© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-1-11) — There’s nothing flashy about El Capitan pitcher KEVIN GINKEL. He just gets the job done.

Ginkel, a 6-foot-2, 174-pound junior right-hander, scattered 7 hits and allowed only 2 earned runs as he posted his East County-leading 4th win without a loss in Thursday’s (Mar. 31) Bill Dickens East County Tournament victory over the Foothillers, 3-2 at Grossmont.

“I threw a lot of fastballs but kept them guessing on my sliders,” said Ginkel. “The slider – that’s my pitch.”

No question Ginkel is one of the fastest workers in East County . Yet he says he’s not afraid to shake off catcher CHUCK MOORMAN’s signs.

As a starter Ginkel’s command has been next to perfect. In a relief effort against Helix he struggled and had trouble finding the plate – walking three batters in the same inning.

“I like to start more than pitch in relief,” Ginkel said. “As a starter you’ve have more control of a game. As a reliever you have to come in in a pressure situation, maybe with the bases loaded. You have no room for error.”

El Capitan coach STEVE VICKERY agreed that Ginkel is probably a better starter.

“His ball has a lot of late life,” said Vickery. “He’s learning how to be a competitor. As soon as he figures out how good he really is – I mean, look out.

“I don’t think that he accepts right now that he is one of the quality pitchers in this league, maybe in the county. When the light goes on completely he’s really gonna be a force to reckon with.”

El Capitan broke a 1-1 tie in the 6th inning on an opposite-field home run by TYRONE WIGGINS – his 4th round-tripper, which ties him for the East County lead.

But it was the 7th inning two-out solo homer by ERIC LOZANO that proved to be the winning blow.

“It was a fastball on the inside part of the plate,” Lozano said. “That was the pitch I was sitting on.”

Nice guess.

This was a long term at-bat for Lozano, who fouled off seven consecutive pitches before clearing the right field fence.

“It surprised me when the ball went over,” he said.

Lozano’s name is not listed among the leading home run hitters in East County .

“I try to keep a tight swing instead of flying open all the time,” he said. “I feel like I can hit the long ball.”

After Grossmont piecemealed a run in the 2nd inning the Vaqueros tied it in the 5th on a double by TROY CONYERS and a Grossmont error.

Grossmont’s JOE MUSGROVE was the hard luck loser as he pitched probably his best game of the season in a losing effort. The SDSU-bound right-hander turned in a complete game effort and struck out 9 without walking any.

“Musgrove did a great job today, only made a couple of bad pitches,” said Foothillers coach JIM EARLEY. “The fact that he only gave up 5 hits to a team like El Capitan means we should have won. But offensively we always seem to find a way to stub our toe.”

Musgrove had a perfect game through four innings.

For the second game in as many days ALEX CONNOR slugged a home run for the Foothillers, a solo shot in the 7th.

HELIX 13, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 – The undefeated Helix Highlanders (9-0) have all but secured a berth in Monday’s (Apr. 4) Bill Dickens East County Tournament championship at a site to be determined.

The Highlanders, who conclude pool play Saturday (Apr. 2) when they host Mount Miguel , can assure themselves a spot in the gold medal game by knocking off the Matadors. That would give Helix an unbeatable 4-0 finish in the tourney. But even if the Highlanders lose they’ll still have a better than even shot at being a finalist.

Going into the final two days of Dickens tournament pool play Steele Canyon has an outside shot at nosing out the Highlanders. The Cougars are 3-1 in pool play and should they beat El Capitan on Saturday in Rancho San Diego, would finish with a 4-1 mark and leap frog Helix into the title game.

The Highlanders hammered out 16 hits in Thursday’s (Mar. 31) lopsided victory over El Cajon Valley .

ROMELLO CARBUCCIA drove in five runs with a home run and a pair of singles against the Braves. He now leads East County with 18 RBI.

JAKE REED and BRANDON LEWIS had two hits and 3 RBI apiece for the Highlanders. BRENNAN INGRAM was 3-for-4 for Helix.

Helix scored five runs in the 1st inning. The key hit was a 2-run single by Carbuccia.

Six Helix pitchers combined to spin a 3-hit shutout.

“Considering how badly they’ve been beat up by our side (Grossmont Hills League teams – 88-1) in four games, I was very impressed by how upbeat they were,” said Helix coach COLE HOLLAND. “I didn’t see any bad attitudes, pouting or kids complaining. And that’s a credit to their coach, MIKE RUPP.”

After being no-hit two games in a row El Cajon Valley got base hits by CASEY RIVERA, ABNER GARCIA and JOSH McILENEY.

CHRISTIAN 14, MADISON 10 – Forget about the less responsive bats and limited offensive productivity. When Christian visited Madison for Thursday’s (Mar. 31) City Conference Tournament game the two teams knocked out 26 hits and scored 24 runs between them.

For the first time in the last five games the Patriots (5-4-1) finished on top.

A 7-run 4th inning was the swing vote for Christian against the Warhawks (2-8). The Patriots began that frame with 7 consecutive hits. The key blows included a 2-run single to center by SHIN KURODA that tied the game 7-7.

An RBI single by CODY POTEET in that inning gave the Patriots the lead. The onslaught continued on an RBI double by JOSH SUFFRIDGE, a sacrifice fly by MICHAEL POTEET, and a run-scoring single by BRENDAN RYAN.

Madison counter-punched in the bottom of the inning with 3 runs – the final two driven in by Austin Houser’s single.

In the top of the 5th, Christian coach MIKE MITCHELL to lay down a successful sacrifice bunt. Better than that he got base hits out of all three of the bunt attempts – two of which came in the 5th inning.

A.J. GREGOROVIC led off the 5th with a single to center. Kuroda laid down a bunt and beat the throw to first for a base hit. TANNER PERRY followed suit to load the bases. Cody Poteet then slashed a single to drive in Gregorovic. Suffridge, who was 3-for-4 with 4 RBI, hoisted a sacrifice fly, extending the Patriots’ advantage to 13-10.

For extra measure Christian tacked on its final run in the 7th inning as Suffridge singled, stole second, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on Michael Poteet’s second sacrifice fly.

“We’ve been hitting the ball real well lately,” Mitchell said. “Our problems have been we keep putting people on with free passes, can’t make routine plays and throw the ball away. That’s not a good combination.”

El Capitan shortstop Tyrone Wiggins (left) with the toss to second baseman Sheldon Gabriels to start a 5th-inning double play against Granite Hills. (Photo by Mark Gabriels) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Granite Hills catcher Charlie St. Clair skies to prevent the throw from sailing to the backstop. (Photo by Nathan Price, youatplay.com) VIEW/PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-31-11) — It was a classic pitching duel between El Capitan’s TROY CONYERS and Granite Hills’ DANIEL STARWALT in Wednesday’s (Mar. 30) Bill Dickens East County Tournament tilt.

For six innings the only difference in the game was a broken first baseman’s glove. That is, the Vaqueros’ ERIC LOZANO reached base on a routine ground ball leading off the 5th inning when Eagles second baseman RYAN McCLANAHAN made a clean fielding play and fired a strike to first baseman JUSTIN MITCHELL.

The ball went right through Mitchell’s glove... literally, allowing Lozano to reach base safely. That is, the laces snapped and the ball broke through the pocket in what otherwise would have been a routine out.

Although Starwalt struck out the side in that inning, the Vaqueros were able to produce a run due to Granite Hills’ faulty equipment.

With one out ELDEN WHISMAN singled to left. Another out later TYRONE WIGGINS, who was 4-for-4, singled to left scoring Lozano. That would be all the runs that El Capitan starter Conyers would need as he pitched a 4-hit shutout and struck out 10 in a complete game effort won by the Vaqueros, 4-0.

The Vaqueros took away the stigma of the broken glove in the 7th inning against Eagles reliever D.J. RHODEN. Whisman was hit by a pitch and BRAD MITCHELL reached base on an infield hit. Wiggins then put the game on ice when he sliced a 3-run homer over the right-field fence.

“He got a fastball up,” said Wiggins of the pitch that he turned into his 3rd home run of the season. “Yeah, I knew it was going out when I hit it.”

Wiggins was in his own dimension. He supplied half of El Capitan ’s hits and a third of all the hits in the game. He also stole four bases without drawing a throw.

“As a hitter I wasn’t really thinking, I was just reacting,” Wiggins added. “As for stealing bases, Starwalt has a real high leg kick and I knew that coming into the game.”

That’s why Wiggins was so aggressive as he doubled his stolen base count to eight.

“I think Wiggins is hitting about .900 in his career against us,” said Eagles coach JAMES DAVIS. “He just owns us, whether it’s stealing bases or hitting home runs. We just can’t stop him. He’s an instinctual base runner. He definitely ran wild today, but the bottom line is he just killed us with that home run in the 7th and took away any chance we had of a comeback.”

Stanford-bound Conyers was in command all day. He did an excellent job of pacing himself, baffling the Eagles (5-3) with his breaking ball and changeup. He struck out five of the final eight batters he faced.

“You always get that closer mentality when you see the last three outs,” Conyers said. “When Wiggins hit that 3-run homer it took a lot of pressure off me and that was huge.”

Although Conyers walked four and hit one he felt like he was always in control.

“I felt like I got better control of my slider later in the game, and that was key for me,” he said.

Conyers also lauded his changeup.

“I always have control of my changeup,” he said. “I can count on throwing my changeup on any count, 3-2, 2-2 – whenever I need it I know I can rely on it.”

El Capitan coach STEVE VICKERY is a major Conyers fan.

“He’s a finisher – a workhorse – for us,” Vickery said. “He’s a great competitor who’s gonna find a way to get you out. He had good stuff today but not great stuff. But he competes so well, and he can throw three pitches for strikes at any time in the lineup. He makes it tough for hitters to sit on any one pitch.”

Considering the El Capitan is a heavy favorite to win the Grossmont Valley League, Vickery welcomes the challenge of facing the Grossmont Hills League aces. El Capitan will face Grossmont’s JOE MUSGROVE on Thursday (Mar. 31) at Joe Ginzoni Field.

“We’ve had two quality wins this week (over Valhalla and Granite Hills),” Vickery said. “And we’re going to face another great pitcher tomorrow. And this is what we want – we have to have it. It will really sharpen us up.”

Not only did Granite Hills suffer the excruciating loss, the Eagles also learned that Starwalt felt a twinge in his back. The injury seemed to affect him more as a hitter than as a pitcher.

Davis was concerned that Starwalt strained his back in the 2nd inning, albeit he struck out the side.

“He said he felt tight,” Davis said. “I told him I wanted to take him out of the game but he fought me every step of the way. He told me that batting was more of a problem because it hurt more to swing.”

Thus Davis inserted a pinch hitter for Starwalt in the 6th inning.

“Starwalt has a golden arm and we’re going to protect him, no matter what he wants to do,” Davis said. “I’m sure it’s just a strain but we’re not going to take any chances.”

Grossmont's Matt Hemphill tossed four innings of solid relief to gain the victory over Monte Vista. (Photo by Tim Soto) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Grossmont’s JIM EARLEY had one of those moments in Wednesday’s (Mar. 30) Bill Dickens East County Tournament come-from-behind victory over visiting Monte Vista.

ALEX CONNOR, a 5-foot-8, 170-pound junior, was batting only .111 when Earley summoned him from the dugout to pinch hit in the 4th inning. The Foothillers (6-2) were trailing the Monarchs (5-4) by a 4-2 count, but had the bases loaded when Conner stepped in to face Monte Vista’s PAUL O’CONNOR.

The left-hand hitting Connor pulled a high fly ball down the right field line and over the fence for a grand slam and a 6-4 Grossmont lead.

“We know what Alex can do, but it’s just been a matter of finding him a place to play,” Earley said. “But it seems like we face a left-hander almost every game. When he got his chance Alex delivered. It was good for him to have some success.”

Senior MATT HEMPHILL pitched four strong innings in relief and was awarded with his first varsity win. He allowed only one run and four hits.

“He picked us up big time,” Earley said.

O’Connor was a hard-luck loser on the mound as all but one of the seven runs he allowed was unearned. As a hitter, O’Connor was 4-for-4 with a double, one RBI and two runs.

Monte Vista took a 1-0 lead on O’Connor’s base hit in the 1st inning. Grossmont forged in front on an RBI double by ROBBY NESOVIC in the bottom of the 1st and ERIC ECKLEY’s base hit in the 2nd.

A two-run single by LUIS LEBRON catapulted Monte Vista back in front 3-2 in the 3rd. GORDY JUAREZ’s run-scoring single made it 4-2.

The Foothillers took the lead for keeps with five unearned runs in the 4th. After JORDAN GERLEK singled, Monte Vista committed three consecutive errors to set the stage for Connor’s slam.

Mount Miguel catcher Anthony Ortega with the steal of second base. (Photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com) VIEW/PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

VALHALLA 8, MOUNT MIGUEL 1 — The Valhalla Norsemen put together their fourth straight error-free game and that fit in fine with the dealings of starting and winning pitcher ALEX JOHNSON in Wednesday’s (Mar. 30) Bill Dickens East County Tournament victory over visiting Mount Miguel.

The senior right-hander rationed Mount Miguel (4-4) to three hits and one run over 5 2/3 innings to earn his third win in as many decisions.

Valhalla (4-4) wasted little time taking the lead on FRANCISCO TELLEZ’ solo home run to right field, which ignited a 5-run 3rd inning. After BRYCE MOSIER was hit by a pitch AUSTIN HENSLEY singled to right to put runners at the corners. Mosier scored on an infield hit by KYLE McBRIDE.

Mount Miguel’s defense began to crumble at that point. A wild pitch advanced the Valhalla runners to second and third. Hensley scored on CORY RUSSELL’s groundout. KYLE ZIMMERMAN was then hit by a pitch and promptly stole second. McBride and Zimmerman scored when the Matadors booted a ground ball hit by CHRIS WILKEY.

Mount Miguel scored its only run in the 4th inning. ANTHONY ORTEGA singled to left and stole second. Ground balls hit by CHRIS MAPLES and JUWUN McCRAY brought Ortega home. But the Norsemen countered in the bottom of the 4th on an RBI single by McBride.

Valhalla turned the game into a blowout in the 6th inning on a run-scoring single by RAMSEY ROMANO and a sacrifice fly by Mosier.

“We were able to produce a little bit offensively and that’s good because we’ve been struggling a little bit in that area recently,” said Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON.

POINT LOMA 7, CHRISTIAN 6 – The Christian High Patriots suffered their 4th straight loss in Wednesday’s (Mar. 30) City Conference Tournament game at Edens Field in the Dana Center.

Three of those four setbacks have come by a one-run margin, which obviously has cast a shroud of frustration over the Patriots’ dugout.

None of those setbacks have been more painful than the one sustained against Point Loma.

Things to consider: the Patriots (4-4-1) out-hit the Pointers (5-4) 14-to-6; four of Christian’s safeties went for extra bases while five of Point Loma’s six hits were singles. And the report card for the Patriots gets worse.

“I don’t know if anyone has ever walked eight, hit two and had four errors and won,” said Christian coach MIKE MITCHELL. “We left guys on base every inning and gave Point Loma way too many free passes.”

Despite suffering from streaks of wildness, Christian starting pitcher JOSH SUFFRIDGE deserved a better fate. In three-plus innings he allowed 6 runs – 4 of them unearned. He also walked 7 and hit a batter.

STEPHEN JOHNSTON pitched three strong innings in relief, allowing only 2 hits and no earned runs for the Patriots.

No question, this is a game Christian could have won. TANNER PERRY was 3-for-4 as was MICHAEL KAUFMAN. Suffridge slugged a home run in the 4th inning, which at the time gave Christian a 4-2 advantage.

WEST HILLS 34, EL CAJON VALLEY 1 – Sixteen members of the Wolf Pack contributed to a record 35-hit attack in Wednesday’s (Mar. 30) Bill Dickens East County Tournament rout of visiting El Cajon Valley.

The Pack’s hit total is one shy of the San Diego CIF record set by Christian in a 48-0 smoking of La Jolla Country Day in 1977. It is a Grossmont Conference record.

The 34 runs is also a conference record and was established in just five turns at-bat. The Pack’s scoring count ranks 7th in the all-time SDCIF record listings.

West Hills (3-5) scored 10 runs in the 2nd, 3rd and 5th innings.

ALEX PARSONS paced the Wolf Pack offense with five hits and four RBI. RYAN NUCKOLS added four hits and scored five runs. BRANDON BEARD came off the bench to go 4-for-4 with a double, triple, three runs and three RBI. BRANDON BYRD and GARRETT SCHILLING also logged three RBI apiece, while STEWART FORRESTER smacked a two-run home run.

Pitchers ALEX PIERCE, BRANDON DELANEY and DAMIEN LERAS combined to pitch a six-inning no-hitter against the Braves.

For El Cajon Valley, ROGELIO MEJIA drove in JEREMY MEDLEY with the Braves only run.

Santana catcher Cameron Balough with the first of his pair of RBI basehits -- the second went for the game-winner -- to rally past Steele Canyon. (Photo by Scott Seidel) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (3-30-11) — A pair of teams going different directions pulled a late-inning reversal in Tuesday’s (Mar. 29) Bill Dickens East County Tournament game at Steele Canyon.

