Who dat?

Filling big shoes as first base coach is long-time Grossmont Foothillers scorekeeper Bill Dunning, who has served in that role for the past 25 years until his "reassignment" for the season finale. "Hey, the runner is supposed to make a LEFT turn!" (GHS courtesy photo)

Earley steps aside from Foothillers post By Bill Dickens © East County Sports.com RANCHO SAN DIEGO (5-18-12) — Grossmont High head coach JIM EARLEY, who stepped down after 21 seasons of coaching baseball in one of East County’s most highly successful programs, won’t be taking the Foothillers to the San Diego CIF for the first time in the last eight years. After an 8-2 start, the Foothillers (8-22, 0-15 GHL) finished in the cellar of the Grossmont Hills League with a 20-game losing streak. “I want to spend more time with my family, especially my two sons who are 9 and 10,” Earley said. Earley coached his final game in a Foothillers uniform in Thursday’s (May 17) GHL final won by host Valhalla, 4-2. Some might say Earley was run out of town by some overzealous parents, who wanted to take the upper hand in the baseball program. All these individuals did was disrupt the program, sending it into a downward spiral. “Over the past year my program has been through extreme craziness, nothing I would wish on any of you,” Earley said. “I am sure there will be some erroneous things said about my departure. Know I am leaving of my own accord. My administration has been awesome.” Overall, the 40-year-old Earley who has been the Foothillers head coach the last five seasons, also served as an assistant coach to JEFF MEREDITH and ROB PHILLIPS. Earley, a 1990 Grossmont graduate, was associated with nine San Diego CIF baseball championships and helped guide the Foothillers to the section finals 15 seasons. Earley said he plans to coach at some level in the future. “Funny thing is I don’t know what to do in these next two weeks,” Earley said. “Like my kids have asked is ‘Dad, aren’t we going to Tony Gwynn Field like we always we do?’ So I guess we will just enjoy a little free time.” In the 3rd inning of the regular season finale, Grossmont took a 2-0 advantage as NICK DALEY set the tone with a leadoff double. Daley advanced 90 feet on a balk and ALEX ESTRADA walked. Estrada scrambled to second on a wild pitch. An error by Valhalla staked Grossmont to two runs. An RBI single by JAMES MARTIN cut the Hillers’ lead in half in the 4th. Valhalla (12-18, 5-10 GHL) took the lead with a pair of runs in the 5th inning. AUSTIN HENSLEY ripped a two-run double, vaulting the Norsemen to a 3-2 edge they did not lose. RAMSEY ROMANO blanked Grossmont on two hits over the final 4 2/3 innings to log his second win in four decisions. Back to Earley... “I’m looking at coaching my sons and hopefully some day getting an administrative credential.”

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (5-18-12) — Think El Capitan High pitcher TROY CONYERS is not the most powerful left-handed pitcher in East County? Ask any batter who has faced the 6-foot-5, 229-pound senior.

The majority of the time all they hear is a buzz. That is, the ball blowing by them into the strike zone.

For the second time this season, Conyers registered a career-best 16 strikeouts (matching an earlier count against Hilltop), as the top-ranked Vaqueros (27-5, 12-0 GVL) knocked off host Monte Vista, 7-1 in 8 innings.

Conyers struck out the side in the 1st inning and fanned a pair in the 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th inning.

“Troy threw 117 pitches,” El Capitan coach STEVE VICKERY said. “He is an absolute workhorse.”

This win is the 29th consecutive Grossmont League victory for the Vaqueros under Vickery’s command, which ties Mount Carmel (1985-87) and Valhalla (203-05) for second place on the SDCIF all-time list. Montgomery holds the record of 37 in a row established during the 1992-1994 seasons.

HELIX 5, WEST HILLS 2 – It's not every day you show up a little tardy to a baseball game at West Hills and you're forced to the standing room only section with the bleachers packed full of Wolf Pack faithful.

In the regular season finale Thursday (May 17) against Helix that's exactly what third year head coach JASON FOWLER induced, and with a boisterous student body helping out the crowd, there was howling for a season sweep of the Highlanders.

Both teams are guaranteed to be a part of the SDCIF Division II playoffs and even though the Highlanders are defending champions, the Wolf Pack likes its chances for an upset.

Helix had already clinched second place in the Grossmont Hills League and wasn't really too concerned about spoiling West Hills’ senior day as they claimed a 5-2 victory to finish the regular season strong with their sixth win in their final 7 contests.

Hoping to claim a top 4 seed in the playoffs, head coach COLE HOLLAND expects a lot more from his group of Scotties if they want to make noise defending their title.

“Thank God we have the best pitching coach in America in BRIAN SCHROEDER,” admitted Holland . “It's not like we've been struggling with the bats, we just can't seem to execute when we're in the right situation to score runs, and pitching-wise we've just been shoveling it.”

Schroeder has all the qualifications needed for the job, as he owns the San Diego career record for wins with 34. Also an East County alum from Christian High he registered 376 strikeouts in his time as a record-setting ace.

Pitching though looked like it would be the last thing they needed after plating 3 runs in the top of the 1st inning. DIEGO REYNOSO singled and RAY PETERSON hit a hard chopper that ate the defense up. KACY SMITH singled to put runners on the corners while knocking in the first run. BRANDON LEWIS then cleared the bases for two more with a double to deep left and it was 3-0 before a single senior was announced to the plate for the Pack.

“I saw a breaking ball that was left up high and I just drove it,” Lewis said.

The state champion quarterback had to take a back seat to the San Diego defensive football player of the year in Smith as he finished the day 2-for-3 with a run-scoring single, triple and bases loaded walk for 3 RBI, including the game-winner.

“We did a great job of pushing the runs across early but in the long run we have to do a better job of executing,” said Smith. “In the playoffs we're going to face a lot of teams we know pretty well and we have to improve if we want to win.”

FRANKIE NUNEZ collected the win for the Scotties, tossing five innings and allowing just one run on 3 hits. STEWART FORRESTER scored both runs for West Hills after a double and his second home run of the year on a solo shot to deep right in the sixth inning, but it was enough against the Helix hurlers.

“We're definitely glad we won today because it feels like we are on a nice roll right now heading into the playoffs,” the Scotties’ winning pitcher Nunez said. “In the playoffs we have to just pound the strike zone and play as a team and we'll be fine.”

— Andrew Smith

STEELE CANYON 7, GRANITE HILLS 6 – Even after having its ace knocked out of the box in the early innings, Grossmont Hills League champion Granite Hills was scrambling to pull out a season-ending win on Thursday (May 17).

The Eagles (19-10, 12-3 GHL) figured to have things in hand as they led 4-0 in the 2nd inning before Steele Canyon riddled Granite Hills’ ace DANIEL STARWALT for six runs in the 2nd inning to propel Steele Canyon into a 6-4 lead.

Although shocking, the Eagles rallied to tie the game with two runs in the 7th inning.

Granite Hills’ offense was keyed by TRENTON BROOKS, who was 4-for-4 with 3 doubles and 5 RBI. The final double by Brooks drove in two runs in the 7th inning to tie the game at 6-6.

Steele Canyon (16-12, 9-6 GHL), however, fought back in the bottom of the 7th.

TANNER PERRY slashed his 3rd single of the game and advanced to second on a base hit by COLE FLINT. FRANK CALIFANO rifled a shot down the third base line that Granite Hills’ third baseman CODIE SIMMONS speared on a miraculous catch to deny any movement.

With two outs in the bottom of the 7th inning and the go-ahead tying and winning runs on base, MICHAEL RANDEL – on a 2-2 count – there was controversy whether he struck out to end the game.

The umpire said “No,” which caused a good deal of controversy by the Granite Hills faithful.

On the next pitch, however, Randel rifled a shot to right field to score Perry with the winning run.

It was a controversial hit, but most of the bickering was among the fans in the stands as the coaches did not show any argument.

Randel was 3-for-4 while Perry was 3-for-3. BERNIE ARIPEZ was 3-for-3 with an RBI and ERNIE FLINT also added an RBI double in Steele Canyon ’s 2nd inning. Both Flints – Ernie and Cole – had RBI doubles in the Cougars’ 6-run 2nd inning against Granite Hills ace Starwalt.

SANTANA 10, MOUNT MIGUEL 3 – Late-charging Santana lost only one game of its final nine, which landed the Sultans a second-place finish in the Grossmont Valley League race behind top-ranked El Capitan.

Santana wasted little time taking charge at Mount Miguel on Thursday (May 17)

BRIAN ASHWILL was intentionally walked three times during the game – in the 5th, 6th and 7th innings, plus a walk in the 3rd – but hit a home run with a man aboard in the Sultans’ 1st inning.

In the 5th inning Santana capitalized on three walks to make it 3-0.

In the bottom of the 5th JOHNNY WRIGHT banged a 2-run single for Mount Miguel and JUWUN McCRAY had an RBI single to tie the game.

Santana regained control in the 6th on a double by CODY CONNER, a sacrifice by COCO STUTZ and a base hit by TIM HUSON to make it 5-3.

The Sultans turned the game into a blowout in the final two frames when they scored 7 runs on Mount Miguel miscues to secure second place in the Grossmont Valley League.

“I think we ought to be at least 8th if not 10th in the seedings,” said Santana head coach TIM BARRY.

Said Mount Miguel first-year coach JASON BABINEAU, “We’re just glad to think we have a shot at the playoffs. I think we surprised people a lot by what we have achieved. I just hope they recognize that.”

