victories to open the series, the Madison Warhawks clinched the Eastern League pennant. However, an ultimate goal to claim the title with an undefeated record was within their reach..

The Christian Patriots made sure they would save face by scoring in each of their first three trips to the plate, the Patriots prepped for the CIF playoffs with an 8-4 decision to cap the regular season on Friday (May 15).

A pair of juniors — Braeden Casey and Caleb Brierley — both drove in a pair of early runs, lifting the Pats to pull away.

Casey’s two-run single in the first inning drove home Roman Gustin and Benji Molina for a 2-1 lead.

After Madison pulled even in the second, Christian secured the advantage for keeps on Gustin’s ground ball out was good for an RBI, while an error on the same play made it 4-2.

The margin was enough for starting pitcher Jacob Zacharzuk, wh struck out four Madison batters without issuing a walk. Both runs allowed were unearned.

Madison made things interesting by — again — scoring twice in the seventh, then loading the bases to bring the potential game-tying run to the plate.

However, Christian survived on a ground ball to second baseman Caleb Brierley to first baseman Jackson Oman.

Casey Gustin and Molina all finished with two hits. Molina raised his season average to ab even ,400, with Gustin closed behind at .390 entering the postseason. Casey ranks third on the roster at .345.

Final Standings: Madison 11-1, Christian 10-2, Clairemont 6-6, Mission Bay 3-9, Mira Mesa 0-12.

— Nick Pellegrino