The slumping Santana Sultans (3-5-1), who rode a three-game losing streak into Steele Canyon (6-3), found themselves trailing 5-1 with three outs to go.

Despite having a runner thrown out at plate, the light-hitting Sultans managed to produce six runs in the top of the 7th and then held on for a 7-6 come-from-behind victory over a stunned Steele Canyon outfit.

“Hopefully, this is a start to our finding our identity,” Santana coach LARRY OEDEWALDT. “Up ‘til now, I’m not sure what our identity is yet.”

The Sultans’ colossal comeback was centered on senior catcher CAMERON BALOUGH. The 6-foot-1, 240-pound receiver reached base on an error to open the pivotal inning. But the big blow supplied by Balough in his second at-bat in that inning was a 2-run single to right field to snap a 5-5 tie.

“He (RAY GOMEZ) came right after me and threw a fastball for a strike on the first pitch,” said Balough, who fouled the ball off.

After Gomez delivered two balls Balough said the Cougars closer came in with a change-up on the outside of the plate, which Balough also fouled off.

After having seen Gomez’ repertoire of pitches you would think Balough would be looking for a curveball. That’s what he got but he wasn’t expecting it.

“I was thinking fastball, for sure,” Balough said. “But I noticed when it was coming out of his hand that it was off-speed. I told myself ‘be patient – stay back.’ For sure I didn’t want to jump out of my shoes.”

Balough said Gomez’ delivery was a curveball middle in.

“I was able to get a good swing on it,” he said.

Balough’s blow scored TYLER WEISS and CHRIS CAMARDA staking Santana to a 7-5 advantage. For the game Balough finished 2-for-4 with 3 RBI.

Despite overhauling the Cougars the Sultans had to scramble in the bottom of the 7th as Steele Canyon came storming back.

JESSE JENNER led off with a single (his third hit of the game). One out later GARRETT GANDOLFO ripped his second double of the game down the left-field line to put the winning run at second base against Santana reliever AUSTIN SEIDEL.

WES JUDISH grounded out, allowing Jenner to score from third and Gandolfo to move up 90 feet. With the tying run at third, Seidel blew a 3-2 fastball past BRAD BOEHMKE to end the game.

“We played with a lot more energy than we have most of the season,” Oedewaldt said. “Our defense was solid and our pitching was stable. But we weren’t collecting on offense until the last inning.”

Other key hits in Santana’s turnaround inning included a pinch hit double by JESSE ROBERTO, a 2-run single by BRIAN ASHWILL and an RBI double by ZACH BREIDT.

Steele Canyon came up with a sparkling defensive play in the 7th in hopes of stifling Santana’s comeback. Sultans pinch hitter JIMMY ELIAS singled to right and Oedewaldt waved Breidt home when Steele Canyon right fielder KYLE SAGER had the ball roll up his arm.

But Sager made a quick recovery and fired a one-hop strike to catcher MICHAEL RANDEL to nail Breidt for the first out of the inning.

“I think I’m a pretty decent third base coach and know when to send a runner,” Oedewaldt said. “When their guy had trouble fielding the base hit I thought a guy with Breidt’s speed would score for sure. But give credit to their right fielder… I don’t know how he recovered so fast, but he made a perfect peg to the plate to get Breidt.

“You know me, I’m not a gambler. I thought that was a sure thing. But give their guy credit for making a great recovery.”

Bottom line though is Santana escaped with a key victory.

“I know a lot of teams we play in East County have that one big guy,” Balough said. “But we don’t have that. If one of our guys does good it doesn’t mean that much. We all have to contribute if we want to be successful.”

For Steele Canyon Jenner led off the bottom of the 1st inning by hammering an 0-2 curveball over the left-center field fence for his 3rd home run of the season.

An RBI single by Balough tied the game in the 4th.

Steele Canyon took control in the bottom of the 4th as Gandolfo doubled and his pinch runner ERNIE FLINT scored on a single by Judish. After Boehmke walked, VINNY SORRENTINO tripled off the top of the right-center field fence to score both runners.

The Cougars appeared to have put the game away in the 5th inning as NATHAN MURRAY reached base on a bunt single and stole second. Cal State Fullerton-bound Jenner drove him in with a base hit.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 6, GUAJOME PARK 3 – After opening the season with four consecutive losses, Foothills Christian (4-4) has since won four straight, including Tuesday’s (Mar. 29) Citrus West League opener over Vista’s Guajome Park Academy at Barona.

J.R. ATTERBURY and reliever HENRY LUSCHEI combined to hold the visiting Frogs to 5 hits while striking out 6. Atterbury worked the opening six frames to notch his first win of the season.

“Atterbury got in a little trouble early with his control and we had a couple of errors but he settled down and got on his game,” said Knights coach DAVE LEWIS. “He made great pitches. Then we brought in Luschei and he shut them down.”

Falling behind 2-0 in the first three frames Foothills Christian leaped the Frogs with a 5-1 fourth.

Atterbury provided the offensive spark for the Knights with a leadoff single in the big inning. ZACH CUMMINGS and Luschei followed with base hits to score Atterbury. After Luschei stole second to put runners at second and third, ZACK TOMLIN singled, scoring Cummings to tie the game 2-2.

The onslaught continued when JORDAN LANCASTER doubled, scoring Luschei with the go-ahead run. Freshman NOAH WOLFE’s sacrifice fly made it 4-2 and BRANDON JAROSIN’s RBI single gave the Knights a 3-run cushion.

“Wolfe has been a pleasant surprise,” said Lewis. “He’s been great – hits the ball hard.

“This was a great way to start league.”

Christian's Cody Poteet slides safely into home. (Photo by Bill Zavestoski)

And Patriots’ coach MIKE MITCHELL wasn’t anxious to pass out any trophies. It was more about being “wild” than anything else. In the first two innings Christian pitchers hit four batters and uncorked six wild pitches. They had a passed ball during that stretch.

“How’re you gonna win a game when you play like that?” queried Mitchell.

Coronado (7-4) built an 11-2 lead after 3 ½ innings.

“I guess the best thing you could say about this game is, at least we didn’t roll over and die,” Mitchell said.

The bad news for the Patriots (4-3-1) who have lost their last three decisions, is this is the first of four games this week. Surviving the heavy schedule with a team that is pitching thin will be no small task.

The big hit in Coronado’s 3-run first inning belonged to 6-foot-4, 235-pound Jake Meloche, who doubled in two runs with a shot off the left-field fence.

“I don’t know how he hit it,” Mitchell said. “That’s how wild we were. The ball was above his shoulders and he literally tomahawked it.”

SHIN KURODA was 3-for-4 with 2 runs scored for the Patriots.

“He should have been 4-for-4 but the base ump blew a call at first base. He anticipated the throw beating Shin and called him out before the ball got there. That was obvious,” Mitchell said.

The top five hitters in Christian’s batting order were a collective 10-for-19. The problem was the bottom four were only 2-for-13 with A.J. GREGOROVIC accounting for both hits.

Neither team was retired in order all day.

Monte Vista baserunner Luis Lebron (left) gets back to the bag while West Hills shortstop Brandon Byrd waits for the throw. (Photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com) VIEW/PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (3-29-11) — Call it the sign of the times or a new era.

Everybody knows that the new bat mandate has taken a lot of punch out of the game.

Veteran El Capitan coach STEVE VICKERY proved that he can adapt to the new situation in Monday’s (Mar. 28) Bill Dickens East County Tournament as the Vaqueros edged visiting Valhalla, 3-1.

Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON admitted that Vickery’s team, which the Norsemen defeated earlier this season 3-2, caught his team off guard.

“To see Vic do something like that is definitely surprising, considering he is a power guy,” Wilson said.

Here’s the deal. El Capitan (6-2), which had mustered only one hit through the first five innings, began the 6th when CHUCK MOORMAN laced a fly ball to left-center field that hit the bottom of the fence, resulting in a double.

The Norsemen elected to walk TROY CONYERS intentionally. CURREN FACER followed with a bloop single to right field to load the bases with nobody out. Valhalla reliever RYAN PETERSEN battled back by striking out SPENCER NIELSEN.

That set the stage for Vickery to work his magic.

Whisman pushed a bunt up the first base line that was fielded by Norsemen first baseman FRANCISCO TELLEZ. He had to eat the ball as he had no play at the plate and nobody covered first, as Moorman scored the go-ahead run.

One pitch later Gonzalez pushed a bunt in the same area, only this time Tellez managed to grab the ball and put the tag on Gonzalez, but the purpose of the bunt was met as Conyers scored from third.

“When was the last time you’ve seen two back-to-back squeeze bunts from El Cap,” Vickery asked rhetorically. “I’ve never called for that before but it was pretty timely today.”

Vickery said both kids executed the play well.

Whisman, who provided the game-winning bunt, said “I was thinking to make sure I didn’t show what I was going to do too early so he could throw a pitch out of the zone. I wanted to show it late so I could put the ball on the ground.

“Fortunately I was able to do that. He threw me a fastball right down the middle so it was easy for me to make contact and put it on the ground.”

When Whisman looked at third base coach Vickery and saw that he’d called for a second squeeze, he wasn’t surprised.

“I just smiled, knowing that they definitely wouldn’t be looking for it,” Whisman said.

Both Whisman and Gonzalez noted that El Capitan practices such maneuvers on a daily basis.

“We have three rounds of batting practice and we usually mix the bunting into the third round,” Whisman said.

Gonzalez said he was expecting Vickery to call for a second squeeze.

“Because it worked so well the first time, I wasn’t surprised that coach gave me the signal to put it down again,” Gonzalez said.

SHANE COLEMAN and KEVIN GINKEL combined to pitch a 6-hitter against the Norsemen (3-4). Ginkel pitched 1 2/3 inning of shutout relief to pick up his 3rd win with no losses.

Valhalla missed a chance to take the lead in the top of the 6th. KYLE McBRIDE laced a one-out double and pinch runner JOSH KITZMILLER raced for the plate on a basehit up the middle by BRYCE MOSIER with the game tied 1-1.

The El Capitan defense reacted with a throw from center-fielder JOSH TULLEDGE to first baseman Conyers, who wheeled and fired a strike to catcher Moorman, nailing Kitzmiller at the plate.

Valhalla’s only run came on AUSTIN HENSLEY’s solo home run in the 4th inning.

Monte Vista pitcher Nick Sabo. (Photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com) VIEW/PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

The 6-foot-5, 215-pound left-hander scattered five hits and struck out 11 in six-plus innings to log his second win in three decisions.

“Sabo was awesome – just shut us down,” Fowler said his Wolf Pack (2-5).

“I could tell before the game that we didn’t have much energy. We took too many pitches. It seemed every time we batted in the first few innings our guys were behind in the count 0-2 and 1-2. That’s a credit to Sabo. He kept our dugout quiet – never let us get anything going.”

Williams agreed.

“Sabo knows we have to win when he pitches,” the Monarchs’ skipper said. “He’s our guy.”

Sabo blanked West Hills on three hits over the first six frames.

“He had his good stuff going – was able to throw three pitches for strikes,” Williams said. “Once again he took us on his shoulders and carried us.”

Monte Vista (5-3) picked up an unearned run to take a 1-0 lead in the 3rd inning. A lead-off single by LUIS LEBRON and a two-double by GORDY JUAREZ made it 2-0 in the 4th.

Sophomore PAUL O’CONNOR stroked a two-run single up the middle to key a three-run 5th inning for the Monarchs.

West Hills finally broke through against Sabo in the 7th inning as BRANDON BYRD led off with a single and sprinted to third on TY SOTELO’s double with nobody out.

That caused Williams to summon JOHN BALAJADIA to the mound. A wild pitch allowed the Pack to get on the board and a second tally scored on BRADY FOULK’s ground out. Balajadia then posted back-to-back strikeouts to earn the save. In both of those whiffs, he fell behind 3-0 in the count.

The hard-luck loser was CAMERON HOWELL, who rationed Monte Vista to four hits and one earned run over four innings. He walked none and struck out 4.

“We’ve put a lot of pressure on him because we don’t score many runs when he pitches,” Fowler said. “He’s only 2-2, but should be 3-0, 3-1 or 4-0. He’s done a great job for us.”

GRANITE HILLS 12, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 – Four Granite Hills pitchers combined to twirl a perfect game at visiting El Cajon Valley in Monday’s (Mar. 28) Bill Dickens East County Tournament action.

DOUG BRANNVALL, TRENTON BROOKS, ARIC NAAS and STEVEN ANACKER faced the minimum 21 batters without allowing a single base-runner. Brannvall, the Eagles’ starter, struck out all six batters he faced, and together with Brooks struck out 10 of the first 11 Braves.

CHARLIE ST. CLAIR and DANIEL STARWALT drove in three runs apiece for the Eagles (5-2). RYAN McCLANAHAN contributed a triple and a double, while NOAH CUMMINGS clubbed a pair of doubles for Granite Hills.

Freshman first baseman JUSTIN MITCHELL whacked a 2-run homer in the 3rd inning. It was Mitchell’s first round-tripper of his varsity career.

HELIX 8, SANTANA 0 – The Helix Highlanders continue to show that they are no fluke. This is an unbeaten team that can pitch, play defense, hit and run with the best in the San Diego CIF.

When you really come to think about it, these Highlanders would make a perfect fit for Petco Park. The only thing lacking in their arsenal is the longball, but they are so strong in all the other areas they don’t need it.

Ironically, Helix will test the Petco Park parameters when they meet Steele Canyon there in a Grossmont Hills League contest on Friday (Apr. 29) at 4 p.m.

In Monday’s (Mar. 28) second round of the Bill Dickens East County Tournament the Highlanders performed without error as they slammed Santana in Santee.

“Helix is legit,” Santana coach LARRY OEDEWALDT said. “They looked good out there today.”

MAURO OLIVARRIA, JAMES MILES and MAX DREW combined to blank the Sultans (2-5-1) on four hits. Olivarria served up the first 5 goose eggs as he ran his season record to 3-0.

“I thought Mauro did a good job of setting the tone for the game,” said Helix coach COLE HOLLAND. “We played good defense again. Pitching and defense is what we do.”

The Highlanders also knocked out 15 hits against five Santana pitchers.

BRANDON LEWIS and DIEGO REYNOSO collected 3 hits apiece in the Highlanders’ offensive onslaught.

Helix charged in front with four runs in the 3rd inning. Reynoso supplied the spark with a 1-out double. After an intentional walk to JAKE REED, RASHAD HARLIN drew a free pass to load the bases. ROMELLO CARBUCCIA then doubled in a pair and Olivarria followed with a 2-run single.

Reynoso capped a 2-run 4th with a basehit and Carbuccia picked up his third RBI with a single in the 6th.

Santana leadoff man JONATHAN ALEGRIA was 2-for-3 with a double.

STEELE CANYON 10, MOUNT MIGUEL 0 – FRANK CALIFANO, who pitched in a relief role a year ago, established himself as a bona fide starter in Monday’s (Mar. 28) Bill Dickens East County Tournament action at Mount Miguel.

Califano (2-0) rationed the Matadors to three singles and one walk while striking out seven in a complete game performance. On top of that he picked off two runners in a Mount Miguel running offense that had logged 54 stolen bases in its previous six games.

Cougars assistant coach MARK BRUDER praised the performance of Califano.

“Basically he was pretty much ahead of the hitters all day long,” Bruder said. “He did an excellent job of holding runners close – he picked off two runners at first. Mount Miguel has a great running team but we completely shut them down.”

Cougars catcher MICHAEL RANDEL also cut down two Matadors attempting to steal, dealing Mount Miguel its first shutout in attempted thievery.

Steele Canyon (6-2) made its intentions known early as JESSE JENNER led off the game with a home run over the left field fence into the Mount Miguel parking lot and GARRETT GANDOLFO hammered a homer over the right field fence one out later.

The Cougars added to their lead in the 3rd frame when CLAYTON ROYER extended his East County-leading hitting streak to eight games with a triple to center field. He scored on Gandolfo’s sacrifice fly to left.

Steele Canyon broke the game open with five runs in the 7th frame anchored by RBI doubles from ROBBY NELSON and Royer. BRAD BOEHMKE and Jenner also plated runs with singles in that inning.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 4, CRAWFORD 3 – ZACH CUMMINGS was 3-for-3 with 2 RBI and 4 stolen bases as visiting Foothills Christian edged Crawford in Monday’s (Mar. 28) non-league action.

It was the third straight win for the Knights (3-4), who enjoyed the 4-hit pitching of BRANDON JAROSIN and ZACK TOMLIN.

“We hadn’t played for a week and a half,” said Knights coach DAVE LEWIS. “Jarosin battled through three innings, then Tomlin came in and pitched the last four. He didn’t walk anybody and struck out five.”

After Jarosin limited the Colts to one hit and one unearned run while striking out 7 over three innings, Tomlin came on in relief to check Crawford on 3 hits, one earned run and 5 strikeouts to pick up his 2nd win in as many decisions.

Cummings, the Knights’ senior catcher, keyed Foothills Christian’s rally in the 4th inning. He doubled, stole third and scored on a wild pickoff throw to make it 1-1.

In the 5th inning the Knights took the lead on an RBI double by J.R. ATTERBURY. Cummings followed with a 2-run single to give the Knights some breathing room.

Cummings’ contributions extended beyond the batter’s box.