© East County Sports.com
VISTA (5-17-12) — A 10-run 5th inning enabled the Foothills Christian Knights to close the regular season with a 13-2 Citrus West League rout of Guajome Park on Wednesday (May 16) at Vista Sports Park.

That victory allowed the Knights (15-9, 5-3 CWL) to finish second in league play.

“We should have a pretty high seed in the playoffs, we finished second in league,” noted Knights coach DAVE LEWIS.

In the Knights’ big inning RYAN QUINN ripped a 2-run double and DANIEL LUCKETT drove in a pair with a base hit.

Winning pitcher ZACH TOMLIN singled in a run in the 5th after tripling in a run in the 3rd inning. Tomlin also pitched the first five innings while allowing only four hits and one earned run to pick up his 6th win in 12 decisions. He struck out six.

Foothills Christian leadoff hitter TREVOR TINNEY was 2-for-3 with 4 runs scored and an RBI.

“Tomlin pitched a great game,” said Lewis, “and Tinney... what can I say? Every time we scored, look at who started it. Tinney makes our offense go.

“DEREK BROWN (2-for-5, 3 runs and an RBI) has had a great season. Tinney and Brown were the stars today.”

Foothills Christian is looking for a seed among the top four teams.

SCRIPPS RANCH 6, CHRISTIAN 5 – It was an all too familiar finish for the Christian High Patriots – the epitome of their season. The Patriots closed the Eastern League campaign by blowing a 4-3 lead in the 7th inning to visiting Scripps Ranch.

“I can’t tell you how frustrating this year has been,” said Patriots coach MIKE MITCHELL. “The way this one ended kinda tells the whole story.”

Credit the Patriots (14-15, 3-9 EL) for overcoming a 3-0 first inning deficit to take a 4-3 lead into the final frame.

After giving up two unearned runs out of three in the 1st inning, the Patriots fought back with a pair of runs in the 2nd inning. JOE ROSS and SAM GUERRA each supplied RBI singles. DAVID SUDA launched a solo home run in the 4th inning to tie it a 3-all.

A double by AJ GREGOROVIC, a Falcons’ error and a wild pitch coupled with a base hit by Ross put the Patriots on top 4-3 in the 5th.

Christian was 90 feet away from forcing extra innings after Scripps Ranch’s Nick Vildibill singled to tie the game 4-4.

Chris Poirier hit a routine groundball to shortstop that should have resulted in an inning-ending double play. The Patriots got the out at second base but the relay throw missed its mark and two Falcons scored.

Christian refused to go down without a fight. With one out in the bottom of the 7th TYLER LESLIE walked and NICK JARVIS doubled him home to make it 6-5. Jarvis advanced to third on a groundout but Christian’s final out came when their last hitter took three straight strikes.

“MICHAEL KAUFMAN pitched his ffith complete game of the season while striking out 10 and walking none to raise his record to 6-2.

“If we could field the ball decently, he should have been 10-0,” Mitchell noted.

Christian’s lack of power coupled with a shoddy defense pushed their record under the .500 mark.

“We’re still making the same mistakes on things we worked on all year,” Mitchell said. “We need somebody to step up and make a play once in awhile.”

Christian will undoubtedly make the SDCIF Division V playoffs, probably as the No. 2 seed.

Granite Hills infielder Tyler Vinton waits for the ball in an attempt to nail Valhalla baserunner Anthony Manupella. (Photo by Nathan Price, youatplay.com) VIEW / PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Vickery's 'final' home game a success CIF Playoffs still to come for top-ranked Vaqueros By Bill Dickens © East County Sports.com LAKESIDE (5-16-12) — An unusually large crowd gathered at El Capitan High’s Hostetler Field for the Vaqueros final regular season senior day home game. Even Grossmont Union High School District Superintendent Ralf Swenson was on hand along with a dozen teachers as El Capitan mauled visiting Mount Miguel 12-3 in a Grossmont Valley League game. “That was pretty impressive to have that kind of support,” Vaqueros coach STEVE VICKERY said. “It’s pretty neat that all these people showed up to support our assistant coach JOE UNDEN and myself for 28 years of coaching.” Bottom line is El Capitan (26-5, 11-0 GVL) has won 28 league games in a row. This was Senior Day for the Vaqueros where the 12th graders shared recognition with Vickery and Unden. “It was really cool for me to be a part of this,” said Mount Miguel coach JASON BABINEAU. “I hope someday that I’ll be in the same position.” One of Babineau’s observations was that every time Vickery ran over to coach third base he drew a wave of applause. “For me, that’s something I would always want to happen,” Babineau noted. “But I know I have a long way to go.” El Capitan broke the game open with five runs in the 5th inning as ERIC LOZANO doubled in a run, CHUCK MOORMAN singled in a run and TROY CONYERS doubled in a run to stake the Vaqueros to a 5-run lead. An inning later JAVIER GONZALEZ ripped his second double of the game and scored on a base hit by Lozano. After back-to-back walks, CURREN FACER doubled in two runs. Mount Miguel challenged the Vaqueros in the 2nd inning on a double by DUSTIN BURKE, a single by FERNANDO DOMINGUEZ and a base hit by JACOB CASTILLO. In the 7th inning BRAD MORENO and JOSH IBARRA each drove in a run for the Matadors but it was much too late.

Granite Hills catcher CHARLIE ST. CLAIR has accepted a scholarship to Hendrix College in Conway, Ark., while West Hills pitcher BRIAN COMMERFORD has accepted an academic scholarship to the same Division III school.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-16-12) — In the final week of the regular season, Granite Hills High, in theory, doesn't have much to play for except keeping its momentum rolling toward a top four seed in the San Diego CIF Division I playoffs.

When the seeding meeting takes place this weekend there is no doubt that the level of competition and the tough schedule in the Grossmont Hills League will definitely be in the Eagles favor.

Having won 7 straight and nine of their last 10 games the final home game for the Eagles Tuesday (May 15) pitted them against neighborhood rival Valhalla , which was the last team to clip them and the entire Granite Hills coaching staff remains determined to keep the Eagles focused with the playoffs around the corner.

“We can't act like everything is already wrapped up for us,” said assistant coach MARCUS GILES, a Granite Hills alum and a former major league second baseman. “Baseball is a game where you can't just flip a switch – you have to be on a roll with some momentum. If we go into the playoffs on our heels we'll be going home early.”

CONNOR HOPKINS and ANTHONY MANUPELLA each collected two hits for the Norsemen (11-18, 4-10), but TRENTON BROOKS threw a five-hit shutout for the Eagles as they played the role of avengers with the 5-0 victory.

“I just went out there and tried to throw as many strikes as possible because good things happen when you throw strikes,” Brooks said of his 4th complete game while lowering his ERA to 1.69 for his junior season. “Our entire pitching staff has been doing pretty good lately and we're hitting well as a team so I think we are in a pretty good groove right now.”

Offensively the Eagles played pepper with the outfield gaps, collecting four doubles. DANIEL STARWALT started it with a two-bagger in his first at bat. JOSH ROSE followed in similar fashion to plate Starwalt and CHARLIE ST. CLAIR singled home Rose to take an early 2-0 lead after one inning.

DOUG BRANNVALL later had an RBI double. Sophomore JAYSON ROSE added another double, but according to his older brother he is still a little behind when it comes to swinging the stick.

— Andrew Smith

SANTANA 15, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 (5 inn.) – While the host Santana Sultans (10-13-2, 6-4-1 GVL) riddled El Cajon Valley in Tuesday’s (May 15) Grossmont Valley League encounter, the Braves (1-23, 0-12) closed out their season and Santana took a step closer to a second place showdown Thursday (May 17) at Mount Miguel.

This one was over after two innings as the Sultans built a 14-0 lead.

“We wanted to make sure our kids were not looking ahead,” said Santana assistant coach JEFF BARRY.

And so they weren’t. KYLE GASNER was 3-for-3 with a double and a two-run home run for Santana. BRIAN ASHWILL, ZACH COOK, CAMERON GARCIA, and BRIAN PARKER had two RBI apiece for the surging Sultans, who lost only one of their last eight games.

One of the ironies in this affair was neither team committed an error.

El Cajon Valley’s ABNER GARCIA was 1-for-2, maintaining his average at .509 (29-for-57) with 12 doubles.

HELIX 3, STEELE CANYON 2 – The Highlanders took a page from Houdini

as they held on to a Grossmont Hills League victory over visiting Steele Canyon in Tuesday’s (May 15) Grossmont Hills League collision.

The pivotal play came in the top of the 7th inning. In that frame, Steele Canyon ’s TAYLOR VUKOTICH walked, BERNIE ARIPEZ hit a line drive to right. DARYL BIBBS, Helix’s right-fielder fully laid out for the catch for the out, and then bounced to his feet to double off Vukotich at first.

“That was the play of the game,” Holland said.

Newfound hurler MARK YOUNG limited Steele Canyon to four hits and one earned run on his way to his fifth win in six decisions.

“Mark Young did an outstanding job on the mound,” Holland said. “He threw six innings and gave up four singles. He overcame horrendous offense approaches on our side. He pitched really well despite our offense being really bad.”

Helix picked up two runs on bases loaded walks to BRANDON LEWIS and GREG GARCIA in the 1st inning.

ROMELLO CARBUCCIA’s sacrifice fly drove in what proved to be the winning run in the 6th inning.

JON HAROLD pitched 5 2/3 innings of relief but his effort was too late after Cougars starter CASEY BALIKIAN gave up two runs in the first inning.