“He’s our captain and does what a captain is supposed to do,” said Lewis. “He’s the one who got us going. He threw out two runners and that was key. He really is in charge of our team.”

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (3-27-11) — MICHAEL CEDEROTH figures to be a focal point of the professional baseball scouting community throughout this season.

The 6-foot-6 senior drew a crowd again for Saturday’s (Mar. 26) Bill Dickens East County Tournament action against visiting Monte Vista. The hard-throwing right-hander didn’t disappoint as he rationed the Monarchs to two hits and one run while striking out eight during a five inning stint.

That effort more than good enough as the Cougars (5-2) pounded out a 9-1 victory.

“Everybody knows that Cederoth can throw hard,” said Cougars coach TODD SNYDER. “But most of those same people also realize that no matter how hard you throw, you can’t get by with only one pitch, at least not in this league.”

That’s why Cederoth is working hard at developing three other pitches – a cut fastball, change-up and slider.

“His cut fastball is his newest one,” Snyder said. “He’s really throwing it hard and it’s certainly going to make him a more complete pitcher.”

Both of Monte Vista’s hits off Cederoth – a single by LUIS LEBRON and a double by JUSTIN AQUINIGOC – came in the 2nd inning, staking the Monarchs to a 1-0 lead.

“When things aren’t going good Michael is his own worst enemy,” Snyder said. “But he’s learning to be a better competitor.

“In a lot of ways he’s still very raw. He’s nowhere near where he can be. He has a tremendous upside and the scouts see that.”

Snyder credits Cougars pitching coach JESSE EVANS for helping bring Cederoth along.

“Jesse has just done a tremendous job with him,” Snyder noted.

Steele Canyon took a 2-1 lead over the Monarchs (4-3) in the bottom of the 2nd inning. WES JUDISH and BRAD BOEHMKE singled, putting runners at the corners. Judish scored on VINNY SORRENTINO’s ground out, and Boehmke pranced home on KYLE SAGER’s single to right.

The Cougars made it 5-1 in the 3rd on an RBI double by CLAYTON ROYER and a 2-run homer to left by Judish.

Steele Canyon broke the game open in the 4th. Aided greatly by 3 walks, a wild pitch and an error by the Monarchs, the Cougars scored four times. JESSE JENNER had an RBI double and Royer and ROBBY NELSON each drove in a run with a base hit.

“We don’t do well against soft pitching,” Snyder said, “and we showed that in our loss to San Ysidro. We faced similar pitching this time but showed that we can adjust. That was a real plus for us.”

Steele Canyon is one of the most experienced teams in East County. The Cougars started seven seniors and two juniors against Monte Vista.

“We as coaches were not very happy after that San Ysidro game, and we let our players know it,” Snyder said. “But our goals, for myself and our other coaches, is staying upbeat and being positive the rest of the way.

“I’ve played for some pretty intense coaches during my career and that has carried over to me as a coach. I know the effect that playing for coaches like that had on me. We want our kids to enjoy playing and have fun.”

MISSION BAY 2, CHRISTIAN 1 – Christian High committed only two errors in Saturday’s (Mar. 26) City Conference Tournament game at Mission Bay.

The miscues cost the Patriots (4-2-1) the game. Robert Phiakeo stroked a bases-loaded single with one out in the bottom of the 7th to give the Bucs (4-3) the walk-off win.

Christian pitchers CODY POTEET and KYLE HARRIS combined to spin a six-hitter for the Patriots.

After falling behind 1-0 in the 2nd inning, Christian tied the game in the 2nd.

A.J. GREGOROVIC singled, as did SHIN KURODA. The runners moved up on an infield out with Cody Poteet’s roller to shortstop scoring Gregorovic. JOSH SUFFRIDGE accounted for 2 of Christian’s 7 hits.

Santana's Corey Poe (right) scores as the ball skips past Granite Hills catcher Charlie St. Clair. (Photo by Scott Seidel) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-25-11) — Granite Hills High sophomore sensation JOSH ROSE continued to wield a hot bat as the Eagles clipped visiting Santana, 8-3, in Thursday’s (Mar. 24) Bill Dickens East County Tournament action.

The 5-foot-9, 170-pound Rose missed hitting for The Cycle by a single. But then, he had only three at-bats against Santana (2-4-1). He tripled and scored in the 1st inning, doubled and scored in the 3rd and hammered a three-run home run in the 4th.

“Rose is a disciplined hitter, very selective at the plate,” Granite Hills coach JAMES DAVIS said. “He has a good swing and is always taking extra batting practice. He’s in a groove now.”

Rose is batting at a .550 clip (11-for-20) with a San Diego CIF-leading four home runs. Eight of his 11 hits have been of the extra-base variety. Batting in the No. 2 slot in the Granite Hills order, Rose also has 10 RBI and seven runs scored.

Granite Hills fireballer DANIEL STARWALT limited the Sultans to two runs and four hits while striking out 12 over five innings to earn his second win in three decisions.

“Overall, his command was lacking,” Davis said. “He’s been sharper in his other starts, but was able to overpower some of the Santana hitters with his fastball.”

Santana took a 1-0 lead in the 1st inning on a pair of walks and a base hit by COREY POE.

Rose sparked a three-run rally in the bottom of the 1st for Granite Hills (4-2) with a one-out triple to right field. He scored the tying marker on CHARLIE ST. CLAIR’s single. Starwalt ripped the first of his two doubles down the left field line. DOUG BRANNVALL then cashed in both runners with a two-base blow.

Doubles by Rose and Starwalt plus Brannvall’s sacrifice fly expanded the Eagles’ advantage to 5-1 in the 3rd.

The Sultans loaded the bases with two outs in the 7th but could do no more damage when D.J. RHODEN came out of the Granite Hills bullpen to earn the save.

Santana High shortstop Zach Breidt (left) snags the ball, but the unidentified baserunner from West Hills is safe at second base. The Wolf Pack won, 1-0. (Photo by Frank Price, www.youatplay.com) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (3-24-11) — COLE HOLLAND and his Helix Highlanders like to think they’re in stealth mode. No bragging… no boasting… no shouting about the fact that they are 7-0.

Yet deep down inside Helix realizes that they are one of the Top 2 teams in the San Diego CIF. Both they and the La Costa Canyon Mavericks are 7-0.

“We don’t play the numbers game – don’t care about all that stuff,” Holland said. “We want to be No. 1 at the end of the season, but right now our focus is on winning the next game at hand.”

Facing one of their toughest challenges to date, the visiting Highlanders squeezed past El Capitan 3-1 in Wednesday’s (Mar. 23) opening round of the Bill Dickens East County Tournament.

El Capitan left fielder Eric Lozano. (Photo by Mark Gabriels) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

“Beating a team like El Capitan is a huge win for us,” Reed said. “It was important to get a win like this for our program.”

The Oregon-bound Reed has allowed only one run in 20 innings (0.35 ERA). He struck out 25 during that span.

Although Reed allowed 9 hits to the Vaqueros (5-2) he was supported by excellent defense.

Probably the biggest defensive play by Helix came in the 2nd inning after a one-out single by ELDEN WHISMAN and a double on an 0-2 pitch by JAVIER GONZALEZ. BRAD MITCHELL ran for Gonzalez. JOSH TULLEDGE ripped a one-hop shot to third base that was speared by the Highlanders’ MAURO OLIVARRIA, who tagged Mitchell out returning to the base and fired to first for an inning-ending double play.

“We hit bullets against them all day but that one right there really hurt us,” said Vaqueros coach STEVE VICKERY.

An inning later the Highlanders threw the potential go-ahead run out at the plate on a relay from left-fielder BRENNAN INGRAM to third baseman Olivarria to catcher DIEGO REYNOSO.

The Helix defense came up big again in the 6th inning. After CHUCK MOORMAN lined a 3-2 pitch into the El Capitan parking lot to cut Helix’ lead in half, TROY CONYERS doubled. CURREN FACER hit a sharp ground ball to shortstop but Conyers was erased trying to go to third.

However, Reed gave the Vaqueros another chance when he made a wild pickoff throw to first base, allowing Facer to advance to third. The Vaqueros were unable to cash that one in as Reed coaxed two ground balls to end the inning.

Helix added an insurance run in the 7th without benefit of a hit. Three walks and a sacrifice bunt handed the Highlanders the extra cushion.

A one-out single by Tulledge in the bottom of the 7th kept the Vaqueros’ hopes alive, but nothing came of it as Reed logged a complete game victory.

“I didn’t have my best stuff all day and I was kinda getting hit around,” Reed admitted. “I was throwing my two-seamer a lot on the hitters’ hands, and I threw a lot of off-speed pitches, which is not normal for me. But I do what I have to do to get it done.”

Senior right-fielder RASHAD HARLIN accounted for half of the Highlanders’ four hits, including a double. In the 4th inning Reed walked and Harlin doubled to left-center field to stake Helix to a 1-0 lead. Harlin also singled in the 5th to help setup the Highlanders 2nd tally. In the 7th inning he walked to force in another run.

Harlin, who is batting an East County best .688 (11-for-16), is attracting as many scouts as any player in East County.

In the 7th inning the Vaqueros elected to intentionally walk Reed to load the bases, which brought Harlin to the plate.

“I went up there as the four hitter, pretty much expecting a breaking ball or something off speed,” Harlin said. Vaqueros reliever KEVIN GINKEL fell behind 3-0 in the count and Harlin eventually drew a walk to extend Helix’ lead to two runs.

“It’s a whole different game when you’re chasing two runs rather than one run,” Vickery said.

Harlin admits that he knows the scouts are watching his every move.

“You try not to focus on it because you want to go out there with a clear head,” he said. “I just go out there and play and worry about that after the game’s over.”

“I feel sorry for Flores because he had to go against Jake Reed, who is one of the best pitchers we’re going to face all year,” said Vickery. “The change-up that he has added to his repertoire is unbelievable. He has great arm speed and he can throw it any time in the count.

“I’d love to play these guys in a 3-game series.”

In fact, O’Connor was silent in his first three at-bats as the Monarchs’ starting third baseman. It was a different story in the 7th inning, however, as O’Connor was a double threat in that frame.

O’Connor, who came on in relief of starter NICK SABO to start the 7th inning, retired the first two batters he faced with the game tied 2-2.

NINO TUTINO brought the Valhalla bench to its feet with a double and advanced to third on a base hit by CHRIS WILKEY. That brought FRANCISCO TELLEZ and his .522 batting average to the plate.

Monarchs coach CHAD WILLIAMS considered walking Tellez to load the bases, which would have brought clean-up hitter BRYCE MOSIER (.368) to the plate.

“I thought about intentionally passing Tellez but changed my mind and decided we should go after him,” said Williams.

O’Connor worked a full count to Tellez before blowing a 3-2 fastball by Valhalla’s premier hitter to end the threat.

In the bottom of the 7th Monte Vista began a two-out rally with a walk to CARLOS OCHOA. LUIS LEBRON followed with a sharp single to right field, sending Ochoa to second. That brought O’Connor to the plate and he promptly whacked a 1-0 fastball down the left-field line to score Ochoa with the game-winning run.

“I don’t know what it is about the 7th inning but it seems like most of our games have been decided there,” said Norsemen coach MIKE WILSON. “Four of the six games have been decided by one run, and too many of them have come down to the final inning.”

Obviously Wilson, whose Norsemen are 3-3, would rather skip the dramatics.

“I’d like to put the game away in the 4th or 5th inning if I could,” he said. “We had our chances against Monte Vista, especially in the 7th inning when we had two runners in scoring position and our best hitter up. But we just didn’t get it done.”

Monte Vista ace Sabo allowed only 5 hits and one earned run while striking out 7 during a six-inning stint.

“Sabo was on fire,” Wilson said. “He had a wicked changeup and when he has that he’s almost unbeatable. We didn’t adjust to him very well and it cost us.”

Williams believes Sabo is better than his 1-1 pitching record.

“He’s pitched well enough to be 3-0, no question about it,” Williams said.

Monte Vista took a 1-0 lead in the opening frame on an RBI single by Ochoa. The Monarchs made it 2-0 in the third on a ground out by Lebron.

Valhalla cut the lead in half on a solo home run to right field by AUSTIN HENSLEY in the 4th inning.

The Norsemen (3-3) tied the game when KYLE McBRIDE hoisted a bases-loaded pop fly to center field in the 6th. The ball was not hit hard enough for the runners to do anything but freeze. When it dropped in, Monarchs centerfielder JOEY GONSALVES fired to third baseman O’Connor for a force out but Tellez was able to score the tying run on the play.
 

Sliding safely into third base is Grossmont's Tyler Timmer, as Mount Miguel defender Cesar Preciado keeps the ball from bounding into the dugout. (Photo by Tim Soto) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

“When you get a boatload of walks like that you know you’re going to score some runs,” said Grossmont coach JIM EARLEY. “We haven’t been swinging that well – we’ll take all the help we can get.”

The day belonged to Grossmont junior right-hander ERIC ECKLEY, who blanked the Matadors (4-2) on three singles while striking out 10 and walking none during a five-inning stint.

Not only did Eckley control things from the mound, he also carried the torch for the Grossmont offense, producing three singles in four at-bats. Eckley notched one RBI, scored a run and stole a base.

“Just a great all-around job by Eckley,” Earley said. “He can really run it up there. He really went at people... did a great job of locating his fastball.”

Grossmont scored all the runs it would need in the 2nd inning without benefit of a hit. The magic formula was two walks, two errors, a sacrifice bunt and a sacrifice fly by JORDAN GERLEK.

A two-run single by MATT HEMPHILL capped a 4-run 3rd inning as the Foothillers pulled away to a 6-0 advantage.

The agony of defeat struck Mount Miguel in the 6th inning after reliever ALEJO CARDENAS retired the first two batters with a total of three pitches. Three walks, a two-run double by Ambrose and RBI strokes by WILL SOTO and NICO MAIDA turned the final frame into a 5-run inning.

Grossmont catchers ZACH AMBROSE and Gerlek helped put the brakes to Mount Miguel’s wide-open running game. The Matadors, who stole 50 bases in their first five games, were limited to four thefts against the Foothillers. However, Mount Miguel was charged with only one “caught-stealing” when a suicide squeeze backfired.

STEELE CANYON 29, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 – This one wasn’t pretty as the visiting Cougars (4-2) jumped out in front 8-0 after one inning of Wednesday’s opening round of the inaugural Bill Dickens East County Tournament at El Cajon Valley.

Steele Canyon (4-2) played 17 players in the rout, which produced school records for runs (29) and hits (27) in a game.

Cougars coach TODD SNYDER removed all of his starters by the close of the 1st inning and allowed all of his pitchers and reserves to finish the game.

“We had people playing positions they don’t normally play and allowed all of our pitchers to hit,” said Cougars assistant coach MARK BRUDER. “In that sense it was a good game. But you can’t help but feel bad for El Cajon. They are so outmanned.”

RYAN SALLEE came off the bench to go 4-for-5 with three runs and three RBI for Steele Canyon. AMEER HINDI and RAY GOMEZ contributed three hits and two RBI apiece. ERNIE FLINT, MICHAEL CEDEROTH and FRANK CALIFANO each logged three RBI.

Sixteen Cougars scored including NATHAN MURRAY, who touched the plate four times.

KYLE SAGER, Hindi and Gomez combined to spin a two-hitter at the Braves (0-6) while striking out 13.

OMAR CERVANTES and RICARDO RAMIREZ accounted for El Cajon Valley’s only two hits.

Helix High baserunner Jake Reed (left) attempts to avoid the tag by Grossmont catcher Zach Ambrose. Although Reed was called out, the Highlanders went on to Saturday's 3-1 triumph to claim the Aztec-Foothiller Classic championship. (Photo by Tony Bordine)

Helix Highlanders, Aztec-Foothiller Classic Champions (Photo by Tony Bordine) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-20-11) — Are the Helix Highlanders worthy of a No. 1 ranking in the San Diego CIF?

“That’s not for me to decide,” Highlanders coach COLE HOLLAND said. “We just go out and play the next team on our schedule.”

La Costa Canyon and Francis Parker are also known to be 6-0 and respective tournament champions at this point and may stake a claim to the section’s top spot.

Only the North County Mavericks coach Justin Machado – who belted previously undefeated Torrey Pines 10-4 in the Falcon-Pirate finals – could make an argument to rival Holland’s Highlanders.

In Saturday’s (Mar. 19) championship game of the Aztec-Foothiller Classic, Helix rode the stout pitching of MAURO OLIVARRIA and JAKE REED to shut down host Grossmont 5-1.

A senior right-hander who was shelled by the Foothillers in last year’s SDCIF Division II championship game at Tony Gwynn Stadium, Olivarria was in command this time around. In six innings, the 5-foot-10 right-hander spun a six-hitter and struck out seven as he rolled his season record to 2-0, which includes a 1.27 ERA.

“My control wasn’t there all day but it was there when I needed it,” said Olivarria. “I never threw the same pitch twice but if I did, it wasn’t in the same location and that kept them off balance. I don’t throw that hard so I have to fool ‘em. I’m not going to throw the ball by too many batters.”

The only time Olivarria was burned in the rematch was in the 5th inning when MATT HEMPHILL hoisted a fly ball over the right-field wall for his first varsity home run.

Olivarria admitted beating Grossmont was special.

“It’s fun actually because we’re kind of rivals,” he said.

RASHAD HARLIN carried the offensive torch for the Highlanders. He was 3-for-4 and slugged a solo home run in the 2nd inning to give the Highlanders a lead they would not lose.

“I’m not a home run hitter. I’m a line drive guy – I try to find the gaps,” said Harlin, who spent part of the post-game talking to scouts from the Chicago Cubs.

Harlin appeared to have a second home run in the 4th inning but Grossmont center-fielder WILL SOTO soared above the wall to make a one-handed catch to turn Harlin’s drive into a double play.

“That was a major league play,” said Holland of Soto’s catch. “If he doesn’t catch that ball the game could have turned into a rout.”

No question Helix roughed up Grossmont ace JOE MUSGROVE. Throwing at 89 mph the 6-foot-5, 225-pound right-hander surrendered 10 hits and 4 earned runs while striking out only one in five innings.

“That’s unbelievable,” said Holland. “For us to have that kind of day against a pitcher of that caliber is amazing.”

Grossmont coach JIM EARLEY was surprised that his premier pitcher was knocked around as much as he was.

“We gave up 7 hits on 0-2 pitches,” Earley lamented. “And if that wasn’t bad enough, we took way too many third strikes. That’s certainly a recipe for disaster.”

Helix took a 4-0 lead in the 5th inning on RBI singles by JAKE REED and Olivarria.

KACY SMITH capped the Helix scoring with a leadoff homer in the 7th.

“People like to think of us as a small ball team,” said Holland. “But it’s not so much about small ball as it is about philosophy. We’ve only had one sacrifice bunt in six games. Yeah, we’ve tried more than that but they’ve turned out to be hits. Our main focus is What do we need at the time? If we have a runner at third base, do we need a fly ball? Yes, so that’s what we try for. Same for a bunt.

“So far we’ve been successful at getting what we need.”

Patriots fumble tournament final to LJCD

By Andrew Smith
© Special to East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-18-11) — The Christian High baseball team went on a rollercoaster ride during Saturday’s (Mar. 19) finals of the Christian Patriot Tournament against La Jolla Country Day.

Handcuffed by pitch counts, inexperienced relievers and two costly errors in the bottom of the 7th, the Patriots fell to the Torreys, 7-6, despite staging a magnificent late-inning rally. It ended in wild fashion with La Jolla Country Day being crowned tourney champions for the second time since 2008 as the Patriots literally threw this game away.

Christian (4-1-1) fought back from a 6-1 deficit, scoring five runs in its final two at-bats.

MICHAEL POTEET shaved one off that lead in the 6th with an opposite field home run to right and after the Torreys went down 1-2-3 in the 6th the Patriots entered their last at-bat trailing by four.

MICHAEL KAUFMAN started the Christian rally with a sharp single up the middle. A fielder's choice, a walk and an RBI single by KURODA ensued to cut the gap to 6-3. CODY POTEET then singled shaving the lead to two setting up TANNER PERRY.

With both the LJCD left fielder and third baseman playing way off the line, Perry ripped a ball down the third base line settling for two RBI, but not before a bang-bang play at the plate. Poteet slid in safely head first, tying the game at 6-6 in spectacular fashion.

Torreys catcher Alex Guenette had a great day at the plate going 3-for-3 with a double, two singles and a pair of RBIs. He started the bottom of the 7th with a line drive single up the middle. After a sacrifice attempt failed to move him to second, the Patriots threw an errant pick-off attempt handing Guenette second base. The next pitch was hit slowly to second and – in a hurry to make the out at first – the Patriots made a throwing error awarding Guenette home plate and giving the Torreys the Christian Patriot Tournament title.

Despite the loss, Christian coach MIKE MITCHELL wasn’t completely disappointed.

“I'm really proud of the way we battled,” Mitchell said of his Patriots efforts. “We got down 6-1 and got right back in it against a very, very good team. They obviously can definitely swing it quite a bit, but we're young. We'll definitely get better with time.”

Cody Poteet took the mound for the Patriots, but after a coin-toss deemed them visitors he led the game off with a single to right field. He then stole second to set up the first run of the game. Perry used the right side of the diamond to advance Poteet to third. Michael Poteet then hit a slow grounder to short, knocking in his younger brother for the Patriots to take an early 1-0 lead.

The first threat by the Torreys (6-0) came in the bottom of the 2nd inning as they loaded the bases with one out only to ground into an inning-ending double play. Poteet fielded a slow roller back to the mound, tossed it to catcher JOSH FITZGERALD, who wheeled and fired to first baseman PHIL JOHNSTON and got the runner by a step at first.

La Jolla Country Day finally pushed a run across to tie the game at 1-1 in the 4th and had men at second and third with one out. But Cody Poteet would go on to strike out the next two batters with the latter on what seemed to be his best pitch of the day, a knee-buckling curveball that stranded the two Torreys on base.

That strikeout would end Poteet's day on the mound.

“Cody is definitely on a (60-)pitch count, especially this early in the season,” Mitchell said of the move. “Outside of Cody and Mike Poteet our pitchers don't really have a lot of varsity experience, so we'll grow with time.”

Cody Poteet, who was 3-for-4 in the leadoff spot, finished the game with 5 strikeouts in 4 innings on the hill.

Upon his departure, the Torreys' batters would then go on to take advantage of the inexperienced Patriots bullpen in the bottom of the 5th.

Austin Rooke started things off with a solo shot to left. Anthony Torres followed with a double to the gap and after an intentional walk, Torreys clean-up man Sam Ayala singled Torres home for LJCD’s first lead of the day 2-1. The Patriots walked the next three batters and when all was said and done the Torreys held a 6-1 lead heading into the 6th.

“When you walk in three runs your chances of winning aren’t real good,” Mitchell said.

El Capitan shortstop Tyrone Wiggins races around second base en route to an 8th-inning triple. Sheldon Gabriels would follow with a basehit, lifting the Vaqueros to a 5-4 verdict over Poway, gaining a berth in Saturday's Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament championship contest against Granite Hills. (Photo by Mark Gabriels)

Somewhere in the middle of the dogpile is El Cap's Sheldon Gabriels, who plated Tyrone Wiggins from third base with a basehit in the bottom of the 8th inning to nip visiting Poway at Hostetler Field (Photo by Mark Gabriels) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-18-11) — Five East County teams will be playing in tournament championships on Saturday (Mar. 19). Four of them will be going head-to-head.

In the Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament Granite Hills (3-1) will face El Capitan (4-1) at Hilltop High at 10:30 a.m. In the Aztec-Foothiller Classic finale Helix (5-0) takes on host Grossmont (4-1) at Joe Gizoni Field also at 10:30 a.m.

In the 16th Annual Christian Patriot Tournament championship La Jolla Country Day (5-0) takes on the host Patriots (4-0-1) at 2 p.m.

In other tournament finals around the county Torrey Pines battles La Costa Canyon in the Falcon-Pirate Tournament at Oceanside High at 1:30.

The Andy Sanchez Memorial / Bully’s East Tournament finale pits undefeated Francis Parker against Friday’s playoff winner between Mission Hills and Patrick Henry on Saturday at Otay Ranch High at 11 a.m.

El Capitan (4-1) lost its 4-3 lead in the 7th inning on a controversial call at second base, which forced extra innings against the Titans (3-2).

“We thought we had a game-ending double play,” said El Capitan coach STEVE VICKERY, “but out of the corner of my eye I saw the base ump signal the Poway guy safe at second. But our guys thought he was out so they were all running off the field, celebrating.

“I ran out there and yelled ‘Go back out, go back out!’”

By the time Vickery had restored order in his defense, Poway’s Devin Dooney had reached third base. Poway then tied the game on a base hit to right field by Kevin Newman.

“Our guys could have folded after a call like that, but they didn’t,” Vickery said. “One thing about the guys on this team is they always compete to the end.”

Wiggins hit a hanging curveball for a triple off the center field bank with two down in the 8th. Gabriels then slugged a 1-2 pitch into right-center field to score Wiggins with the winning run.

Gabriels, who was 2-for-5 in the contest, is familiar with Poway reliever Chad Smith who struck him out the first time he faced him.

“We played travel ball together with the Encinitas Gamers,” Gabriels said. “I wasn’t very happy when he struck me out the first time.”

In the second go-round Smith jumped ahead one ball, two strikes against Gabriels.

“I knew he was gonna try to blow a fastball by me, so I was ready. He threw one right down the middle and I made good contact,” said Gabriels, who is being heavily recruited by Cal State Los Angeles and Cal State San Marcos.

Vaqueros’ ace pitcher, TROY CONYERS surrendered 3 runs and 6 hits in six innings while striking out 11. Eight of the first Poway outs were strikeouts.

“Troy had to work for all of them because he didn’t have his best stuff,” said Vickery. “He really competed and was outstanding, considering what he had to work with.”

RANCHO BERNARDO 4, GRANITE HILLS 1 – For the first time in four games, the Eagles lacked firepower on Thursday (Mar. 17) as they fell short against host Rancho Bernardo in a Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament encounter.

Despite the loss the Eagles (3-1) advance to Saturday’s (Mar. 19) tournament championship game against El Capitan at Hilltop High.

Although Granite Hills had qualified for a berth in the tourney finals, Granite Hills coach JAMES DAVIS elected to throw his ace DANIEL STARWALT against the Broncos (2-2). Starwalt deserved a better fate as he allowed only one earned run and struck out eight in five innings.

So why would Davis throw Starwalt against Rancho Bernardo, rather than save him for El Capitan ?

“I really wanted to beat Rancho Bernardo,” Davis said. “That was a big game for us down the road.”

That’s because Rancho Bernardo and Granite Hills are both in Division I of the San Diego CIF Section and this game had playoff connotations.

Granite Hills took a 1-0 lead in the 2nd inning as NATE HUFF singled and advanced to second on an error. A sacrifice bunt by RYAN McCLANAHAN moved Huff to third where he scored on a single by JUSTIN MITCHELL.

Faulty fielding – 3 errors – handed Rancho Bernardo three unearned runs and the victory.

“We had a lot of opportunities – we just didn’t cash in,” said Davis. “Pitching was fine today. Starwalt pitched well. We just booted the ball and made some sloppy plays in the infield.”

VALHALLA 4, HILLTOP 3 – Things started out pretty smoothly for the Norsemen in Thursday’s (Mar. 17) final round of pool play of the Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament contest against visiting Hilltop.

Valhalla (3-2) scored single tallies in each of the first four innings to take a solid lead behind the pitching of senior right-hander ALEX JOHNSON, who fired a 3-hit shutout through six frames to earn the win in his first varsity start.

However, the Norsemen nearly let the game slip away in the 7th when Hilltop (0-5) pushed across three runs on four hits.

It took a fine defensive play to allow Valhalla to escape with a victory in regulation.

“We had to throw the winning run out at the plate to end the game,” said Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON. “It was pretty exciting for the fans but a little too close for my taste.”

The winning relay started after Hilltop’s Erick Tec doubled down the left-field line with the bases loaded. Two runners scored but when the Lancers tried to send Rafael Lopez, the runner from first base home on the play Valhalla left-fielder JOSH KITZMILLER fired to shortstop RAMSEY ROMANO, who wheeled and delivered a strike to catcher BRYCE MOSIER for the out.

“I was proud of the way our kids did what it took to win the game,” Wilson noted. “We played a lot of guys and that was my intention in this game. We got some guys playing time and did a lot of moving players around.”

Valhalla took a 1-0 lead in the 1st inning when FRANCISCO TELLEZ doubled to left-center and scored on Mosier’s single to left. An inning later with one out KYLE ZIMMERMAN reached base on a bunt single and advanced to second on a throwing error. He scored on ANTHONY MANUPELLA’s single to center.

Tellez led off the 3rd inning with a triple to left-center and scored on KYLE McBRIDE’s sacrifice fly.

For the third time in Valhalla’s scoring innings Tellez provided the spark with a single to left. McBride then singled to center and Mosier was hit by a pitch to load the bases. AUSTIN HENSLEY then hoisted a sacrifice fly to left field, scoring Tellez, which eventually proved to be the winning run.

MOUNT MIGUEL 9, SWEETWATER 2 – The Mount Miguel Matadors ran wild again in Thursday’s (Mar. 17) Andy Sanchez / Bully’s East Tournament at Sweetwater. They stole 11 bases, raising their San Diego CIF-leading total to 50 in five games.

Leading base-bandits for the Matadors (4-1) against the Red Devils (3-2) were JUWUN McCRAY and CESAR PRECIADO with 4 apiece.

“The guys believe in our philosophy – we have to find a way to use our speed and today we found a way,” said Mount Miguel coach BYRON GRIGSBY. “The new bats are good for our game. We’re not going to out-slug anybody but if we run a hard 90 we’re going to beat it out.”

The Matadors broke this one open early, scoring seven times in the 2nd inning.

The key blow in the big inning was a 2-run double by freshman BRAD MORENO. The Matadors capitalized on four walks and seven stolen bases in the inning. McCray had an RBI double and ANTHONY ORTEGA plated a run with a bunt single.

JOSH IBARRA capped the Mount Miguel scoring with a 2-run single in the 5th inning.

McCray pitched the first four innings to notch his second win in as many decisions.

The Matadors missed reaching the tournament finals by three runs.

CHRISTIAN 11, IMPERIAL 0 – The visiting Patriots put together one of their best early season performances Thursday (Mar. 17) when they traveled to the Imperial Valley to clobber the Tigers of Imperial High, thus qualifying for a berth in their own Christian Patriot Tournament championship.

Five Christian pitchers combined to spin a 4-hit shutout with starter JOSH SUFFRIDGE being awarded his first varsity win.

Senior PHIL JOHNSTON paced the Patriots’ attack with 3 hits and 3 RBI in 3 at-bats. His first base hit drove in KYLE HARRIS, who had tripled, for a 1-0 lead in the 2nd inning.

In the 3rd inning after TANNER PERRY and Suffridge banged back-to-back doubles to make it 2-0, Johnston followed a walk to Harris and a wild pitch with a 2-run single up the middle.

MICHAEL POTEET’s 2-out single extended the lead to 5-0 for Christian (4-0-1).

In the 6th inning after a pair of walks and a sacrifice bunt by Perry, Michael Poteet pounded a 2-run triple to right-center. Poteet scored on a sacrifice fly by Suffridge.

A 2-run double by CODY POTEET keyed a 3-run 7th inning.

LINCOLN 16, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 – For the second time this season El Cajon Valley was crushed by Lincoln in Thursday’s (Mar. 17) final round of pool play in the Christian Patriot Tournament. The Hornets (3-3), who opened the season with a 16-6 non-league romp over the Braves (0-5), allowed only one hit – a two-out single by ABNER GARCIA in the 1st inning.

Seven errors sabotaged El Cajon Valley’s pitching.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 18, RIVER VALLEY 0 – The Knights built an 18-0 lead by the top of the 3rd inning of Thursday’s (Mar. 17) Tri-City Christian Tournament game at Sportsplex USA Santee when the River Valley coach pulled his team off the field due to a lack of pitching. Because River Valley decided to resign from the proceedings the game is declared an official game and a victory for Foothills Christian.

Details on the game will be posted on Friday night.

Grossmont shortstop Nico Maida with the diving stop in a shutout of Westview. (Photo by Tim Soto)

© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (3-16-11) — Still smarting from a last-inning loss to Valhalla, the No. 1 ranked El Capitan Vaqueros proved themselves worthy of their lofty rating Tuesday (Mar. 15) as they hammered host Hilltop 11-2 in a Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament tilt.

The Vaqueros (3-1) need a win over Poway on Thursday in Lakeside to earn a berth in the tournament championship against Granite Hills (3-0). The championship will be played on Saturday (Mar. 19) at Hilltop at 10:30 a.m.

Six-foot-7, 225-pound senior MIKE FLORES pitched four perfect innings with 4 strikeouts as the Vaqueros led 3-0 at that point.

“For me one of our highlights was our starting pitching,” said Vaqueros coach STEVE VICKERY. “ Flores made his first start of the year. He threw 46 pitches in four innings.”

CURREN FACER and SHELDON GABRIELS helped complete the Vaqueros’ 2-hitter.

Of course El Capitan is one of the top hitting units in the county. The Vaqueros proved that to the Lancers with a 15-hit assault. No. 8 hitter, junior third baseman SPENCER NIELSEN went 4-for-4 with a pair of doubles and 2 RBI for El Capitan.

“Our 6, 7 and 8 hitters combined for 8 hits,” said Vickey. “It was nice to get a ton of production out of the bottom half of our order. That makes us dangerous.”

Catcher CHUCK MOORMAN was 2-for-4 with 3 RBI while left-fielder ERIC LOZANO was 2-for-3 with 2 RBI for the Vaqueros.

El Capitan took a 2-0 lead in the opening frame in South Bay. TYRONE WIGGINS led off with a single and proceeded to steal second and third and eventually scored on Moorman’s sacrifice fly.

The El Capitan opening inning scoring parade continued when TROY CONYERS doubled to left-center and scored on a single to center by Facer.

The Vaqueros broke the game open with 4 runs in the 5th frame thanks to two Hilltop errors. Lozano supplied the big hit with a 2-run single to right.