WEST HILLS 6, GROSSMONT 4 – In an effort to snap an 18-game losing streak, the Foothillers attempted to chase the so-called voodoo atmosphere away by making radical changes in their lineup.

Long time Grossmont scorekeeper BILL DUNNING (27 years) donned the Foothillers flannels and coached first base. Former Grossmont coach ROB PHILLIPS handled the scorebook.

The magical change did not work out as Grossmont (8-21, 0-14) suffered its 19th straight loss.

West Hills, which is hanging on the verge of a playoff spot, scored four runs in the 1st inning and never let go. GARRETT SCHILLING delivered the key RBI double to cap the 1st inning uprising.

Grossmont fought back in the bottom of the 1st on an RBI groundout by DEREK RUSTICH and an RBI double by HUNTER STRATTON.

With two outs in the 5th inning DJ LEWIS hit a double to right-center to score DALLAS SIEGEL. FRANK MELLO followed with a ground ball to third which hit off the fielder’s glove and rolled into left field.

As Lewis stole third he bumped the third baseman as he rounded the base, and on an attempted throw out at the plate to get Lewis, Grossmont was called for obstruction as Lewis scored.

“For us it was just big to win and move up to 16 (wins – the Pack is now 16-12) and get a good seed for the playoffs,” said Wolf Pack coach JASON FOWLER. “We are going to finish over .500 in league no matter what happens. Hopefully, we can keep some momentum going.”

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (5-15-12) — The one-time struggling Santana Sultans have turned into the streaking Santana Sultans heading into the final week of the regular season.

Santana (9-13-2, 5-4-1 GVL), which has lost only one of its last seven encounters, rode the one-hit pitching of BRIAN ASHWILL to a 4-1 victory over visiting Monte Vista in a Grossmont Valley League contest on Monday (May 14).

“I told our kids this is playoff time and we need to win every game from here on in,” Santana coach TIM BARRY said.

Ashwill surrendered a walk to ANDREW POIRIER who eventually scored on an RBI single by RICHIE BALAJADIA in the opening frame for Monte Vista (10-15, 5-6 GVL).

Santana did all of its scoring in the 4th inning. TYLER WEISS slashed a single and advanced to second on a walk to Ashwill. One out later TOMMY LOGAN walked to load the bases.

CODY CONNER clubbed a two-out double to left-center to drive in three runs for a Santana lead the Sultans would not lose.

The Monarchs have stumbled into a hitting drought, generating a mere one run and three hits in their last 14 turns at-bat.

“This was a huge win for us,” Barry said. “I don’t see how we could not make the playoffs.”

HELIX 10, GROSSMONT 1 – With the Grossmont Hills League championship out of reach, the Helix Highlanders decided to do some trial work on their pitching staff in Monday’s (May 14) GHL contest at Grossmont.

Senior right-hander BRANDON LEWIS, the Highlanders’ state championship quarterback, started and pitched two shutout innings. It was Lewis’ first work on the mound in three weeks.

Junior Varsity graduate JEREMIAH WYLIE picked up the slack and was overpowering in four innings of shutout relief. The sophomore right-hander allowed only two hits.

Lewis was the Highlanders’ top RBI man as he drove in three runs without benefit of a hit. That is, he lifted three scoring sacrifice flies, which is a bit on the unique side.

GEORGE CARCIA hit a solo home run for the Highlanders in the 2nd inning, while AUSTIN HOPWOOD drove in a second marker with a sacrifice fly to make it 5-0.

FRANKIE NUNEZ’ 2-run double made it 7-0 in the 3rd.

KACY SMITH singled in a run in the 4th inning and Lewis hit the second of his three sacrifice flies, making it 9-love. Just for good measure Lewis’ third sacrifice came in the 6th inning to complete the Helix scoring.

Grossmont denied the Highlanders a shutout with a solo home run by DEREK RUSTICH in the bottom of the 7th.

“We expected Wylie to pitch only 2, maybe 3 innings but he went four,” said Helix coach COLE HOLLAND. “We brought him up to give our (varsity) bullpen a rest, and he did that for us.

“As for Lewis, we’re just trying to get him ready for the playoffs so we limited his number of pitches and were pleased with the results.”

SCRIPPS RANCH 8, CHRISTIAN 7 – Junior Nick Vildibill filled the bill for host Scripps Ranch, which scored five runs in the bottom of the 7th inning to steal an 8-7 Eastern League victory over the Christian Patriots.

“We gave away another one,” Christian coach MIKE MITCHELL said.

Vildibill sealed the deal when he launched a bases loaded double over the center fielder’s head for the game winning blow.

An error, two walks and a passed ball added to Christian’s last inning collapse.

Christian’s fortunes took a turn for the worse in the 5th inning when the Patriots (14-14, 3-8 EL) starting pitcher KYLE HARRIS, aggravated a prior hamstring pull and left the game leading 5-1.

“That was the turning point right there,” Mitchell said. The Patriots bullpen was pushed around for 7 runs (all earned) and 6 hits by the Falcons (14-13, 4-6 EL).

The Patriots had snipped a 1-1 tie with four runs in the 5th. MICHAEL KAUFMAN, who cranked out an RBI double in the 1st frame, hoisted a sacrifice fly in the 5th, JOE ROSS then cleared the bases with a three-run double.

These same two teams close the regular season on Wednesday (May 16) at 3 p.m. in El Cajon.

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (5-13-12) — Mount Miguel High senior JUWUN McCRAY continued his ownership of the Monte Vista Monarchs by his dominance of the Grossmont Valley League rival Saturday (May 12).

The 6-foot-2, 150-pound right-hander fired a 2-hit shutout as the Matadors claimed a 4-0 victory to take a second place edge in the GVL with two games to play.

Mount Miguel scored all the runs it needed in the 4th inning as DOMINIC SAWYER slapped an RBI double and FRANCO LUNA singled in another run.

An inning later, the Matadors’ DUSTIN BURKE followed with an RBI groundout.

In the 6th inning Mount Miguel capitalized on two Monte Vista throwing errors.

“McCray pitched a gem,” said Matadors coach JASON BABINEAU. “Every start he’s made he’s gotten better.”

CESAR PRECIADO led Mount Miguel’s 6-hit attack with a pair of singles.

On the flip side, Monte Vista’s only hits were delivered by LUIS LEBRON’s single in the 2nd and base hit in the 6th.

The Patriots' Christian Meza (right) slides after a pitch went to the backstop, while Lincoln pitcher Ian Hardman covers home. (Photo by Nathan Price, youatplay.com) SEE THE COMPLETE SERIES OF PHOTOS OF THIS PLAY HERE

CHRISTIAN 13, LINCOLN 8 – Although they don’t keep official records for such things, host Christian outslugged visiting Lincoln in Saturday’s (May 12) championship game of the Christian Patriots Invitational exactly two months after it was scheduled.

In a tournament that began the first week of the season with the championship bout slated for Mar. 17, it took these teams two months to get together for the tournament finale two months later.

It paid off for Christian (14-13), which carved out a 10-0 lead through five innings and never looked back.

STEPHEN JOHNSTON pitched four shutout innings and batted 2-for-4 with three RBI as the Patriots punched out the Hornets (7-21-1).

Christian’s leadoff hitter SAM GUERRA continued his torrid hitting with a pair of doubles and a single in four at-bats in his second game at the top of the Patriots’ batting order.

TYLER LESLIE laced a two-run double in Christian’s 5-run 2nd inning. Guerra chipped in with a run-scoring single and Johnston crushed a two-run double.

Johnston added an RBI double in the 3rd frame.

Christian kept pecking away in the remaining frames to build a cushion despite a 6-run 7th frame by Lincoln.

WEST HILLS 7, VALHALLA 1 – Discounted the majority of the season, the West Hills Wolf Pack continue to prove that it can raise cane in the Grossmont Hills League pennant race.

With its back to the wall in Saturday’s (May 13) GHL contest the Wolf Pack (15-12, 9-6 GHL) broke loose for four runs in the 1st inning. RBI singles by MICHAEL CARLIN, STEWART FORRESTER and TY SOTELO keyed a 4-run 1st.

A sacrifice fly by Carlin made it 5-0 in the 2nd frame.

Valhalla scored its lone run in the 4th inning on a double by CONNOR HOPKINS and a wild pitch.

It didn’t matter though as the Wolf Pack countered with a crooked number in the bottom of the 4th. An RBI single by FRANK MELLO and a second sacrifice fly by Carlin closed out the scoring.

CAMERON HOWELL pitched a complete game 5-hitter with 9 strikeouts while rolling his season record to 4-2 for the Pack.

STEELE CANYON 7, GROSSMONT 1 – A pair of rookies dueled on the mound in Saturday’s (May 12) Grossmont Hills League encounter at Steele Canyon.

Give the nod to the Cougars sophomore southpaw ALEX VESIA, who scattered six hits in a complete varsity debut victory over the struggling Foothillers (8-19, 0-12).

Vesia needed 104 pitches to complete his outing. It took him only 63 pitches to get through the first five innings.

Steele Canyon (15-11, 8-5 GHL) snapped a 1-1 tie in the 4th inning on a double by FRANK CALIFANO and a base hit by TAYLOR VUKOTICH.

The Cougars broke the game open with 5 runs in the 5th inning. Steele Canyon loaded the bases on a single by NATE MURRAY, TANNER PERRY was hit by a pitch and COLE FLINT beat out a bunt. Califano then doubled in two runs. He and GARRETT GANDOLFO each drove in a run with a single and then executed the backend of a delayed double steal.