MOUNT MIGUEL 3, ORANGE GLEN 2 – The host Matadors made a nice blend of 6 hits and 8 stolen bases in Tuesday’s (Mar. 15) Andy Sanchez / Bully’s East Tournament action.

Mount Miguel (3-1) snapped a 2-2 tie in the bottom of the 6th inning. ANTHONY ORTEGA walked, stole second and scored on JOSH IBARRA’s base hit.

Four Mount Miguel pitchers combined to stave off Orange Glen (1-3). The Patriots loaded the bases with one out and the Matadors leading 2-1 in the 5th inning. Reliever CHRIS MAPLES served up an inning-ending double play ball.

An inning later Orange Glen tied the game and had runners at the corners. Once again Maples quelled the threat with back-to-back strikeouts.

After Mount Miguel had gained the lead JUWUN McCRAY came on to make like Houdini to earn the save in the 7th inning. After striking out the leadoff batter, McCray permitted the Patriots to load the bases on a single and a pair of walks. He then pulled the plug on the Patriots by striking out the next two batters to earn the save.

Ortega and CESAR PRECIADO stole 3 bases apiece for Mount Miguel.

RANCHO BUENA VISTA 5, VALHALLA 1 – After posting an impressive victory over No. 1 ranked El Capitan, the visiting Valhalla Norsemen couldn’t find their offense in Tuesday’s (Mar. 15) Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament encounter at Rancho Buena Vista.

The Norsemen (2-2) registered their only tally in the 6th inning after the Longhorns (2-2) had taken a 5-0 lead.

Ironically it was losing pitcher RYAN PETERSEN’s sacrifice fly to center field that drove in the Norsemen’s only run. KYLE McBRIDE and AUSTIN HENSLEY contributed base hits in the run-scoring frame.

Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON tipped his cap to Longhorns pitchers Austin Guzzon and Alex Boyd, who combined to muzzle the Norsemen.

“We tried to manufacture some stuff but our offense was kinda sagging all day,” Wilson said. “Their pitchers kept us off balance the whole game.”

McBride accounted for 2 of Valhalla’s 5 hits.

CANYON CREST 9, EL CAJON VALLEY 1 – Freshman ELMER RAMIREZ had a big day with the bat in Tuesday’s (Mar. 15) Christian Patriots Tournament at Canyon Crest Academy.

Although the Braves (0-5) were never in contention, Ramirez ripped a double and 2 singles in 4 at-bats and scored El Cajon Valley’s only run.

Trailing 5-0 entering the 3rd Ramirez doubled and scored on ABNER GARCIA’s 2-base hit. Garcia finished 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles.

ANTHONY TY accounted for El Cajon Valley’s only other hit.

“We have only one returning starter,” said Braves coach MIKE RUPP. “So we know it’s gonna be a year of learning on the job. I’ve told my kids it’s gonna be baby steps. I think we’ve gotten a little bit better each time out even though the scores might not show that.

“In this game we were a little bit better defensively, did a better job of putting the ball in play and our four pitchers threw more strikes.”

Santana's Cameron Balough (22) beats the throw to the plate. (Photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com) VIEW/PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Santana first baseman Austin Seidel makes the stretch to retire Steele Canyon batter Robby Nelson. (Photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com) VIEW/PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-13-11) — Remember the name JOSH ROSE. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound sophomore has belted home runs in each of the Granite Hills Eagles first three games.

“I’m stroking the ball pretty good,” said Rose, who is batting at a .545 clip (6-for-11) with 7 RBI and 5 extra base hits.

Those are pretty impressive totals considering the mandated less-responsive bats are in vogue this season.

“In my opinion it’s not all about the new bats,” Rose said. “It’s the person – not the bats – that makes the difference.”

Of course an analyst like Rose, with a 4.5 grade point average, finds it easier to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“Honestly, I never walk up there thinking I’m gonna hit a home run,” he said. “Yeah, the old metal bats offered more pop but I believe the new bats make you become a better hitter. This is not to say that I’m a home run hitter because I’m not.”

Granite Hills coach JAMES DAVIS agrees.

“He’s an athletic kid with a nice swing,” Davis said. “Am I surprised by what he’s done? No. He’s a grinder – he’s a line drive hitter who knows how to take what he can get.”

Rose had plenty of help as the Eagles swamped Bonita Vista 16-0 in Saturday’s (Mar. 12) Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament rout.

The Eagles put together a pair of 7-run innings in the 3rd and 4th frames. Prior to those blowout frames Rose and DANIEL STARWALT blasted doubles to give Granite Hills a 1-0 lead in the opening inning. CHARLIE ST. CLAIR then slapped an RBI single to make it 2-0.

Granite Hills broke the game open with 7 runs in the 3rd. Starwalt and RYAN McCLANAHAN belted 3-run doubles to make it 9-0.

In the 4th stanza Starwalt and St. Clair hit back-to-back doubles to make it 10-0. McClanahan, JUSTIN MITCHELL, NOAH CUMMINGS and TRENTON BROOKS each had RBI singles and Rose slammed the door with his third home run – a 3-run homer.

“I’m having a blast,” said Rose. “This is my second family and being a part of it is just great. Winning together is a whole lot of fun.”

Starwalt was 3-for-4 with 4 RBI and 3 doubles. Rose and St. Clair also had 3 hits for Granite Hills, which totaled 17 in the game.

Pitchingwise, Brooks blanked the Barons on one hit over the first four innings to earn the win.

STEVEN ANAKER, ARIC NAAS and DJ RHODEN pitched a scoreless inning apiece to complete the shutout.

Furthermore, he eats his daily lunch with Madison baseball coach Rob Lovato.

“I know a lot of people over at Madison,” Fowler said. “This will be my seventh season in football and I was coaching with Lovato for seven years before I came over to coach baseball at West Hills last year.”

A graduate of West Hills, Fowler’s loyalty is with the Wolf Pack in the spring.

“I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that this was a sweet victory for us,” Fowler said after the Pack (1-3) sacked Madison (1-3) in an Aztec-Foothiller Classic contest. “My kids were talking about my connection with Madison before the game.

“Bottom line, though, is we needed a victory... period.”

West Hills took a 1-0 lead without benefit of a hit in the 3rd inning. The Wolf Pack staged a two-out rally in the 5th when RYAN NUCKOLS singled up the middle and raced home on BRADY FOULK’s double.

An RBI single by sophomore FRANK MELLO made it 3-0 in the 6th.

“Then we almost gave it away in the bottom of the 6th,” Fowler said. “But unlike the first three games when we tried not to lose, we found a way to win.”

West Hills sealed the deal with three runs in the 7th. BRANDON BYRD chipped in with an RBI single while BRIAN COMMERFORD doubled in another. The other run in that frame scored on a balk.

Junior southpaw CAMERON HOWELL blanked the Warhawks on 1 hit over the first five innings to log the win. In 10 innings, he has permitted only one run while striking out 9 and walking only 2.

HELIX 4, MONTE VISTA 3 (9 inn.) – In a battle of Aztec-Foothiller Classic unbeatens, the Highlanders (4-0) squeezed out a victory on KACY SMITH’s controversial RBI double down the right field line in the bottom of the 9th on Saturday (Mar. 12) at Santana.

Smith, who was 3-for-5 with a pair of RBI, hit a bouncer that hit the chalk in front of first base and caromed over the bag and down the line, allowing BRENNAN INGRAM, who had reached base on an error, to carry across the decisive marker.

Monte Vista coach CHAD WILLIAMS was incensed that the ball was called fair.

Helix coach COLE HOLLAND admitted that it was close.

“No question, it was a tough call,” said Helix assistant coach BRIAN SCHROEDER.

The Highlanders took a 3-0 lead with four consecutive hits in the 5th inning. BRANDON LEWIS, the Helix starting pitcher who rationed the Monarchs to one earned run over 5 2/3 innings while striking out 7, ignited the rally with a single. Ingram followed with a base hit, as did Smith, to produce the first run.

DIEGO REYNOSO, who was 3-for-3, slashed a 2-run single to cap the inning.

Monte Vista (3-1) fought back with a pair of markers in the 6th. JOHN BALAJADIA walked and scored on a double by NICK SABO. When the Highlanders dropped a fly ball, Sabo scored to make it a 1-run game.

The Monarchs tied the game in the 7th without benefit of a hit thanks to a Helix error and 3 walks.

It could have been worse for the Highlanders but MARK YOUNG coaxed an inning-ending double play.

Sabo accounted for half of Monte Vista’s 6 hits. After four games the Monarchs’ 6-foot-5 senior is batting .643 (9-for-14) with 7 RBI, 2 doubles and 2 home runs.

STEELE CANYON 5, SANTANA 4 – Some 20 major league scouts were on hand for Saturday’s (Mar. 12) Aztec-Foothiller Classic pitching performance by 6-foot-6, 200-pound Steele Canyon senior right-hander MICHAEL CEDEROTH at Santana.

Cederoth survived some early rocky moments and allowed only three earned runs and four hits while striking out 9 over the first five innings. When he left the mound the score was knotted at 3-3.

“We had a lot of guys with radar guns behind the plate and I heard he was throwing in the low 90s,” said Steele Canyon assistant coach MARK BRUDER.

The Cougars eventually pushed across the winning run in the 7th frame.

BRAD BOEHMKE led off with a single, advanced to second on a sacrifice by ROBBY NELSON and scooted to third on a groundout by ANDREW KING. With two outs MICHAEL RANDEL singled up the middle to score Boehmke with what proved to be the winning run.

It was a frustrating loss for Santana (1-2-1), which built a 3-0 lead after three innings. COREY POE whacked an RBI double to left field to give the Sultans a 1-0 lead.

An inning later JONATHAN ALEGRIA doubled and scored on a home run to right-center by CAMERON BALOUGH.

Steele Canyon tied it in the 5th with three runs. Back-to-back doubles by VINNY SORRENTINO and JESSE JENNER put the Cougars on the board. GARRETT GANDOLFO singled in a run and a Santana outfield error handed the Cougars (3-1) the tying marker.

Steele Canyon took the lead in the 6th on an RBI single by CLAYTON ROYER.

Santana fought back to tie it in the bottom of the 6th as JIMMY ELIAS doubled and STEVEN SOLIVAN pinch ran for him. Alegria provided the clutch 2-out single to score Solivan.

Boehmke was 3-for-4 for the Cougars, who totaled 12 hits. Gandolfo, who was 7-for-10 in his last three games, was 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI.

Santana’s Balough was 2-for-2.

RAY GOMEZ pitched only one inning for Steele Canyon but picked up the win, while WES JUDISH logged the save.

EL CAPITAN 9, RANCHO BUENA VISTA 2 – Proving that it is worthy of elite status, El Capitan bounced back from a stunning loss to Valhalla by rocking Rancho Buena Vista in Saturday’s (Mar. 12) Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament at Cathedral Catholic.

The Vaqueros (2-1) lassoed the Longhorns (1-2) by taking a 9-0 lead after five innings.

Heavy-hitting TROY CONYERS laced a double to right-center field, scoring TYRONE WIGGINS, who had reached base on a single and stole second in the opening frame.

El Capitan made it 3-0 in the 3rd thanks to a pair of RBV errors and an RBI single by Conyers.

In the 4th El Capitan tacked on 2 more runs. JOSH TULLEDGE singled, stole second and scored on a double by SHELDON GABRIELS. The Vaqueros added a second run on a passed ball and an error to make it 5-0.

In the 5th inning El Capitan put the game on ice with a four spot. ERIC LOZANO singled and scampered to second on passed ball. SPENCER NIELSEN doubled down the left-field line to score Lozano. ELDEN WHISMAN drew a walk and CODY REILLY pinch ran for him. Nielsen scored on back-to-back passed balls and Whisman coasted home on Wiggins’ home run to left-center.

While Vaqueros coach STEVE VICKERY is positive that his team will hit better in the future, he focused his attention on pitcher SHANE COLEMAN. The junior left-hander pitched five shutout innings while allowing only 2 hits and striking out 5 for the win.

“The highlight for me was how well Coleman pitched in his first varsity start,” Vickery said. “He has one of those big, roundhouse curveball that’s hard to hit.”

Vickery noted that his starting pitchers have allowed only one earned run in 15 innings thus far in the season.

Wiggins was 3-for-5 to lead El Capitan’s 9-hit attack.

CHRISTIAN 8, CLAIREMONT 2 – Four Patriots pitchers combined to throw a no-hitter at previously unbeaten Clairemont in Saturday’s (Mar. 12) Christian Patriot Tournament.

Ace CODY POTEET struck out 7 and walked only one in four innings to pick up the victory.

“Cody is on a pitch count of 60,” said Patriots coach MIKE MITCHELL. “He threw 50 pitches through four innings so after that we pulled him and went to the bullpen by committee.”

MICHAEL KAUFMAN, STEPHEN JOHNSTON and PHIL JOHNSTON pitched one inning to complete the gem.

The Patriots lost the shutout in the 7th inning.

“With two outs in the 7th we had a base on ball and two errors that led to 2 runs,” Mitchell said.

Christian (2-1) came out swinging, scoring two run in the 1st inning. Cody Poteet singled and scored on a double to left-center by TANNER PERRY. Perry later coasted home on a single by JOSH SUFFRIDGE.

RBI singles in the 2nd inning by JOSH FITZGERALD, Poteet, and Suffridge staked Christian to a 5-0 lead.

Poteet finished 3-for-4 with a double, 2 RBI and 2 runs. Suffridge was 3-for-4 with a home run and 3 RBI.

BRENDAN RYAN and KYLE HARRIS added 2 hits apiece to Christian’s 13-hit total.

“We came out a little bit more focused today,” noted Mitchell.

VALHALLA 10, MISSION BAY 4 – BRYCE MOSIER and FRANCISCO TELLEZ drove in three runs apiece as the visiting Norsemen took a 9-0 lead in Saturday’s (Mar. 12) Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament game at Mission Bay.

Valhalla took a 2-0 lead in the first inning on an RBI single by Tellez and a groundout by AUSTIN HENSLEY. A 2-run double by Mosier to left-center, coupled with an RBI single by KYLE McBRIDE and a 2-base error by Mission Bay gave the Norsemen (2-1) a 7-0 lead after two innings.

Valhalla padded its lead in the 3rd on RBI singles by Tellez and Mosier.

Tellez went 3-for-3 to pace Valhalla’s 11-hit attack. Mosier, RAMSEY ROMANO and MATT HASKINS contributed 2 hits apiece.

ROBBIE SCHMIDT scattered 5 hits over six innings to pick up the pitching nod for the Norsemen.

“We played great defense today and we got good pitching,” said Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON. “Robbie gave us six strong innings and MITCH COOMBS (called up from the JV) was effective in the 7th. It was nice to get him some varsity experience.

“We hit well up and down the lineup. I’m very pleased with our overall effort today.”

CORONADO 2, GROSSMONT 1 – In somewhat of an upset the Coronado Islanders, behind junior pitcher Jake Meloche, dealt the No. 6 ranked Foothillers their first loss in four starts during Saturday’s (Mar. 12) Aztec-Foothiller Classic at Santana.

Meloche, a 6-foot-4, 235-pound left-hander, rationed the Foothillers to three singles.

TYLER TIMMER broke up Meloche’s bid for a no-hitter with a single up the middle. He advanced to second on an error and continued on to third on a wild pitch.

DEREK RUSTICH, after taking 11 pitches – 6 were fouls with a full count – hit the ball sharply to right field for a base hit, scoring Timmer.

Rustich accounted for two of Grossmont’s hits.

Grossmont coach JIM EARLEY could hardly complain about his three youthful hurlers, who combined to twirl a 4-hitter at the Islanders (3-1).

Junior ERIC ECKLEY was tagged with the loss after allowing both runs and four hits in four innings.

ALEX CONNOR pitched one shutout inning, and AUSTIN TRAMMELL tossed two scoreless frames for the Foothillers.

CASTLE PARK 6, MOUNT MIGUEL 4 – A six-run 4th inning spelled doom for the visiting Mount Miguel Matadors in Saturday’s (Mar. 12) Andy Sanchez / Bully’s East Tournament encounter at Castle Park.

The Matadors (2-1) were limited to two hits – a run-scoring single by ANTHONY GARCIA and a base hit by CESAR PRECIADO.

Mount Miguel pitchers FRED MOLLOCK, GILBERT TAFOYA and CHRIS MAPLES combined to spin a 3-hitter at the Trojans (2-1). Maples blanked Castle Park on 1 hit while striking out five over the final 2 1/3 innings.

After stealing 21 bases in a win over San Diego Southwest, the Matadors were rationed to three thefts at Castle Park. Moreno swiped a pair.

SAN DIEGO 12, EL CAJON VALLEY 1 – Inexperienced El Cajon Valley continued to struggle in Saturday’s (Mar. 12) Christian Patriot Tournament game at San Diego High.

Although three Braves’ pitchers limited the Cavers (2-1) to four hits, El Cajon Valley pitching issued a dozen walks and hit four batters. Three fielding errors only compounded the East County team’s problems.

The Braves (0-4) avoided the shutout with a run in the 2nd inning. JOSH McILENEY, who accounted for two of El Cajon Valley’s five hits, led off the second frame with a base hit. He sped to 3rd on STEVEN MARTINDALE’s single to right. When the San Diego outfielder fired to third base it was off line. As the Cavers third sacker retrieved the ball, their catcher moved up the line to cover the bag.

After that, the race was on. McIleney took off for the plate with the Cavers catcher in pursuit. McIleney won this one, and the Braves cut San Diego’s early edge to 2-1.

The Cavers scored five unearned runs in the 2nd to put the game out of reach.

TRI-CITY CHRISTIAN 10, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 5 – The Knights (0-3) could not overcome six errors as they fell behind Tri City Christian 8-0 in the 4th inning of Saturday’s (Mar. 12) Eagle Classic at MiraCosta College.

BRANDON JAROSIN accounted for two of the Knights’ six hits, including an RBI single in the 6th inning.

In his first varsity at-bat, CALEB HOFFMAN smashed a run-scoring double to plate Foothills Christian’s final run in the 7th inning.

“We are young, so it’s going to take us a while,” Knights coach DAVE LEWIS said. “We need a lot more work, so we have to be patient. I think in the end we will be OK.”

A baserunner from Vista beats the throw to Grossmont catcher Zach Ambrose. (Photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com) VIEW/PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

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CHULA VISTA (3-12-11) — In the early stages of the season, Helix junior ROMELLO CARBUCCIA has established himself as an offensive force.

Helping the Highlanders to a 3-0 start Carbuccia is batting .900 (9 for 10) with 10 RBI. He was 3-for-3 with 3 RBI in Friday’s (Mar. 11) Aztec-Foothiller Classic 5-3 victory at Eastlake.

“We used to DH for Romello last year because he struggled so much at the plate,” said Highlanders coach COLE HOLLAND. “But we told him this year we’re not going to do that and he’s worked really hard at trying to perfect his hitting.”

So far, the numbers speak for themselves.

“The coaches have definitely been pushing me harder,” Carbuccia said. “I’ve been more focused on my hitting and more relaxed. I’ve learned to keep my weight back and I’m using my hips and legs more. I’m working on making contact and the ball looks huge to me right now.”

Carbuccia’s talents are not reserved exclusively to hitting. He was the starting and winning pitcher against Eastlake, allowing only 5 hits during a 4-inning stint.

Relievers CLARKE WILLIAMS and JAKE REED combined for three shutout innings to preserve the victory. Reed worked the last two frames, striking out 3 to earn the save.

“It’s guys like Williams that help us bridge the gap between our starting pitcher and our closer,” said Holland. “We have a pretty deep pitching staff with four starters. That’s a credit to my pitching coach BRIAN SCHOEDER. He has developed our pitching staff, which is, I think, one of the best in the county.”

The victory over Eastlake did not come easily as the Titans loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the 7th.

Enter the Helix defense. Third baseman MAURO OLIVARRIA made a bare-handed grab on a slow roller to third and fired to the plate for the force and the second out.

“That was a big league play,” Holland noted.

Reed then slammed the door with a game-ending strikeout.

GROSSMONT 3, VISTA 1 – Friday’s (Mar. 11) contest between visiting Vista and Grossmont at Joe Gizoni Field was typical of the kind of game high school baseball fans should expect in the future.

Good pitching, more hit batters, some defense and limited hitting. All of this is centered around the mandated use of less responsive bats.

ROBBY NESOVIC broke a 1-1 deadlock with a 2-run home run in the 6th inning, making a winning pitcher of Foothillers ace JOE MUSGROVE (2-0). The 6-foot-5, 225-pound right-hander pitched a complete game 3-hitter, did not allow an earned run, walked one and stuck out 10.

“Musgrove wasn’t as dominating as I’ve seen him in the past,” said Grossmont coach JIM EARLEY. “Maybe we’re just spoiled because he did pitch well.”

The Foothillers took a 1-0 lead in the 3rd inning. ALEX CONNER led off with a single to right-center and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by MATT HEMPHILL. When the Vista pitcher mishandled the bunt, Hemphill was safe. WILL SOTO followed with a bunt single to load the bases. NICO MAIDA slapped a single to right-center field to put the Foothillers on the board.

Maida was also a part of the winning rally in the 6th inning when he drew a walk. In between striking out Musgrove and facing Nesovic, the Panthers pitcher threw to first base 11 times. Nesovic’s home run is the first round-tripper hit at Joe Gizoni Field in four games this season.

“When you throw to first that many times your pitcher is likely to lose concentration on the hitter,” Earley observed.

TYLER TIMMER was 2-for-3 for the Foothillers. Nesovic also accounted for two of Grossmont’s eight hits.

Foothillers right-fielder Hemphill made back-to-back highlight catches. His first grab came in foul territory as he crashed into the fence. Three pitches later he made a diving catch in right-center field.

STEELE CANYON 18, WESTVIEW 5 – A 10-run second inning helped host Steele Canyon turn Friday’s (Mar. 11) Aztec-Foothiller Classic encounter against Westview into a rout.

The stunning part of the big rally is that all the action came after there were two outs. The Cougars clubbed half of their 18 hits in that frame, and Westview obliged by committing its only two errors of the game in the same inning.

JESSE JENNER hammered the key blow – a 3-run homer to left-center.

Junior GARRETT GANDOLFO went 4-for-5 with two double and 4 RBI for the Cougars (2-1). He also scored 3 runs.

WES JUDISH, who has a scholarship to USD in hand, was 3-for-4 with a double and 3 RBI.

ROBBY NELSON chipped in with 2 hits, including a double and 2 RBI, while BRAD BOEHMKE was 2-for-5 with a triple, 2 runs and an RBI.

Five Steele Canyon pitchers shared the pitching. Judish, KYLE SAGER and AMEER HINDI each pitched one scoreless inning.

“I know we scored a lot of runs,” said Steele Canyon coach TODD SNYDER. “The new bats are making a lot of difference. The longball is still a threat but you can’t rely on it. For the most part we hit the ball hard, and some of them were outs. The idea here is not to fall far behind – there aren’t going to be any more homer-fests.

“Look at us – we scored four runs in each of our first two games. Games like we had today will be the exception, not the rule.”

MONTE VISTA 5, SERRA 3 – The top half of the Monte Vista batting order did all of the offensive damage for the Monarchs who overcame a 3-0 deficit to knock off host Serra in Friday’s (Mar. 11) Aztec-Foothiller Classic contest.

Monte Vista (3-0) tied the game with three runs in the 6th inning. CARLOS OCHOA, who had struck out in each of his previous three at-bats, yanked a bases-loaded double down the left field line to even the score.

An inning later, the Monarchs staged a two-out rally to keep their record perfect. JOE GONSALVES got the wheels turning with an infield single. He stole second and JOHN BALAJADIA walked. The runners advanced 90 feet on a passed ball and NICK SABO then stroked a single up the middle to break the tie.

In three games, Sabo is batting .700 (7 for 10) with four extra-base hits, six RBI and six runs scored.

Gonsalves, Sabo and John Balajadia had two hits apiece for Monte Vista.

“We played poorly for the first five innings,” Monte Vista coach CHAD WILLIAMS said. “It was nice to see us stay in it and show a little fight. Our pitchers did a good job of damage control, allowing us a chance to come back.”

CRUZ GUERRERO pitched two shutout innings in relief to gain the win. John Balajadia spun a scoreless 7th to earn the save.

RAMONA 5, WEST HILLS 3 – More frustration stalked the West Hills Wolf Pack in Friday’s (Mar. 11) Aztec-Foothiller Classic encounter against visiting Ramona. The Pack’s third loss in three games had to sting as two of the Bulldogs runs came across when West Hills pitchers hit batters with the bases loaded.

“Bottom line is we are 0-3,” West Hills coach JASON FOWLER said. “I’m not into moral victories. We have to stop chasing two or three runs every game.”

West Hills took a 2-1 lead in the 3rd inning as RYAN NUCKOLS singled, BRADY FOULK was hit by a pitch and ALEX PARSONS doubled to snap a 1-1 deadlock.

After Ramona (1-2) regained the lead with a pair in the 4th, West Hills parlayed a walk to GARRETT SCHILLING, a sacrifice bunt by PATRICK ESTEY, a single by FRANK MELLO and an error into the tying marker.

Ramona won it when Zach Adamos was plunked with a pitch with the bases loaded in the 6th.

Beau Sulser (1-1) pitched a complete game for Ramona, striking out 8 and allowing two earned runs.

“If I had any hair I’d be pulling it out,” Fowler. “That’s why I shaved my head.”

Santana reliever Brian Ashwill vs. San Ysidro. (Photo by Scott Seidel) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Oedewaldt noticed that after a San Ysidro hitter clubbed an apparent tie-breaking home run in the 4th inning, the Cougars runner missed tagging home plate as he circled the bases. The Santana coach alerted the plate umpire of the errant base-running and the San Ysidro runner was declared out.

Santana (1-1-1) stormed out to a 4-1 lead in the 2nd inning as CAMERON BALOUGH (double), BRIAN ASHWILL (sacrifice fly) and COREY POE (single) drove in runs in the 1st frame and GEORGE MARTINEZ hammered his second home run in as many games in the 2nd.

ZACH BRIEDT was 2-for-4 with a double and a pair of RBI for the Sultans, while Balough was 2-for-4 with a two-base hit and an RBI. SEAN ROSS also chipped in with two hits – one of them a double – for Santana.

Four images are merged into one, as El Capitan centerfielder Josh Tulledge (right) cuts in front of teammate Brad Mitchell to rob Valhalla of a basehit. (Collage by Frank Price, youatplay.com) VIEW/PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Top: El Capitan's Troy Conyers makes the stretch at first base: Bottom: The grab by Valhalla right fielder Chris Wilkey. (Photos by Frank Price, youatplay.com) VIEW/PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

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EL CAJON (3-11-11) — There seems to be something magnetic about the 7th inning that affects Valhalla. In fact, the Norsemen concluded last season by losing games in the final frame but they improved this year by gaining a split in their first two games – that were also decided in the 7th.

The high point was a 3-2 victory over No. 1 ranked El Capitan in Thursday’s (Mar. 10) Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament action.

Senior Norsemen FRANCISCO TELLEZ knocked a 2-run walk off homer over the right-field fence in the bottom of the 7th, giving Valhalla (1-1) the victory.

“I think it was a 2-1 fastball but I wasn’t really looking for any certain pitch,” said Tellez. “I just reacted. It’s like our coach says, ‘Don’t guess.’”

Tellez’ game-winning blow followed a leadoff single up the middle by CHRIS WILKEY.

“They beat us in a preseason scrimmage but we did score some runs on them,” Tellez said. “We tasted the blood and we really wanted to beat them since they were rated the No. 1 team.”

NINO TUTINO rationed the heavy-hitting Vaqueros to 2 runs and 5 hits over six innings. While he should be praised for keeping his team in the game, he did not get the win. That went to senior reliever ALEX JOHNSON, who blanked the Vaqueros in the 7th.

“Anytime you can beat The Godfather of East County (Vaqueros coach STEVE VICKERY), it’s a good day,” chuckled Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON. “The fact that they were the No. 1 team in the county made it even sweeter.”

In 1st inning after Tellez singled up the middle and moved to second on a passed ball, BRYCE MOSIER singled to center field. On the throw to first base, Mosier got in a rundown and Tellez broke for home. When the Vaqueros fired to the plate, the umpire ruled that the catcher didn’t have control of the ball and Tellez scored.

That 1-0 lead held up for Valhalla until the 4th inning. That’s when El Capitan struck back. CURREN FACER led off with a single up the middle. TROY CONYERS followed with a home run over the left-field fence, giving the Vaqueros the lead. It was Conyers’ second home run in as many games.

“Except for that one pitch Tutino pitched a great game,” said Wilson. “If you can hold a team like El Capitan to two runs you’re doing a pretty good job.”

Vickery also tipped his hat to Tutino.

“Tutino pitched an outstanding game for Valhalla,” Vickery said. “He kept us off balance the whole game. I was disappointed that our hitters didn’t make better adjustments at the plate.”

Wilkey, Tellez, Mosier and AUSTIN HENSLEY had 2 hits apiece for Valhalla. Nobody had a multiple hit game for El Capitan (1-1).

Despite the loss Vickery was pleased with the pitching of junior KEVIN GINKEL, who allowed only one run and scattered 6 hits in four innings.

“I was pleased with Ginkel in his first varsity start,” noted Vickery. “He just competed real well – mixed up his pitches and left with a 2-1 lead.”

GRANITE HILLS 9, ST. AUGUSTINE 6 – Sophomore JOSH ROSE slugged a 3-run homer in the bottom of the 6th inning to break a 6-6 tie and propel Granite Hills (2-0) to Thursday’s (Mar. 10) Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament victory.

It was the second home run in as many games for the 5-foot-9, 170-pound Rose.

“He has a BRIAN GILES-type build,” said Granite Hills coach JAMES DAVIS. “He has a chance to be a real good one.”

Credit St. Augustine for setting the table for Rose’s game-winning blow. The Saints reliever hit No. 9 hitter NOAH CUMMINGS and leadoff man TRENTON BROOKS. Rose then sent an 0-1 pitch over the right-center field fence.

D.J. RHODEN blanked the Saints on one hit over 2 1/3 innings of relief to pick up the win.

Granite Hills didn’t start off so well as the Saints tagged Eagles starter DOUG BRANNVALL for 3 runs in the 1st inning. In the bottom of the 1st Granite Hills rapped into a controversial triple play.

“Their shortstop short-hopped a shot by Brannvall but the umpire ruled it a catch,” Davis said. “It wasn’t even questionable – the ball hit the ground.”

Although infuriated by the “missed call,” Davis said he was pleased by the way his team kept its composure.

“We’re young and we’re gonna have our ups and downs,” he said. “But I liked the way we came back in this game.”

Trailing 4-2 in the 4th inning, the Eagles tied the game on a 2-run double by freshman JUSTIN MITCHELL. Sophomore Cummings singled in Mitchell to give the Eagles the lead. Brannvall then doubled in Cummings, providing Granite Hills with a 2-run cushion.

St. Augustine tied it in the 5th when a misplayed a fly ball by Granite Hills resulted in a 2-run double.

Eight of Granite Hills starters had at least one hit and scored a run. Mitchell finished 2-for-3 with 3 RBI. Cummings also drove in a pair.

MOUNT MIGUEL 13, SD-SOUTHWEST 4 (6 inn., darkness) – Mount Miguel stole a victory in Thursday’s (Mar. 10) Andy Sanchez / Bully’s East Tournament romp over the visiting Raiders.

While Southwest was issuing 14 walks, hitting 4 batters and surrendering eight singles, the Matadors were stealing 21 bases (in 22 attempts) to roll their record to 2-0.

Mount Miguel’s thefts tie the Matadors with Midway Baptist (1989) for second-highest all time according to the San Diego CIF Record Book. Imperial holds the record of 26 steals set in 1984.

Mount Miguel freshman BRAD MORENO reached base on 3 walks and a hit by pitch, scored 2 runs and stole 5 bases.

FRANCO LUNA swiped 4 bags, while CHRIS MAPLES stole 3. JUWUN McCRAY stole 2 bases, as did ANTHONY ORTEGA and JOSH IBARRA.

McCray was 2-for-3 with 2 RBI while Maples was 2-for-2 with 2 RBI.

Moreno allowed only one earned run in four innings to pick up the win.

CHRISTIAN 8, MOUNTAIN EMPIRE 8 (7 inn., darkness) – The visiting Patriots failed to hold a 7-2 lead in Thursday’s (Mar. 10) Christian Patriot Tournament contest in Pine Valley, but managed to escape the Redhawks’ talons with a tie.

“It’s not what we wanted, but it won’t matter if we win our next three (tournament) games,” Christian coach MIKE MITCHELL said.

Christian zoomed out to a 6-0 lead in the first two innings. An RBI triple by MICHAEL POTEET keyed a two-run 1st inning. Back-to-back doubles by MICHAEL KAUFMAN and TANNER PERRY, plus run-scoring singles by JOSH FITZGERALD and CODY POTEET, and an RBI double by JOSH SUFFRIDGE produced 4 runs in the 2nd.

Mountain Empire (0-1-1) scored six runs in the bottom of the 5th to take an 8-7 advantage.

Micheal Poteet’s bunt single scored the tying run in the 6th inning for the Patriots (1-0-1).

CV-HIGH TECH 8, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 1 – Things were looking fairly stable when Foothills Christian tied Thursday’s (Mar. 10) Tri-City Christian Tournament game with a run in the 3rd inning at Chula Vista High Tech.

BRANDON JAROSIN led off with a single and raced to third on a base hit by J.R. ATTERBURY. ZAC CUMMINGS doubled to put the Knights (0-2) on the board. After that, though, Foothills Christian could muster only two more hits.

Cummings accounted for two of the Knights five hits.

Atterbury struggled with his control but allowed only five hits and three earned runs in five innings. His six walks and three Foothills errors help lead to his demise.

“We are still a very young team,” Foothills coach DAVE LEWIS said. “But we will be OK when we get some experience. We are waiting to get three players from the basketball team out with us.”

LA JOLLA COUNTRY DAY 23, EL CAJON VALLEY 1 – The Braves suffered their third straight loss in Thursday’s (Mar. 10) Christian Patriot Tournament. El Cajon Valley (0-3) has been outscored 61-10 this season. LJCD (2-0) rocked the Braves for 24 hits, including 5 by Austin Rooke. Sam Ayala and Alex Guenette clubbed home runs. The Braves were rationed to 4 hits.