Vukotich closed the big inning with a sacrifice fly.

Grossmont avoided the shutout with a tally in the 3rd inning. NICK DALEY and ALEX ESTRADA singled and advanced 90 feet on a wild pitch. DEREK RUSTICH’s groundout plated Daley.

EL CAPITAN 24, EL CAJON VALLEY 1 (6 inn.) – A 15-run 6th inning turned Saturday’s (May 12) Grossmont Valley League game into a rout at El Cajon Valley.

Amazing things happen in games like this. It’s not so unusual that 16 players contribute to a 22-hit attack. But what junior JESSE BURNS did in a relief role was one for the books. The left fielder belted a pair of three-run home runs in the blow-out inning and finished 3-for-3 with 7 RBI.

JOHN BUTZ blasted a double and a triple for the top-ranked Vaqueros (25-5, 10-0 GVL).

ABNER GARCIA was 3-for-3 with a run scored for El Cajon Valley.

NOTES: El Capitan catcher CHUCK MOORMAN has signed a national letter of intent with Texas Tech.

Game action: Serra Q-Dawgs at Christian Patriots. (Photos by Frank Price, youatplay.com) VIEW / PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-12-12) — Senior SAM GUERRA has excelled in the Christian High soccer program while turning his back on the Patriots’ baseball program the past two years.

“Sitting out two baseball seasons hurt Sam’s development,” Christian coach MIKE MITCHELL said. “He is a soccer guy and overall a great athlete. Our guys have teased him all season about how he is a misfit. They didn’t mean it of course.”

Good thing. Guerra, who batted in the leadoff spot in Christian’s 5-4 Eastern League victory over visiting Serra on Friday (May 12), reached base in three of his four at-bats.

“When he first came out this year and saw people throwing 90 mph he didn’t want to face those guys,” Mitchell said. “But once I convinced him that they weren’t that hard to hit he was successful right from the start. He’s evolving into a pretty good baseball player.”

Guerra came up with the biggest hit of his career against the visiting Conquistadors with two outs in the bottom of the 6th, driving in JOE ROSS to make it 5-4 on a ground ball through the right side.

“I don’t think I’ve hit higher than 8th in the batting order before today,” said Guerra. “So yeah, hitting leadoff was strange. You have to take a completely different approach. You have to be far more patient and see what the pitcher has to offer. But you know, I feel pretty comfortable there.”

Christian “stopper” MICHAEL KAUFMAN came through with a powerful pitching performance to run his record to 6 wins and one loss. He allowed only three earned runs in a complete game effort.

“I had good velo on my fastball,” he said. “But more than that my four-seamer had a great tail to it.”

Christian will take a late break from its Eastern League schedule to host Lincoln for the Christian Patriots Invitational championship game on Saturday (May 12) at 11 a.m. on the Patriots diamond.

Talk about a delay... this final was slated for two months ago.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 2, LUTHERAN 1 (9 inn.) – The Foothills Christian Knights rode the strength of iron man ZACH TOMLIN to a key Citrus West League victory over Lutheran Friday (May 11) at Sweetwater High School.

The 6-foot-1, 150-pound right-hander needed only 107 pitches to log his East County leading 7th complete game while scattering 8 hits and posting a career-best 14 strikeouts.

“Tomlin threw an unbelievable game,” said Foothills coach DAVE LEWIS. “Every time he got into trouble is because we got him into trouble. But each time he found a way to escape.”

Tomlin saved his best Houdini act for last as he coaxed a game-ending pop-up with the based-loaded in the bottom of the 9th.

Defensively, Foothills Christian aided Tomlin by turning three double plays.

Tomlin was also Foothills’ top offensive weapon. He drove in a 1st inning run for the Knights (14-9, 4-3 CWL) with a single, scoring TREVOR TINNEY, who walked and stole second base.

Once again center stage for the Foothills Knights in the decisive 9th innings was Tomlin, who doubled and scored on a muffed ground ball hit by DANIEL LUCKETT.

DEREK BROWN accounted for nearly half of Foothills Christian’s hits with three singles in four at-bats.

Monte Vista centerfielder Joey Gonsalves goes full-extension for the baseball. (Photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com) VIEW/PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (5-11-12) — Head coach STEVE VICKERY’s El Capitan Vaqueros all but wrapped up a third straight Grossmont Valley League championship Thursday (May 10) by blanking visiting Santana, 9-0.

The top-ranked Vaqueros (24-5, 9-0) maintain a three-game lead over second-place Monte Vista (10-13, 5-4) with three games to play in the regular season. So the Vaqueros have assured themselves no less than a third straight GVL championship.

“Santana came into the game really hot and they really got our attention,” said Vickery. “We started off kind of slow pitching-wise by walking a couple of guys. The thing we have going for us is (four-year starter CHUCK) MOORMAN behind the plate. Everyone teaches you when you see dirt ball, go.

“But that usually doesn’t work against Moorman,” Vickery continued. “He throws a guy out and picks a guy off at first base and all of a sudden you can see the momentum swing away from them. These are some of the reasons why he is so valuable.”

Starting Vaqueros pitcher KEVIN GINKEL allowed only one hit through six innings while striking out seven to run his season record to 7-2.

MATT DE ROSIER completed the one-hit shutout by spinning a hitless 7th.

“I think this officially gives us the league title,” Vickery said. “I think now with Monte Vista, Santana and Mount Miguel each having four losses it officially gives us the league title with three games to go.

“My brother (the all-time girls basketball winningest coach in the SDCIF) WADE (VICKERY) used to tell me if you have a four-game lead with three to go, it’s pretty safe.”

ERIC LOZANO drove in two runs as did CURREN FACER as the Vaqueros posted their 9th straight win.

Santana’s only hit in the contest was a single by CAMERON GARCIA off Ginkel.

“Despite starting off slowly I knew I had to work ahead,” Ginkel said. “I was able to make them put the ball in play every time and our defense was there every time.”

GRANITE HILLS 10, GROSSMONT 3 – The Granite Hills Eagles pounded out 16 hits off of five Grossmont pitchers on Thursday (May 10) to move within one game of clinching its first Grossmont Hills League championship since 2007.

The No. 10 ranked Eagles (17-9, 10-2 GHL) rallied from a 3-1 deficit as they pounded out 16 hits in what turned out to be a lop-sided win and lowered Granite Hills’ magic number for a GHL championship to 1.

The Eagles need only to win one of their final three games to secure the championship outright.

“I don’t like to think about it that way,” Granite Hills coach JAMES DAVIS said. “All we want to focus on is games that we play.”

The Eagles overcame a 3-2 deficit against the visiting Foothillers with two runs in the 4th inning that erased that deficit.

Singles by JORDAN VERDON and ROBERT BOSTEDT set the table for JOSH ROSE’s 2-run single that staked Granite Hills to a 4-3 advantage.

The Eagles broke the game open in the 5th inning on RBI by SEAN WALKER, DANIEL STARWALT, Josh Rose and TRENTON BROOKS.

In the 6th inning Walker got hit by a pitch and DOUG BRANNVALL belted a 2-run homer to put the game out of reach.

Walker pitched 4 2/3 innings of shutout relief to earn his 5th win in seven decisions.

“Anytime you play in our league it’s not an off day,” said Davis. “Sure, Grossmont is struggling (16 straight losses), but they certainly aren’t rolling over. You have to earn it to beat them. They played us hard the whole game.”

MONTE VISTA 17, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 – KYLE BEDSOLE, GEORGE DENNY, MYCHAL LOPEZ and JUHA PRESTON combined over seven full innings to spin a 1-hit shutout at host El Cajon Valley in Thursday’s (May 10) Grossmont Valley League action.

BRANDON RUMLEY accounted for the Braves’ lone hit with a one-out single in the 2nd inning.

Bedsole pitched the first four innings and struck out 5 for the win. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound junior also slashed a bases-clearing triple and finished with four RBI for the contest.

PAUL O’CONNOR was 3-for-3 with a double, three runs and three RBI for Monte Vista (10-13, 5-4).

JOHN BALAJADIA and REILLY DIAZ also chipped in three hits apiece for the Monarchs, who totaled 18 as a team.

In the three-game sweep, the Monarchs mowed down the Braves by a composite 66-4.

“It was good to get some other guys time in (playing),” said Monarchs coach CHAD WILLIAMS. “ El Cajon did a good job of competing. They are definitely better than they were before when we played them and they seemed to be in the game the whole time.”

© East County Sports.com
TIERRASANTA (5-10-12) — “Just plain awful.”

That’s how Christian High baseball coach MIKE MITCHELL described his Patriots’ performance in Tuesday’s (May 9) 13-1 Eastern League loss to host Serra.

Taking it from the top (or is that the bottom) the Patriots committed seven errors, issued eight walks and surrendered 8 hits. Eight of the Conquistadors runs were unearned.

“We kinda just phoned this one in,” Mitchell said.

Seven Serra runs scored on either a walk or an error.

“We walked the first batter in each of the first four innings,” Mitchell noted. “We walked the first two batters in each of the first two innings. Kinda hard to defend that.”

Christian (12-13, 2-7 EL) avoided a shutout in the 6th inning when AJ GREGORVIC doubled and scored on an error.

“We’ve struggled for a combination of reasons, but this was just one of those days,” Mitchell said.

VISTA-CALVARY CHRISTIAN 14, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 0 – No further information provided for this Citrus West League game.