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (3-10-11) — Seems that Monte Vista’s 6-foot-5, 210-pound senior, NICK SABO, didn’t get the memo. Or at least, he hasn’t heard all the whining about the implementation of the less-responsive bats made mandatory to the game this season.

“The ball doesn’t carry as well as it used to, but the bats we have to use still have some pop,” Sabo said. And he ought to know.

The Long Beach State-bound Sabo slugged 2 home runs and a double to drive in 4 runs as host Monte Vista clipped Montgomery 5-1 in Wednesday’s (Mar. 9) Aztec-Foothiller Classic action.

Sabo followed a 1st-inning double by JOHN BALAJADIA with a shot over the left-center field fence.

“I hit a hanging changeup,” Sabo said. “My second home run (a solo shot in the 5th) came on a curveball.”

No matter what Montgomery tried to throw Sabo, it didn’t work. He slammed a fastball to left-center field for an RBI double in the 3rd.

Not to be overlooked was Sabo’s complete game pitching. He limited the Aztecs (1-1) to two hits while striking out nine and walking none.

“My intention was to pretty much let them put the ball in play,” he said.

Given that Monte Vista committed only one error that was pretty sound strategy.

“I was just mixing in two pitches – a two-seamer and a changeup – the whole game” Sabo said. “I didn’t throw any curveballs. I was trying to bust them inside with a two-seamer and then try to nick the corners with my changeup.”

“This was definitely a game I’ll remember for a long time,” he said/

Six of Monte Vista’s 10 hits went for extra bases. In the first inning following Sabo’s 2-run shot, PAUL O’CONNOR doubled and JUSTIN AQUINIGOC tripled.

“Except for Sabo we didn’t even pull the ball,” said Monte Vista coach CHAD WILLIAMS. “Sabo took us on his shoulders and carried us. I think he wanted to get even for the last two years (when the Aztecs mauled the Monarchs 24-0 and 9-3).”

“It was bittersweet for us,” said Sultans coach LARRY OEDEWALDT. “We had at least two runners on in every inning. We scored some runs but we also left 13 guys on.”

After falling behind 2-0 in the 1st inning Santana (1-1) cashed in two hit batters in the 2nd inning.

With one out GEORGE MARTINEZ, batting ninth in the Sultans’ order, hit a first pitch fastball for a 3-run homer.

An RBI single by SEAN ROSS extended the Sultans’ advantage to 4-2 in the 3rd.

Westview’s wildness continued in the 4th frame as CHRIS CAMARDA and CAMERON BALOUGH walked and BRIAN ASHWILL was hit by a pitch to load the bases. COREY POE singled in a run and Ross walked to force in another.

The Sultans provided their own firepower in the 5th to turn the game into a blowout. ZACH BREIDT singled and scampered to third on a double by JONATHAN ALEGRIA. Camarda singled in one run and Ashwill doubled in two more, making it 9-2.

Santana’s final run came in the 6th on a single by Camarda.

The lack of control that was evident in the opener wasn’t the case against Westview as four Sultans pitchers walked only one and struck out 12.

“It’s a whole different ballgame when you only give up two free passes instead of 10, like we did the last time,” Oedewaldt said.

Camarda struck out 7 in four innings as he picked up the win.

“It’s taken him about two weeks to find his baseball legs,” Earley said of the 6-foot-4, 190-pound junior right-hander. “Robby is such a competitor and plays so hard that he takes a physical beating in basketball.”

Nesovic had a perfect game going through 3 2/3 innings of Wednesday’s (Mar. 9)

Aztec-Foothiller Classic contest against visiting Mater Dei. He issued a two-out walk but escaped one pitch later. It took Nesovic only 61 pitches to work through five innings. Overall he pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing 5 hits and 3 earned runs.

“Nesovic was lights out for the first four innings and did a pretty decent job overall,” Earley said.

MATT HEMPHILL blanked the Crusaders (1-1) over the final 1 1/3 inning to notch his first save.

Catcher ZACH AMBROSE led Grossmont’s 10-hit attack with 3 singles and 3 RBI. His 2-run single in the third inning helped the Foothillers (2-0) take a 5-0 lead.

“All the way through our lineup we had a lot of guys contribute today,” Earley noted.

TYLER TIMMER was 2-for-2 with a double, 3 runs, 2 RBI, 2 walks and a stolen base. Leadoff man WILL SOTO was 2-for-3 with 2 RBI and a stolen base.

“We’re not the prettiest 2-0 team in town,” said Early of his No. 6 ranked Foothillers, “but we’ll take it. People expect us to hit a record number of home runs every year, but because of these new bats that’s not gonna happen. The days of hitting four or five home runs in a game are over.”

HELIX 8, RAMONA 5 – The No. 5 ranked Highlanders made the most of five hits as they knocked off host Ramona in Wednesday’s (Mar. 9) Aztec-Foothiller Classic action.

Helix took a 3-0 lead without benefit of a hit in the first three innings. All 3 RBI came on infield groundouts.

“We’re the small ball experts,” said Helix coach COLE HOLLAND. “We’re defining a philosophy based on taking what the defense gives us. If they play back with runners in scoring position we know all we have to do is put the ball in play because we have pretty good team speed.”

Helix also landed a couple of solid blows with the bat. KACY SMITH slugged a 2-run double to right-center, staking the Highlanders (2-0) to a 5-0 lead in the top of the 4th.

BRENNAN INGRAM capped a 3-run 7th inning with a 2-run double to right.

MAURO OLIVARRIA rationed the Bulldogs to 5 hits and one earned run through five innings to pick up the pitching win. MARK YOUNG logged the save.

VISTA 4, STEELE CANYON 3 – Three Steele Canyon errors spoiled an otherwise solid pitching performance by the Cougars’ CLAYTON ROYER in Wednesday’s (Mar. 9) Aztec-Foothiller Classic contest at Vista.

The 6-foot-2 right-hander surrendered seven hits but only two earned runs in a route-going performance.

“In six innings he threw 80 pitches and his ratio of balls to strikes was real good – 57 strikes to 23 balls,” said Steele Canyon assistant coach MARK BRUDER.

The Cougars (1-1) took a 2-0 lead in the opening frame on RBI singles by Royer and GARRETT GANDOLFO.

Royer rapped out two of the Cougars’ 7 hits and stole two bases. NATHAN MURRAY also swiped two bags.

Steele Canyon’s only extra base hit was a double by catcher JESSE JENNER.

“Jenner hit the ball really hard today, had three hard hits to center field – one was over the center fielder’s head,” Bruder said. “They started playing him back after that.”

EASTLAKE 5, WEST HILLS 1 – Pitcher CAMERON HOWELL had to know that his first varsity start wasn’t going the way he expected when he struck out four in the 1st inning of Wednesday’s (Mar. 9) Aztec-Foothiller Classic and trailed visiting Eastlake 1-0.

A 6-foot-2 junior southpaw, Howell fanned eight, allowed only three hits and no earned runs yet was tagged with the hard-luck loss.

“Cameron was money today,” said West Hills coach JASON FOWLER. “But we didn’t give him a lot of support.”

West Hills relievers JARROD ROWSON and T.C. GRADY each struck out two batters working a single inning apiece.

The only run for the Wolf Pack (0-2) came across in the 3rd inning, which, at the time, cut Eastlake’s advantage to 2-1. It was a two-out rally as ALEX PARSONS doubled and scored on a single by BRANDON BEARD.

BRANDON BYRD accounted for two of West Hills’ six hits.

© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (3-9-11) — For years the Mount Miguel Matadors baseball team has been discounted as little more than a mild threat.

But the Matadors came out swinging – and pitching – in Tuesday’s (Mar. 8) Andy Sanchez-Bully’s East Tournament opener at Olympian.

Scoring in five of the seven innings, the Matadors grounded the Eagles 7-3.

Junior catcher ANTHONY ORTEGA led the offensive charge for the Matadors, pounding out two doubles, driving in a pair of runs and swiping two bases.

Ortega slugged RBI singles in the 1st and 3rd innings to help stake the Matadors to a 3-0 lead.

“This is a great way to start the season,” Ortega said. “We’ve worked hard preparing for this game. We knew they were supposed to be an alright team because we got a little scouting report on them. So we went out hard and put the ball in play – that’s all you need to do.”

That proved true in this case as Olympian committed four errors, which – coupled with 7 Mount Miguel hits – produced the victory.

Ortega, who was 2-for-3 on the day, is a fan of the new BBCOR bats.

“I think they’re definitely going to help us out a little bit,” he said. “It’s a base hit game now and I know we can do that.”

The Matadors ran wild against Olympian, stealing 7 bases. Ortega and BRAD MORENO accounted for 2 steals apiece.

The Eagles were unable to run against Ortega, who cut down three runners on the base paths.

Mount Miguel also received superb pitching from JUWAN McCRAY, MIKE SPENCER and CHRIS MAPLES, who combined to limit Olympian to five hits and one earned run. Probably the niftiest thing about this trio is they issued only one walk and struck out six.

McCray pitched 5 innings, allowing 3 hits and 2 unearned runs as he logged the win.

EL CAPITAN 9, MISSION BAY 0 – Junior TROY CONYERS missed pitching a no-hitter by 2 outs as the Vaqueros mauled visiting Mission Bay in Tuesday’s (Mar. 8) opening game of the Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament.

“I had planned to take him out after 75 pitches, but he was carrying a no-hitter into the 7th inning,” said El Capitan coach STEVE VICKERY. “He threw 80 pitches today, it was an outstanding performance for this time of the year.”

Conyers allowed one hit, one walk and struck out seven.

“Troy was really on today,” Vickery noted. “He can throw three pitches for strikes. His changeup was outstanding – it was his best pitch today – and he can throw it at any time in the count.”

Senior reliever ALEX MARISCAL preserved the shutout by getting the final 2 outs.

Conyers was also a force at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a double, a home run and 4 RBI. For good measure he also scored twice.

Quite an opening game for the Stanford University commit.

El Capitan, which pounded out 13 hits, wasted little time as they jumped on the visiting Buccaneers for 4 runs in the 1st inning.

ERIC LOZANO got things started with a one-out single to left. One out later CHUCK MOORMAN tapped an infield single. Conyers put the Vaqueros in front with a single up the middle, scoring Lozano.

CURREN FACER blasted a 3-run homer well over the left center field.

“There’s a chance that ball is still going... he turned on a fastball with an effortless swing... BBCOR bat or not that was some hit,” said Vickery.

Facer finished 2-for-4 in the contest.

“Facer had an outstanding winter league,” Vickery added. “I think he’s going to add another dimension to our team.”

The Vaqueros blew the game open with three runs in the 3rd inning. With one out Conyers homered, knocking the ball over the left-center field fence into the student parking lot. Facer followed with a single and scored on a double to left by SPENCER NIELSEN. A 2-out single by BRAD MITCHELL scored Nielsen.

El Capitan added to its margin with a pair in the 6th. With one out TYRONE WIGGINS doubled off the right-center field bank. After a single by SHELDON GABRIELS put runners at the corners, Conyers doubled off the center field bank to score both runners.

“Nine of our 10 guys who batted got hits,” Vickery said.

GRANITE HILLS 5, CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC 0 – DANIEL STARWALT had a perfect game going through 4 2/3 innings but settled for a 2-hitter as the Eagles upset perennial Top 10 power Cathedral Catholic in Tuesday’s (Mar. 8) Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament.

Starwalt needed only 75 pitches to log a complete game victory. He walked none and struck out six.

“He was pretty sharp and had a good changeup,” said Granite Hills coach JAMES DAVIS.

Only three Cathedral runners reached base – one on an error.

On the offensive side the Eagles rattled off 10 hits, including a solo home run by sophomore JOSH ROSE in the 3rd inning.

Granite Hills took the lead on JUSTIN MITCHELL’s RBI single with 2 outs in the 2nd inning.

The Eagles made it 4-0 in the 4th. NATE HUFF singled and scored on a triple by RYAN McCLANAHAN. TRENTON BROOKS followed with a double. Granite Hills added an unearned tally in the 6th.

“What the new bats mean is the days of hitting rockets are gone,” said Davis. “We have to concentrate on hitting line drives into the gaps. The game’s always been about pitching and defense anyway, but having to use these new bats amplifies that now. The biggest thing is you can’t walk people.”

CHRISTIAN 11, THE BISHOP’S 2 – Although the final score indicates the host Patriots won in a breeze, they actually had to overcome a 2-0 deficit in Tuesday’s (Mar. 8) Christian Patriot Tournament opener against visiting Bishop’s.

CODY POTEET and KYLE HARRIS delivered 3 hits apiece as Christian totaled 12 safeties against three Bishop’s pitchers.

Four of Christian’s hits went for extra bases, including triples by MICHAEL POTEET, JOSH SUFFRIDGE, PHIL JOHNSTON and a double by Harris.

“Everybody got to play – everybody contributed,” said Patriots coach MIKE MITCHELL. “We were able to get four pitchers some much needed work on the mound. It’s nice to play someone in a different uniform.”

The Patriots did the bulk of their damage in the bottom of the 4th when they scored six times.

Harris slugged an RBI double to cut the Bishop’s lead in half. Walks, a hit batter and two errors handed the Patriots 4 runs. Cody Poteet also chipped in with an RBI single.

POWAY 2, VALHALLA 1 – A three-base throwing error in the bottom of the 7th inning spoiled a solid pitching performance by Valhalla’s RYAN PETERSEN in Tuesday’s (Mar. 8) opening round of the Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament under the lights in Poway.

“Petersen is one of the top five pitchers in East County,” said Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON. “He takes command of the strike zone and his changeup is as good as anybody’s in the county.”

Petersen fired only 77 pitches – walked 2 and struck out 4 – against the Titans. After surrendering a lead single to Kevin Newman in the final frame, the Norsemen were primed for a sacrifice bunt.

“We were charging, and the guy bunting popped over our third baseman’s head,” Wilson said. “Petersen tried to make a play, but threw the ball past our first baseman. The ball rolled down the right field line and (Newman) scored all the way from first.”

Valhalla, which stranded 14 base runners, scored its lone run in the 5th inning. CISCO TELLEZ (2-for-4) led off with a single, but was erased at second on a BRYCE MOSIER ground ball. A single by AUSTIN HENSLEY put runners at the corners. KYLE McBRIDE then singled in Mosier to tie the game 1-1.

THE ROCK 22, EL CAJON VALLEY 3 – No details reported.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-6-11) — The new era of toned down bats was put on display in Saturday’s (Mar. 5) opening round of the Aztec-Foothiller Classic.

These composite wands are designed to keep a pitched baseball via contact with a bat from flying off at a “dangerous” rate of speed. In past years, when so-called spring loaded aluminum bats were in vogue, players were dropping like flies (not balls, but winged insects).

Of course, one round of games hardly makes a statement. But there were plenty of anemic offensive outputs on Saturday. Yet, the production was mixed. Ironically, only two home runs were hit in seven games and one of those was hit at Montgomery, which is known for its derth of long balls.

One of the exceptions to the cloud of doom decried by the state Assembly’s legislation of “less responsive bats” was Helix’s 9-0 romp over Madison in La Mesa.

Highlanders pitchers JAKE REED, CLARK WILLIAMS and MARK YOUNG combined to spin a two-hitter with 12 strikeouts against the visiting Warhawks in the Aztec-Foothiller Classic.

On the flipside, Helix’s ROMELLO CARBUCCIA went 4-for-4 with 7 RBI to help create the lopsided victory. The junior shortstop stroked a two-run single in the opening frame and doubled in three more in the 4th inning. He picked up singletons in the 3rd and 6th innings with basehits.

Guess he wasn’t concerned by the new bat limitations.

“Carbuccia had a monster day,” Helix coach COLE HOLLAND understated. “Three of Carbuccia’s hits came with two outs. We DH’d for him last year but anytime you can get 7 RBI, that’s a great high school day.”

Or at any level for that matter.

Holland was equally as pleased with his pitchers.

“This first game was kind of a toss-up but we didn’t really seem too nervous,” he said. “Reed set the tone going 1-2-3 in the first inning. In five innings he gave up one infield hit and struck out 10 with no walks.

“It was nice to get the bugs out. Every game I get butterflies,” Holland concluded.

STEELE CANYON 1, CORONADO 0 – Ten hits were in this Aztec-Foothiller Classic opener – only one went for extra bases and it was the deciding blow in Saturday’s (Mar. 5) tournament action between these two teams at Grossmont High.

KYLE SAGER tripled off the centerfielder’s glove. When the Islanders’ relay sailed by their third baseman, Sager kept on coming to score the only run of the game in the bottom of the 6th inning.

Steele Canyon pitchers MICHAEL CEDEROTH and RAY GOMEZ combined to pitch a 4-hit shutout with Gomez garnering the win.

Cederoth struck out 8 batters and allowed only 3 hits in five innings.

“It was a nail-biter,” said Cougars coach TODD SNYDER. “Those bats had an impact on the game – the ball doesn’t jump off the bats now. The kids complained about it a little bit but they know they have to get used to them. It was nice to get the season started.”