Monte Vista's John Balajadia dives back to the bag while Santana first baseman Tim Huson waits for the baseball to arrive. The Sultans won, 5-4. (Photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com) VIEW/PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Cougars nip Valhalla to remain in contention By Bill Dickens © East County Sports.com EL CAJON (5-9-12) — In a battle of survival for contention in the Grossmont Hills League pennant race, Steele Canyon kept its hopes alive by knocking off upset-minded Valhalla, 8-7, in Tuesday’s (May 8) GHL encounter. Versatile FRANK CALIFANO didn’t roll up any big numbers but came through with the key markers as the Cougars (13-10, 7-4 GHL) edged the Norsemen for the win. Not only did Califano break a 7-7 tie in the 7th inning with a base hit to right field, he also pitched two shutout innings in relief to collect his 4th win in seven decisions. Califano began the game as the Cougars designated hitter before he was summoned to the mound in the 6th inning. “When you’re the designated hitter you mainly just focus on the other team’s pitchers,” Califano noted. “Sure you’d like to be on the field, but that’s your job and you do your job.” There is a bit of irony here as Califano said the pitch that he drove in pinch runner ERNIE FLINT in the final frame was a changeup. On the flip side, as a pitcher Califano said his off-speed stuff was his best, primarily the changeup, which was his out pitch. “This was a key win for us, because we’re not just trying to make the playoffs, we’re trying to win league,” he said. Sophomore shortstop TANNER PERRY carried the torch for the Steele Canyon offense as he went 3-for-3 with 4 RBI. Perry’s key blow was a 3-run double in the 6th inning that gave the Cougars a 7-6 advantage. “All I was trying to do was hit the ball up the middle,” Perry said. “I was thinking fastball but the guy threw me a changeup. Once I saw it go over his head I knew it was gonna be big.” Perry noted that Steele Canyon’s victory was pivotal in the Cougars’ surge for the GHL title. “This is probably the biggest game of our season so far,” he said. “If we lost this one, we would probably be out of the race.” Cougars coach TODD SNYDER agreed. “We have to win out,” Snyder said. “And hope for some help if we’re gonna win league.” Valhalla catcher DAVID CASTILLO had a pair of run-scoring singles. Four errors led to the Norsemen coming up short as only three of Steele Canyon’s runs were earned.

Santana starting pitcher Brian Ashwill (Photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com) VIEW/PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (5-9-12) — With the regular season winding down in the Grossmont Hills League, everyone came into Tuesday's (May 8) action chasing the Granite Hills Eagles, who are looking to capture their first league title since 2007.

The Eagles own a 1½ game lead which was built without the services of senior DOUG BRANNVALL during the last 2½ weeks. Not only is the senior a top-notch defender at third base, but he can shut teams down on the mound, and totes one of the most powerful bats in East County. Granite Hills is finally getting Brannvall back onto the field.

Traveling to take on West Hills with a full, healthy lineup for the first time in a while, the Eagles showed just how deep they are by devouring the Wolf Pack for 18 hits and eventually beating them for the third time this season, 13-6.

“We've been swinging the bats pretty good lately,” said head coach JAMES DAVIS. “It's good to finally have Dougie back though and it was just an overall great game for us.”

In his return to action Brannvall smashed a pair of RBI singles, stole a base, scored two runs and made a couple of incredible plays in the field. It was a bonus for Granite Hills (16-9, 9-2 GVL) as the Eagles had the game in complete control from the get go.

On the fourth pitch of the game ROBERT BOSTEDT slashed the first of eight Eagles' singles in the opening frame, in fact their entire 1-through-9 safely singled with the exception of a CHARLIE ST. CLAIR sacrifice fly and the rout was on.

“My job is to get things going for us and just try to get on base,” Bostedt said after finishing the day 3-of-4 and scoring twice. “I can't remember the last time we had so much success in one inning without an extra-base hit, but it was fun to watch and be a part of.”

The Eagles tacked on three more in the 3rd thanks to run-scoring singles by Bostedt, Brannvall and DANIEL STARWALT. Sloppy defense in the 4th allowed them to break the game open 11-1 and even when starters were rested the fun didn't stop.

Overall seven different players had at least two hits for Granite Hills and nine players recorded an RBI, including sophomore JUSTIN MITCHELL who came in to take over for Starwalt at first base and plated his first two RBI of the season on a pair of singles.

“I was really just looking for a good pitch to hit,” Mitchell said. “This whole pennant race is fun and it feels really good because I just want to help our team win and be the best we can be. We just have to play every game like it's our last.”

West Hills (13-12, 5-6 GVL) made things interesting in the 4th with a five-run frame. STEWART FORRESTER provided the spark with his first home run of the season on a solo shot to right. A couple of hit batsmen later FRANK MELLO notched an RBI single and HAYDEN SCHILLING plated two more with a single, but it really was too little, too late.

“I obviously didn't have my best stuff today,” Eagles' pitcher TRENTON BROOKS admitted after seeing his record improve to 5-1 while registering 6 strikeouts. “But when you have an offense that can go to work like this behind you it's not always needed. Sometimes when you have a 10 run lead in your back pocket the hardest thing to do is stay focused, but I just buckled down.”

With four games remaining on the regular-season schedule Granite Hills holds its own destiny to capture the vaunted GHL crown, but it looks as though those teams chasing are going to find a hard time getting by the now healthy flock of Eagles.

— Andrew Smith

It was a nifty come-from-behind job by Santana (8-12-2, 4-3-1), which has posted half of its wins and a tie in the late innings.

After Santana took a 1-0 edge in the 1st inning as TYLER BROWNING singled, stole second and scored on a double by KYLE GASNER, Monte Vista (9-13, 4-4 GVL) scored three in the second inning.

MYCHAL LOPEZ singled and moved up 90 feet when ANDREW POIRIER was hit by a pitch. JOEY GONSALVES doubled to right field scoring Lopez with the tying run. Poirier scored on a wild pitch and Gonsalves eventually cruised home on JOHN BALAJADIA’s sacrifice fly.

The Monarchs might have had a bigger outbreak in the 3rd had one of its runners not been called out for leaving second base too early on a fly ball tag. PAUL O’CONNOR doubled and then tagged up from 2nd to go third on the very next play when CARLOS GUERRERO flew out to right field. Right fielder ZACH COOK proceeded to throw it to third base in an effort to nail O’Connor. But the throw got away from Santana third baseman CAMERON GARCIA and O’Connor scored.

But wait a minute...

When Santana retrieved the ball and decided to throw it to second base to appeal that O’Connor left prematurely, the base umpire called O’Conner out for leaving early.

That call caused a ruckus on the Monte Vista side of the field.

The Monarchs’ first base coach was ejected and left the facility. Everyone was up in arms because it was such a bang bang play. Parents went crazy and everyone was chirping on both sides.

The players in the dugout for the Sultans informed Santana coaches TIM and JEFF BARRY that they thought the runner didn’t tag up properly. The coaches followed the lead of the players and it was probably the difference in the game.

“That is one of those 50-50 deals that rarely is upheld,” said assistant coach Jeff Barry said. “We were fortunate to have the call go our way.”

After a shaky start, Santana’s BRIAN ASHWILL pitched a complete victory for the Sultans for his third win in seven decisions.

HELIX 5, GROSSMONT 4 (10 inn.) – The woes continued for the Grossmont Foothillers who suffered a school record 15th straight loss in Tuesday’s (May 8) Grossmont Hills League encounter at Helix.

The Highlanders (16-8, 7-3 GHL) maintained their grip on second place as they overcame a 4-1 deficit to continue the Foothillers downward spiral.

Helix pushed across the deciding run in the 10th inning. DARYL BIBBS walked and KACY SMITH followed with his fourth hit of the game. The runners moved up on a wild pitch. Two outs later BRANDON LEWIS was intentionally walked to load the bases.

It appeared that the Highlanders had won the game when FRANKIE NUNEZ was hit by a pitch. The umpire said that Nunez did not try to avoid the pitch, which is not a rule, so the game continued.

One pitch later Nunez singled to left to score Bibbs with the winning run.

“This was a tough game to win,” said Helix coach COLE HOLLAND, who noted that the Highlanders left 16 runners on base.

Helix left the bases loaded in the 7th inning, had runners on second and third with nobody out and failed to score, and wasted a leadoff double in the 9th before finally finding the victory formula.

Helix starting pitcher MARK YOUNG allowed only one earned run in seven innings. Reliever ALEX BRITSCHGI retired all nine batters he faced in three innings of relief to pick up the win.

After Helix took a 1-0 lead on an RBI single by Smith, Grossmont scored the next four runs thanks greatly to three Helix errors.

The Highlanders fought back in the 3rd inning on an RBI single by BRANDON LEWIS. The Scotties tied the game in the 5th on an RBI single by RORY WAGNER and DIEGO REYNOSO got hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to tie the game 4-4.

“I can’t complain because the kids are trying and playing hard,” said Grossmont coach JIM EARLEY. “There’s been a lot of positives and the future of this ballclub is tremendous.”

NICO MAIDA and HUNTER STRATTON had two hits apiece for Grossmont.

MOUNT MIGUEL 21, EL CAJON VALLEY 3 (5 inn.) – The visiting Matadors (12-8-2, 4-4-1 GVL) put together a pair of 10-run innings to rock El Cajon Valley in a Grossmont Valley League contest.

All 14 Matadors who batted contributed to a 19-hit attack. JOHNNY WRIGHT was 2-for-2 with three RBI to lead the parade.

RAUL ORTIZ pitched all five innings to log the win for Mount Miguel.

“It’s the beginning of our third time around the GVL schedule,” said Matadors coach JASON BABINEAU, “and I hope it helps build momentum for our final regular season games so we are able to finish strong.”

El Capitan third baseman Eric Lozano.

El Capitan catcher Chuck Moorman.

El Capitan pitcher Troy Conyers yielded a single to open Saturday's game with Monte Vista, then tossed seven no-hit innings to equal a Vaqueros record for shutouts (5) in a single season. (Photos by Frank Price, youatplay.com) VIEW/PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (5-6-12) — Monte Vista High senior leadoff man JOHN BALAJADIA smacked the fifth pitch of Saturday’s (May 5) Grossmont Valley League game from El Capitan ace TROY CONYERS down the left field line for a single.

That hit was the extent of the Monte Vista offense as Conyers logged his fifth shutout and sixth complete game in the Vaqueros 3-0 victory.

“I didn’t even realize he had thrown a one-hitter until I started doing the stats after the game,” El Capitan coach STEVE VICKERY said.

The shutout tied an El Capitan season record shared by DAVE VARVEL (1961), JEFF BYRD (1974) and MATT LA CHAPPA (1993).

“That’s a pretty impressive group,” Vickery said of Conyers, who also struck out 11. At one stretch from one out in the third inning through the fifth he fanned eight in a row. He struck out every Monarchs starter except John Balajadia.

“There is no book on what hitters should be looking for when facing Conyers,” Vickery continued. “He’s definitely not all fastball. He stays around 85-to-88 mph, but can touch 90. He knows how to pace himself and when to dial it up when he needs to.”

Vickery rates the changeup as Conyers’ best pitch.

“He’s also working on a late-breaking slider that is going to be a great pitch for him.”

El Capitan scored the only run it would need in the 1st inning. ERIC LOZANO singled, stole second and scored on a 2-out single to left-center by Conyers.

In the 3rd inning JOHN BUTZ doubled off the left-field fence, advanced to third on one of JAVIER GONZALEZ’ two singles and scored when Lozano hit into a force play.

El Capitan (23-5, 8-0 GVL) scored the final run of the game in the 4th inning without benefit of a hit. CURREN FACER walked, stole second and eventually scored on a SPENCER NIELSEN sacrifice fly.

Monte Vista (9-12, 4-3 GVL) maintained its hold on second place.

SANTANA 8, MOUNT MIGUEL 0 – Santana High coach TIM BARRY was further upset with the Grossmont Conference ruling where tie games are not played to the finish once they are halted by darkness or rain.

That was after the Sultans blanked visiting Mount Miguel, 8-0, in a Grossmont Valley League encounter Saturday (May 5) in Santee.

Earlier in the week these teams battled to 6-6 tie in a game halted after 11 innings by darkness. Both Barry and Mount Miguel coach JASON BABINEAU believed it was a suspended game that would resume at a later date.

The Grossmont Conference yellow (rule) book does not allow baseball or softball tie games to be played off. No exceptions.

“That’s just not right,” Barry said. “We’ve got to change that rule. I don’t want to miss the playoffs because of a tie that wasn’t played off. I know coach Babineau feels the same way.”

Had the tie game been allowed to continue on Saturday, Santana would have won since the Sultans scored 2 runs in the 1st inning.

“Gosh, we could have won a double-header,” Barry said.

Sloppy fielding by Mount Miguel (11-8-2, 3, 4-1 GVL) in the first two innings handed Santana (7-12-3-3-1 GVL) a 4-0 lead.

ALAN STRONG and ZACH COOK combined to shutout Mount Miguel on 7 hits. Strong picked up his 2nd win in four decisions. Only four of the runs allowed by Santana were earned but it was more than enough.

JUWUN McCRAY was sabotaged by his defense as he allowed two earned runs in four innings while striking out seven for the Matadors.

“McCray is one of the better pitchers we’ve faced,” Barry said. “He has a devastating curveball.”

Babineau agreed that McCray deserved a better fate.

“He pitched really well but didn’t have any help,” the coach said.

BRIAN ASHWILL led Santana’s attack with a single, a double and 3 RBI. Ashwill supplied the knockout blows as he singled in two runs in the 4th and doubled in another run in the 6th.

“I told our kids if we want to make the playoffs we need to win games like this,” Barry said. “We’ve played a lot of tight games that we didn’t win early in the year. Moral victories don’t do a whole lot for your confidence. Beating a Division III team like Mount Miguel will do a lot more for us.”

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-5-12) — GrossmontHigh was one inning away from snapping a 13-game losing streak in Thursday’s (May 4) Grossmont Hills League battle with crosstown rival Helix. The Foothillers led 9-7 entering the top of the 7th.

Helix erupted for three runs in the top of the 7th to steal a 10-9 victory vaulting the Highlanders into second place in the GHL.

Due to a previous game ejection to Helix coach COLE HOLLAND, which forced him to sit out of Thursday’s game, assistant BRIAN SCHROEDER took the reins and managed Thursday’s maze.

“I gave them full range,” Holland said. “My coaches did it all…lineup cards... made all the right moves... showed the comeback that we are capable of doing.”

“I thought my assistant coaches did a great job,” Holland said. “They made all the right moves.”

GEORGE GARCIA slapped the game-winning single after RAY PETERSON’s two-run base hit tied the game.

GRANITE HILLS 5, WEST HILLS 1 – Coach JAMES DAVIS was puzzled just who he would pitch in Friday’s (May 4) Grossmont Hills League contest.

So he went to JAYSON ROSE, which was a wise move in Friday’s (May 4) Grossmont Hills League contest as the sophomore allowed one run and 5 hits in five innings in six innings.

“I haven’t pitched more than three innings in a game before this,” he said. “Yeah I got tired down the stretch.”

“He has good stuff, kept the ball down and we know we are going to need him in the future,” Davis said of Rose.

JORDAN VERDON slashed a two-run single for a 2-0 lead in the 2nd inning. JOSH ROSE cashed in a run on a sacrifice fly ball by Charlie St. Clair in the 3rd.

STEELE CANYON 11, VALHALLA 5 – Host Steele Canyon ganged up on visiting Valhalla in Friday’s (May 4) Grossmont Hills League encounter. The Cougars, who had won their first five league games, had suddenly lost four in a row before tangling with the Norsemen on Friday in Rancho San Diego.

It looked like it was going to be a breeze for Steele Canyon (12-10, 6-4 GHL) as the Cougars clawed their way to an 11-2 lead after four innings.

The Cougars pounded out 13 hits and scored all 11 of their runs in the first four innings. Steele Canyon forged in front on MICHAEL RANDEL’s RBI single in the opening frame.

In the 2nd inning when the Cougars scored four runs TANNER PERRY singled in a run and scored on a wild pitch. FRANK CALIFANO added an RBI double.

In the bottom of the 3rd the Cougars loaded the bases on singles by BERNIE ARIPEZ, MACKEY BOWERS and a walk to Perrry. With two outs GARRETT GANDOLFO lined a single to left field to score two runs to make it 7-1.

Steele Canyon broke the game open in the 4th. Califano and Aripez singled. Bowers then slashed an RBI single and he and Aripez moved up on an error in the Valhalla outfield. It didn’t matter though, as NATHAN MURRAY – the No. 9 hitter – hammered a 3-run homer just inside the right field foul pole to turn the game into a blowout.

Valhalla was forced to play catch-up from the first pitch.

JORDAN QSAR was 1-for-3 with a double and 2 RBI for the Norsemen. Shortstop RAMSEY ROMANO was 2-for-4 with an RBI, and KYLE McBRIDE and ANTHONY MANUPELLA each also had an RBI for Valhalla.

MIRA MESA 2, CHRISTIAN 0 – Head coach MIKE MITCHELL never knows what to expect from his Christian High Patriots. Case in point was Friday’s (May 4)

Eastern League clash against first place and No. 8 ranked Mira Mesa.

Clearly the class of the Eastern League, the Marauders (19-4, 7-0) scored all the runs they needed with a pair in the 5th as they held on to deny the Patriots’ (12-12, 2-6) upset bid.

Jake Newberry (5-1) and Neiko Yribe (4th save) combined to blank the Patriots on six hits.

“It was a good game. Mira Mesa is a Top 10 team in the county – l9-4,” Mitchell said. “We had guys on base the whole game but the only time we actually went 1-2-3 was in the 7th inning. We played without KYLE HARRIS, who is out with a pulled hamstring.

“Newberry is a really good pitcher. He got strikeouts when he needed them. We had a guy thrown out at the plate.”

The hard luck pitchers for the Patriots were NICK JARVIS and ROBERT SCHMIDT, who scattered 7 hits.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 2, EL CAJON VALLEY 1 – Foothills Christian annually honors its senior baseball class at the final home game of the regular season. It was a brief ceremony on Friday (May 4) at Sportsplex USA in Santee.

DEREK BROWN, the Knights lone senior, was also the key component in Foothills Christian come-from-behind non-league nod over the struggling Braves.

El Cajon Valley’s BRANDON RUMLEY launched a lead-off home run in the top of the 7th to knot the count at 1-1.

But the Braves did not have an answer for Brown, who followed walks to ZACH TOMLIN and RYAN QUINN with a game-winning double in the bottom of the 7th.

“This was our last “home” game and it’s our tradition to honor our seniors at our last home game,” Knights coach DAVE LEWIS said. “Brown is our only senior and he went 3-for-4. It was a good game for him.”