Grossmont infielder Robby Nesovic (Photo by Tim Soto) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Grossmont scored on a bases-loaded walk, a hit batter and an error in Saturday’s (Mar. 5) opening round of the Aztec-Foothiller Classic at Joe Gizoni Field.

Grossmont, which scored 27 runs in their two scrimmages against Montgomery and Granite Hills, was limited to only 4 hits against San Ysidro.

JOE MUSGROVE pitched a 3-hitter while striking out 5 over six innings to earn the win.

ROBBIE NESOVIC picked up the save by blanking the Cougars in the 7th inning.

MONTE VISTA 9, RAMONA 6 – The Monarchs overcame a 6-1 deficit in Saturday’s (Mar. 5) Aztec-Foothiller Classic opener in North County. It was a 4-run 7th inning that eventually swayed the outcome in Monte Vista’s favor.

“In the 7th inning we had a real gutsy performance by our pitcher, LUIS LEBRON,” noted Monarchs coach CHAD WILLIAMS. “He came up with a clutch double, scoring JUSTIN AQUINIGOC and RICHIE BALAJADIA with the go ahead runs.”

ISREAL JUAREZ also doubled in a run for Monte Vista in the 7th, and JOEY GONSALVES plated another run on a sacrifice fly in the same frame.

Even though Lebron gave up six runs on seven hits over six innings, he wound up the winning pitcher thanks to the Monarchs’ late inning rally. NICK SABO retired the Bulldogs in order in the bottom of the 7th to secure the save.

The Monarchs pounded out 12 hits in the victory.

JOHN BALAJADIA, CARLOS OCHOA and BENNY GUERRERO contributed 2 hits apiece.

With all the concern about the new bat rules, Monte Vista hammered out 5 doubles and Ramona hit a home run in this contest.

“It’s always good to be able to come back from being down by five runs,” said Williams. “It’s a good win for the first one.”

MONTGOMERY 4, WEST HILLS 2 – Trailing 4-0 after six innings the visiting Wolf Pack attempted to stage a 7th-inning comeback in Saturday’s (Mar. 5) opening round of the Aztec-Foothiller Classic at Montgomery.

In a little bit of irony here the first pitch thrown by West Hills pitcher BRIAN COMMERFORD was hammered for a home run by Montgomery’s winning pitcher Steven Schafer.

The Aztecs took a 3-0 lead and Schafer made it stand up by spinning a complete game 5-hitter.

West Hills pitchers Commerford, JARROD ROWSON and BRANDON DELANEY limited perennial power Montgomery to 6 hits.

“Overall I thought we played pretty well, especially for an opening game,” said Wolf Pack coach JASON FOWLER. “In my mind the key play in the game occurred in the top of the 2nd inning. We had runners on first and second with one out, and we lined out in a 6-4 double play to end the threat. We took too many defensive swings.”

MATER DEI 13, SANTANA 6 – The Sultans blew a 6-1 lead in Saturday’s (Mar. 5) opening round of the Aztec-Foothiller Classic at Helix.

Santana scored all six of its runs in the 3rd inning. Half of them came across on SEAN ROSS’ three-run home run over the right field fence.

“That was an opposite field shot,” Sultans’ coach LARRY OEDEWALDT said. “He has good power and he hit that one square. With these new bats, you have to generate your own power. Even when you do the ball does not carry as far as it did with metal bats.”

Santana’s CHRIS CAMARDA also stroked an RBI double in that inning.

On the pitching side, the Sultans issued seven walks and hit one batter.

Chula Vista-HIGH TECH 7, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 4 – No further information available on this non-league game.

LINCOLN 16, EL CAJON VALLEY 6 — No further information available on this non-league game.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-2-11) — El Capitan infielder SHELDON GABRIELS and Monte Vista pitcher-center fielder NICK SABO have made college baseball commitments.

The Vaqueros second baseman has signed with Cal State-San Marcos, while the versatile Sabo is headed for Cal-State Long Beach.

Gabriels led East County with a.471 average a year ago and also slugged 11 home runs to go along with 37 RBI and 11 steals.

Sabo batted.376 with three homers and 25 RBI. But his game centers around pitching where he was 5-5 with 3.67 ERA as a junior. He logged 61 strikeouts in 66 2/3 innings.

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EL CAJON (2-9-11) — The 9th annual Joe Gizoni Golf Tournament and Alumni Banquet Presented by Grossmont High School will be held on Sun., May 15, at The Lakes Course at Cottonwood Golf Club.

Proceeds from the four-person scramble tournament will benefit the Grossmont High School Athletic Program. Entry fee is $100 per player. The fee includes green free, cart, and Alumni buffet dinner. Registration begins at 11 a.m. with a shotgun start at 12 p.m. Call David Hump at (619) 668-6091 or by email for further information.

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EL CAJON (1-14-11) — When he visited the UCLA campus in Westwood on a baseball recruiting trip over Christmas Break, CODY POTEET liked what he saw.

Instantly.

“UCLA has a real college atmosphere,” said Poteet, now a 6-foot junior right-hander at Christian High. “They have such great facilities and academics. It is amazing how many celebrities and former athletes walk around that campus because they have gym memberships. It’s really a lively place.”

Enthralled to say the least, no wonder Poteet has verbally committed to play ball for the Bruins in 2012.

UCLA baseball coach John Savage, who has guided the Bruins to the postseason four of the last five years, told Poteet he would be "their Friday night starter."

Poteet, who was 9-1 with a 1.56 ERA as a freshman, said he hopes to help the Bruins on the offensive end as well.

“Coach Savage told me I’ll play some infield, outfield and be the designated hitter when I’m not pitching,” Poteet said.

The numbers of colleges pursuing Poteet were spread nationwide. Most interested were Oregon, Arizona State, Arizona, the University of San Diego, Virginia Tech, LSU, Texas, Florida and Florida State.

Poteet may test his talents in the world of professional baseball before he steps onto a college campus.

“We’ll see what happens in next year’s (2013) draft,” he said.

Chosen to the Team USA 14-and-Under baseball team before making his first pitch in high school, Poteet has been an MLB scout magnet ever since.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (1-6-11) — Granite Hills junior DANIEL STARWALT had his choice of colleges to attend.

When Stanford came calling the decision was much easier. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound pitcher-first baseman figured he’d look good in Cardinal and thus cast his future with the Pac-10 institution.

“This is one of those opportunities that you just don’t pass up,” Starwalt said.

Not that Starwalt did not have other college offers to consider. USD, Cal State-Fullerton, UCLA, Oregon, UC Santa Barbara, Long Beach State, Creighton and Dartmouth are among those expressing interest.

Starwalt, who posted a 6-5 record with a 2.41 ERA and seven complete games as a sophomore, figures to be a pitcher first at Stanford.

With little support around him, Starwalt was unable to express himself with the bat although he has the makings to be an offensive force.

“They recruited me as a pitcher, but they are also going to give me a chance to swing it,” Starwalt said.

STARWALT: ON NEW BATS
Since he has two more seasons at Granite Hills as a two-way standout, Starwalt gave his thoughts on the mandated BBCOR baseball bats to come into play this spring. These are composite bats the state legislature is pressuring the National Federation of State High School Associations and the CIF into making all teams use as an alternative to metal bats.

“From what I’ve seen it’s going to make it a pitcher’s year,” Starwalt said. “It’s going to give the pitcher more command on the inside corner of the plate. When you jam a guy he isn’t going to be able to bloop a ball over the fence like he can by using an aluminum bat.

“If you are a guy who likes to swing for the fences you better take a different approach because the pop just isn’t the same.”

Starwalt said in his opinion using wood bats, as is the case in the Major Leagues, would be more suitable than adopting the BBCOR sticks.

“Wood is how the game was meant to be played,” he said. “Wood is more consistent.”

BASEBALL COLLEGE COMMITMENTS

Player High School College Steven Brault Grossmont Regis (Colo.) David Bryan West Hills Alderson-Broaddus Brian Carroll Granite Hills UCLA Troy Conyers El Capitan '12 Stanford Dylan Garcia Granite Hills San Diego State Danny Hawksley Valhalla U. San Diego Kyle Hayes Santana San Diego State Jared Hunt Granite Hills San Diego State Jesse Jenner Steele Canyon CSU Fullerton Wes Judish Steele Canyon U. San Diego Cody Lewis Foothills Chr. Avila (Mo.) Bryce Mosier Valhalla '11 San Diego State Joe Musgrove Grossmont '11 San Diego State Evan Potter Grossmont San Diego State Jake Reed Helix '11 Oregon Colton Rios Grossmont Redlands Nick Sabo Monte Vista Long Beach State Cody Smith Santana San Diego State Tyler Soto Helix CSU Monterey Bay Daniel Starwalt Granite Hills '12 Stanford Francisco Tellez Valhalla '11 San Diego State Tyrone Wiggins El Capitan '11 San Diego State Are we missing someone? Email us, HERE

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EL CAJON (12-15-10) — Monte Vista High pitcher-outfielder NICK SABO has committed to a baseball scholarship at Cal State Long Beach.

The 6-foot-5, 200-pound left-hander hit.376 with three home runs, 25 RBI and 10 steals. As a pitcher, Sabo posted a 5-5 mark with one save and a 3.67 ERA with 61 strikeouts in 66 2/3 innings as a junior.

Steele Canyon High corner infielder WES JUDISH, who batted.377 with 12 doubles, three homers and 26 RBI, will attend the University of San Diego on a baseball scholarship. The 6-foot, 175-pound right-hander may do a significant amount of pitching as a senior for the Cougars this spring.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (11-9-10) — Two former Grossmont High standouts are making moves up the collegiate baseball ladder.

STEVEN BRAULT, a starting pitcher-first baseman at Regis University in Denver, has signed a contract to play ball this summer in the Northwoods League, for the Brainerd Lakes Area (Minn.) Lunkers.

Meanwhile, outfielder COLTER RIOS has announced he will attend Redlands University and play baseball for the Bulldogs this season.

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WALNUT (11-3-10) — Grossmont High senior pitcher-first baseman JOE MUSGROVE and Valhalla High senior catcher-third baseman BRYCE MOSIER have been selected by the Professional Baseball Scouts of Southern California (PBSSC) to participate in the Jesse Flores Memorial All-Star Game, one of the most heavily scouted games in the country.

The game will be Sunday (Nov. 7) at Mt. San Antonio College.

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LAKESIDE (11-2-10) — El Capitan High junior pitcher-first baseman TROY CONYERS has verbally committed to Stanford University for a baseball scholarship.

The 6-foot-4, 225-pound left-hander, who was the closer for the Team USA U16 COPABE Pan-Am AA championship team last month, said playing ball for the Cardinal has always been his goal.

“It’s a dream school for the serious student-athlete,” Conyers said. “I’ve wanted to go there since my freshman year.”

Former longtime San Diego State pitching coach Rusty Filter – now in his second season at Stanford – has been recruiting Conyers heavily since his selection to the USA Team.

“Coach Filter stayed in close contact, emailed me all the time,” said Conyers, who was also being wooed by Arizona State, Arizona, USC, USD, San Diego State and others.

El Capitan coach STEVE VICKERY said he wasn’t surprised by Conyers’ choice.

“Stanford was not the team of the moment,” the coach said. “That’s the school Troy has always been talking about. The big thing is they gave him an unbelievable deal.”

After a slow start last spring, Conyers finished strong, posting an 8-2 record with a 4.92 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 52 2/3 innings for the San Diego CIF Division III champion Vaqueros (25-8). He also batted.444 (36-for-81) with 7 home runs and 27 RBI.

“They say they’ll give me an opportunity to hit,” Conyers said. “But in all reality, I know my future is as a pitcher.”

© East County Sports.com
LINDA VISTA (10-28-10) — El Capitan High’s STEVE VICKERY was honored as the 2010 CIF-SDS Baseball Coach of the Year.

Vickery led the Vaqueros to the CIF-SDS Division III championship after winning the inaugural Grossmont Valley League title with an 11-1 league mark. His team finished 26-7 overall.

One of the winningest baseball coaches in the section, Vickery owns a record of 588-323-5 over 31 seasons.

© East County Sports.com
LAGOS DE MORENO, Mexico (10-20-10) — El Capitan High junior TROY CONYERS has a penchant for pitching in the clutch. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound left-hander pitched the final two innings in the United States’ 16-under 11-4 victory over host Mexico in front of a standing room only crowd in the COPABE Pam-Am AA championship game Sunday (Oct. 17) at Pan American Stadium.

A left-hander, Conyers made four appearances in the tournament, not allowing a run in five innings of work as the closer for the Americans.

The USA compiled a 9-0 record in the tournament that included teams from North, Central and South America as well as the Caribbean.

As a team, the U.S. established a new 16U records in hits with 143, besting the 122 the team scored in 1998. They also established a new record in runs scored (127), topping the previous high of 119 set in 2006.

The team finishes with a perfect 9-0 record in the tournament, extending the Team USA 16U win streak to 40 games overall. The 16U team has not lost since 2005, when they fell to Cuba in the gold medal game. It is their fifth consecutive 16U championship.

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RANCHO SAN DIEGO (10-6-10) — Since he was in the 8th grade, Steele Canyon senior JESSE JENNER had a hankering to continue his baseball career at Cal State Fullerton University.

Earlier this week, Jenner was granted his wish when he verbally committed to the Titans.

“I can’t wait to put on the orange and blue (CSUF colors),” said Jenner, who batted.467 (42-for-90) with three home runs and 21 RBI as a junior. “I’ve liked the Titans since I was a little kid. I remember seeing them play in the College World Series and thinking how cool it would be to play for them.”

Jenner is more than a solid hitter. He’s a stalwart behind the plate and can play each of the corner infield posts with relative ease.

“They are going to work me as a catcher in the beginning,” Jenner said. “Because I can play more than one position they’ve told me I have a chance to start some games as a freshman.”

Jenner didn’t want to talk about other colleges looking his way. When asked about the major league draft he rated this as a distant second to playing for the Titans.

West Hills’ Bryan moving on
Outfielder DAVID BRYAN, a graduate of West Hills High, figures to make an immediate impact at Alderson-Broaddus College in Phillipi, West Va. in the spring, attending on a baseball and academic scholarship.

Bryan, a prototype leadoff man who batted at a.407 clip (37-for-91) for the Wolf Pack last spring, is also a blue chip glove man who stole 10 bases at the top of the West Hills batting order.

© East County Sports.com
THE WOODLANDS, Texas (10-2-10) — Left-handed junior pitcher TROY CONYERS, who attends El Capitan High, is one of 20 players named to the USA U-16 national baseball team.

Conyers is one of four players from Southern California named to the ballclub; Florida led with eight selections, Georgia had two, plus one each from Alabama, Colorado, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina and Oregon.

The team was chosen after a week of trials including six inter-squad games and a week of training here at College Park High School.

Conyers is currently in Texas for team workouts, as Team USA prepares to leave for Lagos De Moreno, Mexico, where they will participate in the 2010 COPABE "AA" Youth Pan-Am Championship against countries from throughout Central and South America.

The tournament begins October 8, with the gold medal game set to take place on October 17.

© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (9-22-10) — El Capitan High pitcher-first baseman TROY CONYERS has been invited to a try out Saturday (Sept. 25) for the Team USA 16-under team in Houston, Texas.

“This is just a great opportunity,” Conyers said. “I’m just honored to be invited.”

Forty players will be competing for a week in hopes of gaining one of the 20 roster spots.

“I’m going down there and see what I can do,” said Conyers, who posted an 8-2 record with a 4.92 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 52.67 innings.

The 6-foot-4, 223-pound junior southpaw, who played first base and batted.444 with seven home runs, was invited to the tryout camp primarily for his pitching.

“I’ve been playing in a Sunday Scout Ball League with the Seattle Mariners,” Conyers said. “I guess some of the Team USA people saw me pitch and the next day I got a call. They told me they usually don’t invite players to their tryout camp this late.

“That made me feel special.”

El Capitan coach STEVE VICKERY said he discussed Conyers’ chances with Jeff Singer, the director of USA baseball.

“Troy’s name kept coming up from college coaches and scouts when he was inquiring about quality left-handed pitchers,” Vickery said.

Team USA-16 will eventually travel to Lagos de Mareno, Mexico (Oct. 8-17) for the COPABE PAN AM AA 16-Under World Championships.

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (8-24-10) — East County continues making major contributions to San Diego State’s baseball future as five Grossmont Conference athletes have made verbal commitments to play for coach TONY GWYNN’s Aztecs.

Valhalla catcher BRYCE MOSIER and Norsemen left-handed pitcher FRANCISCO TELLEZ, Grossmont right-handed pitcher-first baseman JOE MUSGROVE, El Capitan center fielder-shortstop TYRONE WIGGINS and Santana outfielder CODY SMITH have all hailed their allegiance to SDSU.

Smith will join the Aztecs in time for the 2011 spring season as he has exhausted his high school career. The other four have one more season of high school ball.

East County standouts RYAN O’SULLIVAN (Valhalla) and BRANDON DECKER (Granite Hills) are returning from last year’s 28-28 SDSU ballclub.

Meanwhile, Helix first baseman TYLER SOTO has announced plans to attend Cal State Monterey Bay in time for the 2011 season. In his senior season for the Highlanders, Soto batted.336 (36-for-107) with three home runs, 33 RBI and 9 stolen bases.