An RBI single by DANIEL LUCKETT staked Foothills Christian to a 1-0 lead in the 1st inning against El Cajon Valley, which behind the pitching of ABNER GARCIA maintained that margin to 1-0 through six innings. ERIC CANNON was matching zeroes for Foothills.

“Cannon pitched a great game. We made a couple of errors and he got out of trouble. He only threw 80 pitches,” Lewis said of Cannon, who struck out 12.

ABNER GARCIA was the hard luck loser for El Cajon Valley, scattering eight hits while striking out seven.

Helix High pitcher Elijah Varella. (Photo by Frank Price) VIEW/PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
Starwalt is a rock for Granite Hills By Bill Dickens © East County Sports.com EL CAJON (5-4-12) — Granite Hills High senior DANIEL STARWALT has been tabbed as one of the county's premier high school pitchers this season. The 6-foot-3, 211-pound right-hander, who missed the majority of last season with an L3 vertebrae stress fracture, continues to make an impact on the mound for the Eagles. “I don’t know for sure, but I’m probably about 60-plus percent (well),” said Starwalt, who struck out four and did not allow an earned run in his fourth complete game and a 2-1 victory over Grossmont Hills League rival Steele Canyon on Thursday (May 3) at Granite Hills. Velocity is one of Starwalt’s strengths but he hasn’t reached his maximum. In his games this year he’s been hitting at about 86 mph but has topped out at 89. A year ago when he was at full strength Starwalt hit 94 mph. What worries him now is whether the scouts think he can do it again. “It’s taken me nine or 10 months to get back close to where I was,” he said. “I feel like things are starting to go my way. I had a lot of mechanical issues but I think I’m getting to where I used to be,” said the Stanford University bound Starwalt. An RBI single by Starwalt tied the game 1-1 in the 5th inning, which proved to be the winning run. Starwalt was 2-for-3, while ROBERT BOSTEDT had a basehit and a walk and scored in the 1st inning. NOAH CUMMINGS had a one-out single and eventually scored on an error for the winning run. That wasted the complete game pitching performance of the Cougars’ FRANK CALIFANO, who allowed one earned run and struck out eight in a complete game performance.

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (5-4-12) — Ever since the inception of the Grossmont Valley League in 2010, it has been dominated by the El Capitan Vaqueros. They have compiled a 29-1 record and won the first two GVL titles, but when they took the trip to Spring Valley on Thursday (May 5) to face off with the second-place Monte Vista Monarchs, they found themselves in an absolute dogfight.

The Monarchs proved they could go toe-to-toe with the heavyweight champs, swinging haymakers for the knockout from every angle. But when they connected the Vaqueros countered with even bigger blows and when the bell finally rang in the last round El Capitan (22-5, 7-0 GVL) had escaped with a 2-1 win.

For the first 5 innings, Monte Vista (9-11, 4-2 GVL), behind junior ace PAUL O' CONNOR, sparred with the Vaqueros allowing no runs and when the biggest threat presented itself in the 3rd inning right fielder TOMMY POIRIER mowed down a runner at the plate to preserve the Monarchs 1-0 lead.

In the top of the 6th El Capitan was looking up at the scoreboard in very unfamiliar territory to play a GVL catch-up. Not only were the Vaqueros losing, but an offense that came in averaging 12.5 runs per game in league play had yet to score a single run until ERIC LOZANO smashed a solo home run to right to knot the game up at 1-apiece.

“You could tell everyone really wanted to win this game,” Lozano said. “It was such a big deal we were both just going at it and I just got a good fastball to hit and went with it.”

CURREN FACER later singled that inning, swiped second base, and took third on a passed ball. He eventually scored when designated hitter JESSE BURNS ripped a double down the third baseline for the eventual game-winning RBI. He finished the day 2-for-3 at the plate, matching the numbers Lozano and USD bound TROY CONYERS put in the box score.

SHANE COLEMAN improved his record to 6-1 for the No. 3 Vaqueros by scattering five hits while allowing the lone unearned run. On the wrong side of the winning score late in the game he had the mindset that nothing short of flawless would keep them in it.

“At that point I knew I couldn't make one mistake,” said the senior southpaw. “CHUCK MOORMAN always calls a great game for me and my defense really saved the game for me with CODY REILLY out in left field making those two huge plays.”

What Coleman was referring to was the two outfield assists Reilly made to throw a pair of runners out at home. JOHN BALAJADIA went 2-for-3, but was the first victim after leading the game off with a double only to be punched out on an O'Connor deep fly ball to left in which he tried to tag up.

The latter turned out to be the play of the game with Monte Vista down one. RICHIE BALAJADIA singled to left and JOEY GONSALVES raced around third and appeared to beat the throw, but the Monarchs were denied the call.

“It's actually really simple,” Reilly said of the throws. “I saw the runners going, kept the ball in front of me and let it fly. It just feels really good to be part of such a great win for our team.”

In his final season as skipper STEVE VICKERY and El Cap now have a 23-game GVL winning streak and the Vaqueros’ magic number is narrowed to 4 to clinch their 3rd straight league title.

All of Reilly’s praise after that went to the Rick Ankiel-like gun he had going for him in left.

“If either of those throws go offline just a little bit, we don't make those plays and we're talking about an entirely different ball game,” Reilly said.

— Andrew Smith

West Hills second baseman Dallas Siegel. (Photo by Nathan Price, youatplay.com) VIEW/PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Wolf Pack senior right-hander BRANDON DELANEY pitched a complete game 4-hitter for his 7th win in nine decisions as West Hills smothered Helix 5-1 in Thursday’s (May 3) GHL contest.

The 6-foot-2, 170-pound Delaney rationed the Highlanders to four hits and one run.

“Delaney’s our guy,” said Fowler. “Whenever he’s on the mound myself and my kids are very confident. He’s a leader who knows how to deliver.”

The Wolf Pack (13-10, 5-4 GHL) scored two runs in the 1st inning. Back-to-back singles by FRANK MELLO and HAYDEN SCHILLING along with a walk to MICHAEL CARLIN loaded the bases. STEWART FORRESTER then hit into a force play and added a second run on an error.

Singles by ALEX PARSONS, GARRETT SCHILLING and DJ LEWIS extended West Hills lead to 3-0 in the 4th inning.

Helix fought back on a double by ROMELLO CARBUCCIA and a single by AUSTIN HOPWOOD in the 5th inning.

An RBI ground out by West Hills’ DJ Lewis made it 4-1 in the 6th inning.

In the 7th inning a throwing error by Helix handed the Pack an insurance run.

Mello was 3-for-4 in the leadoff spot for West Hills.

VALHALLA 6, GROSSMONT 4 – The suffering continued for the Grossmont Foothillers, whose rally fell short in Thursday’s (May 3) Grossmont Hills League comeback bid against visiting Valhalla that led to the Hillers’ 13th consecutive loss.

Hampered by an injured starting pitching staff, Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON reached deeper into his bag of tricks and came up with a winning combination. Junior CONOR HOPKINS, normally a starting outfielder, began the Valhalla march to the mound and delivered three innings of 2-hit shutout pitching.

Reliever JAKE MITICH blanked the Hillers in the 4th to protect a 2-0 Valhalla advantage.

Bottom line, though, was RAMSEY ROMANO, who posted a complete game victory as a starter, came on to retire the final two batters to log his 5th save.

Valhalla (11-13, 4-5 GHL) took a 1-0 lead on AUSTIN HENSLEY’s second home run of season in the 1st inning. The Norsemen doubled their advantage when he was hit by a pitch, scampered to third on a single by Hensley and scored on KYLE McBRIDE’s fly ball.

Three walks and a bunt single allowed Valhalla to make it 3-0 in the 5th inning.

Both teams scored three runs in the 7th inning.

Grossmont received clutch relief from TYLER STOOP, who pitched two shutout innings while striking out three.

The Foothillers belated comeback included a two-run single by NOEL BUCHANAN in the bottom of the 7th.

“We were fortunate to win this one because we left a small village on base – 7 guys in scoring position,” Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON said. “JIM EARLEY is a good coach, but his team is in transition. They’ve had some issues trying to find their spot. We as coaches have all been there at some point in our careers. Right now it is just a matter of overcoming a bunch of turmoil.”

Santana looked like it was going to be a runaway as the Sultans took a 5-0 lead into the bottom of the 3rd inning. The Sultans started fast as TYLER WEISS singled and scored on a double by BRIAN ASHWILL in the opening frame. KYLE GASNER plated Ashwill with a sacrifice fly to make it 2-0.

In the 3rd inning Santana (6-12-1, 2-3-1 GVL) pulled away with three tallies. Weiss singled and stole second. Ashwill was hit by a pitch and Gasner singled to load the bases. CODY CONNER was hit by a pitch, scoring Weiss. TOMMY LOGAN followed with an RBI single. TIM HUSON walked with the bases loaded to make it 5-0.

Mount Miguel (11-8-1, 3-3-1 GVL) fought back with three runs in the bottom of the 3rd. BRAD MORENO doubled, advanced to third on a fly ball out by DOMINIC SAWYER and scored on a single by JUWUN McCRAY. DUSTIN BURKE then doubled to put runners at second and third. A throwing error by the Sultans allowed Moreno and McCray to score. There was some controversy on a ground ball hit by FRANCO LUNA, as he plowed over Santana first baseman Huson on the play, while both runners scored.

Santana appealed the call but the umpire insisted that Luna had tried to get out of the way, which didn’t set well with Sultans’ coach TIM BARRY.

Mount Miguel drew closer with single runs in the 5th and 6th innings. Burke homered in the 5th over the left-field fence on a ball that rolled into the parking lot. The Matadors added a run in the 6th inning as Sawyer rapped an RBI single in the bottom of the frame to make it 6-5.

In the bottom of the 7th Mount Miguel turned the game into overtime. JOSH IBARRA’s two-out single scored JACOB CASTILLO to tie it up.

The game would continue for four more scoreless innings before the game was called because of darkness. The game will be recorded as a tie in the Grossmont Valley League race.

Mount Miguel reliever Moreno pitched 10 innings and allowed four runs while striking out eight.

"We have battled all year long and I am not surprised we were able to come back and tie the score,” said Matadors coach JASON BABINEAU. “I am very proud of my team the way we battled adversity and were able to score with 2 outs to tie the score. Brad did a phenomenal job of keeping us in the game by battling every single inning."

Said Santana coach TIM BARRY, “It was a great ball game. McCray is a really good pitcher and we were able to knock him out early on, and Moreno came in and did a great job.

“We battled but we just couldn't seem to get that little knock with the bases loaded in the second and third. I credit them with great defense. I told the guys there is nothing to feel bad about because these are two teams that are vying to make at least some noise in the league and challenge Monte Vista for second place and get into the playoffs.”

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-3-12) — Just the fact that Mira Mesa High is the top-ranked unit in the Eastern League figured to make for tough going for the host Christian High Patriots on Wednesday (May 2) afternoon.

But the Patriots (12-11, 2-5 EL) made things a little easier for the No. 8-ranked Marauders by issuing 12 walks in addition to surrendering 11 hits, losing 9-4.

“You can’t give away free passes like that and expect to beat hardly anybody,” Christian coach MIKE MITCHELL. “Do it against a team the quality of Mira Mesa and you’re sunk.”

However, the Patriots were tied with the Marauders (18-4, 7-0 EL) at 3-3 after five innings. After scoring an unearned run on an error in the 1st inning, Christian pushed across two markers in the bottom of the 5th to create the deadlock.

The Patriots loaded the bases on singles by KALE SIMPSON, STEPHEN JOHNSTON and KYLE HARRIS with one out in the 5th. With two outs, NICK JARVIS laced a two-run single to pull the Pats even.

Mira Mesa answered back with 4 markers in the 6th to all but decide the verdict. The key blow was a two-run homer by Jake Newberry.

GUAJOME PARK 3, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 2 – The Knights of Foothills Christian slipped into third place in the Citrus West League Wednesday (May 2) after succumbing to the visiting Frogs at Sportsplex USA in Santee,

Foothills (12-8, 3-2 CWL) took a 1-0 edge in the 2nd inning. RYAN QUINN walked. ERIC CANNON doubled and the Guajome Park center fielder threw the relay into the dugout allowing Quinn to score.

Trailing 3-1 entering the bottom of the 7th, Foothills Christian launched a belated comeback as DANIEL LUCKETT doubled. He advanced to second base on a groundout by Quinn and scored on DEREK BROWN’s bunt.

Foothills Christian’s ZACH TOMLIN allowed only one earned run but was tagged with his 5th loss in nine decisions despite logging his 6th complete game.

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (5-2-12) — A pair of defensive gems helped the visiting Granite Hills Eagles slip past host Steele Canyon, 7-5 in 9 innings, Tuesday (May 1) to take a half-game lead in the Grossmont Hills League.

Twice in the late innings, Steele Canyon had a golden opportunity to send the Eagles packing. With the score tied 5-5 in the bottom of the 7th inning, the Cougars had the potential winning run cut down at the plate when center fielder TRENTON BROOKS fired a strike to catcher CHARLIE ST. CLAIR to send the game into overtime.

One inning later, the Cougars again saw the third out made on the bases. A batted ball ricocheted off winning pitcher SEAN WALKER. The jam shot trickled over to second baseman TYLER VINTON, who scooped and fired to St. Clair to erase another Steele Canyon runner at the dish.

“When you consider we made four or five errors, hammered out 15 hits and left 13 runners on base, it’s amazing we got out of here with a win,” Granite Hills coach JAMES DAVIS said.

The ringleader in the Granite Hills (13-9, 6-2) victory that nudged the Eagles a smidgeon above Helix was Walker.

“Sean is the most non-assuming player you’re going to see,” Davis said. “He’s done amazing things for us. He gets key hits. As a pitcher, he is not a hard thrower, but knows how to hit his spots.”

Granite Hills snapped the 5-5 deadlock with a pair of runs in the 9th inning.

Back-to-back walks to JOSH ROSE and Brooks set the stage for St. Clair’s sacrifice bunt.

Walker followed with a two-run single to left to send the Eagles flying high.

Steele Canyon took a 4-1 lead in the 2nd inning. With one out MACKEY BOWERS walked, CHRIS ROSS and TANNER PERRY singled to tie the game 1-1. COLE FLINT singled to load the bases. MICHAEL RANDEL slashed a 2-run single, and TAYLOR VUKOTICH then singled in Cole Flint to make it 4-1.

After the Eagles cut the Cougars lead in half, the Cougars executed a double steal in the bottom of the 3rd with FRANK CALIFANO scoring the run.

Granite Hills staged a two-out rally in the 4th inning on consecutive singles by ROBERT BOSTEDT, DANIEL STARWALT and JOSH ROSE.

The Eagles tied the game in the 6th. JORDAN VERDON singled and one out later Bostedt had a one-base knock. The runners advanced on a passed ball and both scored on a single by Starwalt.

Walker came out of the bullpen to blank the Cougars on three hits over 3 2/3 innings to earn his 4th win in six decisions.

WEST HILLS 4, HELIX 3 (9 inn.) – The Wolf Pack may not win the Grossmont Hills League but this is a determined bunch that refuses to be intimidated by anyone.

Trailing 3-0 going into the bottom of the 7th of Tuesday’s (May 1) GHL game in Santee, the Wolf Pack popped up and knocked visiting Helix out of the league lead by scoring three times in the 7th and once in the 9th.

In the bottom of the 9th DJ LEWIS beat out a slow roller to third base for an infield single. He advanced to second on FRANK MELLO’s sacrifice and scored on HAYDEN SCHILLING’s walkoff single to right field.

The victory leveled the Wolf Pack’s GHL record at 4-4, leaving West Hills 1½ games out of first place.

West Hills’ comeback began in the 7th. GARRETT SCHILLING walked, DALLAS SIEGAL singled and Lewis loaded the bases with a bunt single. Helix recorded the second out at the plate on a force play. Hayden Schilling walked to force in the first run for the Pack. MICHAEL CARLIN then singled up the middle to drive in two runs and send the game into overtime.

Lewis led the Wolf Pack’s 10-hit attack by going 3-for-4.

FRANKIE NUNEZ limited the Pack to three runs in 6 2/3 innings.

A trio of West Hills pitchers rationed Helix to five hits. CAMERON HOWELL pitched a shutout 9th inning to post his 3rd win in four decisions.

“Nunez dominated us for six innings. I was really proud of our kids. We were shut down for six innings and our kids fought back and never quit,” West Hills coach JASON FOWLER said. “That’s my motto – ‘never say die.’”

VALHALLA 4, GROSSMONT 3 – Despite having their top two pitchers – MITCH COOMBS and ROBBIE SCHMIDT – sidelined by nagging injuries, the Norsemen keep finding a way to win.

In Tuesday’s (May 1) Grossmont Hills League game against visiting Grossmont the Norsemen received a powerful pitching performance by SEAN FLANNERY, who scattered six hits and struck out four in a complete game effort.

None the less this game came down to the final play.

Trailing 4-1 as they entered the 7th frame, the Foothillers made a belated charge to snap their 12-game losing streak. NICK ROCHESTER walked and NICK LORE ran for him. NOAH BUCHANAN got a pinch hit single to left. TYLER GARDETTO tapped into a force play, erasing Buchanan at second and leaving Foothillers at the corners.

ALEX ESTRADA also hit into a force out, erasing Gardetto and allowing Lore to score to make it 4-2. NICO MAIDA doubled to left-center, scoring Estrada but the Norsemen cut down Maida attempting to stretch his hit into a triple. Norsemen center fielder CONNOR HOPKINS fired to shortstop RAMSEY ROMANO, who relayed the ball to third baseman JAMES MARTIN for the game-ending out.

SANTANA 19, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 (5 inn.) – No question the El Cajon Valley Braves are tired of seeing the Santana Sultans. The Santee Nine has outscored the outmanned Braves 46-0 in two Grossmont Valley League encounters.

It’s not like the Sultans (6-12-1, 2-3 GVL) were trying to run a track meet around the bases on the Braves’ diamond. But they did score in every inning and pounded out 15 hits.

TYLER BROWNING laced an inside-the-park home run leading off the second inning. CAMERON GARCIA was 2-for-3 with a three-run home run.

KYLE GASNER broke out a mild slump with a pair of doubles, a single, 5 runs scored, three RBI and a pair of steals.

Not to be overlooked was TYLER WEISS, who was 4-for-5 with 4 runs and two RBI.

JAMES DOHERTY and ALAN STRONG combined to pitch a three-hit shutout.

CRAWFORD 7, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 4 – The Colts galloped past Foothills Christian Monday (Apr. 30) in a non-league game at Crawford. No other details were available.