By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-17-13) — The Christian High Patriots concluded the regular season with a 6-5 Central League victory over visiting Clairemont on Thursday (May 16).

The Patriots took a 4-0 lead in the first three innings, but that didn’t stand up long as the Chieftains scored four times in the 4th to tie it.

In the 5th inning, TREVOR HOWELL singled, advanced to second on a groundout moved to third on a wild pitch, and scored on a catcher’s throwing error.

The Patriots (19-10, 7-5 CL) added an insurance run as BRANDON TARDIFF singled, A.J. GREGOROVIC walked and NICK JARVIS singled to load the bases. STEPHEN JOHNSTON hit into a force out to score Tardiff.

In the 7th inning Clairemont’s Luke Jarvis led off with a triple but Patriots reliever CHANDLER COSSIO retired the final three outs to earn the save and hand NICK JARVIS his 5th win without a loss.

In addition to pitching six innings for the victory, Jarvis also collected 3 hits in 4 at- bats for Christian.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 8, CLASSICAL ACADEMY 7 – Foothills Christian locked up second place in the Citrus League on Thursday (May 16) by knocking off visiting Classical Academy at Barona Diamond.

The Knights took a 4-0 lead in the 1st inning as RYAN QUINN and JUSTIN VRZICH each singled in a run and, one scored on an error and NOAH GULA scored Vrzich on a sacrifice fly.

After Classical Academy cut the Knights lead to 4-3 after three innings, Foothills Christian added a run on a sacrifice fly by RYAN DEYLING.

The Knights appeared to put the game away in the 5th inning with three runs. DANIEL LUCKETT hit a 2-run double and Classical gave the Knights a third run on an error. TREVOR TINNEY hit his East County leading 5th triple during Foothills Christian’s 5th inning rally and scored on Luckett’s hit.

Deyling got the final two outs to earn the save after Classical scored 4 runs in the 7th inning.

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (5-16-13) — The visiting Grossmont Foothillers received a spark off the field that seemed to buoy their momentum in their regular season Grossmont Hills League finale at West Hills on Wednesday (May 15).

“One of our parents came up and told us that Granite Hills was losing to Valhalla 5-0 in the 5th inning,” said Foothillers coach CHAD WILLIAMS.

At the time Grossmont was clinging to a 2-1 lead over West Hills after five frames. That bit of news was obviously a mental boost for the Foothillers, who scored 8 runs in the 6th inning on their way to a 10-1 win over the Wolf Pack.

“Who knows what kind of mental lift that gave us, but it obviously paid off,” Williams said. “I know nobody on our side is complaining.”

Grossmont’s (22-8, 11-4) win over West Hills, coupled with Granite Hills’ (22-8, 11-4) loss to Valhalla , created a tie for the Grossmont Hills League lead. The Foothillers get the nod for the top seed in the league, having beaten the Eagles 2 out of 3 times.

To confuse the issue even more, Valhalla beat Grossmont three times in six outings. That should frustrate the people that set the playoff pairings, which will be determined on Saturday (May 18).

JOEY VISKAS shut down West Hills on 6 hits in six innings before ZACH SESTAK pitched a scoreless 7th.

BRETT STONE was 3-for-3 with 2 doubles, 2 RBI and 3 runs scored to pace the Grossmont attack.

DEREK RUSTICH was 3-for-4 with 3 hits, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored to lead the Foothillers’ offense.

VALHALLA 5, GRANITE HILLS 4 – Visiting Granite Hills had the Grossmont Hills League championship within its grasp when it arrived at Valhalla Wednesday (May 15) for the regular season finale.

The host Norsemen (17-14, 7-8) – who are the kingpins of upset – jumped on the Eagles for a 5-0 lead after three innings.

Valhalla rode the pitching of freshman DOMENIC DONATO through five innings before MITCH COOMBS and JORDAN QSAR finished the final two innings to secure the upset victory.

Freshman right-hander Donato allowed only 2 runs to earn his 3rd win in four decisions. Qsar surrendered 2 runs in the final frame but escaped with his 4th save.

By losing, Granite Hills was forced to share the GHL co-championship with Grossmont. However, the Foothillers will get the top-seeded nod in the playoffs for having beaten the Eagles 2 out of 3 times during the season.

“We beat Grossmont three times, and Granite Hills two times, so I think we belong in the playoffs – at least a No. 6 seed,” said Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON. “I can’t say enough about how we battled back, holding off Granite Hills down the stretch.”

Valhalla took a 2nd inning lead on a sacrifice fly by RAMSEY ROMANO.

In the 3rd inning the Norsemen broke the game open with 4 runs. CHRIS HUDGINS hit a one-out double to left field. JEFF HOUGHTBY then singled to center, scoring Hudgins. CONNOR HOPKINS laid down a bunt single, sending Houghtby to second. GIUSEPPE CASTANOS followed with a double to right to score Houghtby. Donato added an RBI single, as did FOSTER McNARY.

But the game was hardly decided at that point as Granite Hills scrambled back with 2 runs in the 4th. NOAH CUMMINGS doubled to left and JOSH ROSE walked. It appeared that Donato and the Norsemen were going to get away unscathed as SEAN WALKER grounded into a double play.

After JUSTIN MITCHELL was hit by a Norseman pitch, JAYSON ROSE doubled to center, scoring Cummings and Mitchell.

In the 7th inning, with one out, ROBERT BOSTEDT singled to center and TRENTON BROOKS singled to right. Noah Cummings then banged one up the middle, scoring Bostedt. Walker singled to left, to bring in Brooks and Cummings.

The game ended when Qsar, Valhalla’s closer, struck out Mitchell for his fourth save.

MOUNT MIGUEL 5, EL CAPITAN 1 – It’s been a frustrating season for the Mount Miguel Matadors, but in Wednesday’s (May 15) Grossmont Valley League finale they got a chance to play spoiler.

Scoring 5 runs in the 1st inning, DANIEL RONK and ADRIAN MONTIJA combined to throw a 3-hitter at league champion El Capitan (11-16, 9-3), dealing the Vaqueros the upset loss.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the way our guys finished the regular season having swept all the teams in the third round (of the GVL),” said Matadors coach JASON BABINEAU.

Mount Miguel’s surprising victory lifted the Matadors (11-17, 8-4) into a 2nd place tie with Santana, one game behind the champion Vaqueros.

The Matadors bunched their hits in the opening frame. After JACOB CASTILLO scored on a wild pitch, CESAR PRECIADO hit the ball through the first baseman, scoring two more runs. Ronk then doubled in Preciado and SEAN MARX singled in Ronk.

El Capitan countered with its only run in the 2nd inning without benefit of a hit. After a hit batter, a balk, a hit batter and a wild pitch, JESSIE BURNS hit a sacrifice fly to score the only run.

Unfortunately for the Vaqueros Burns did not have his usual solid pitching performance as he lasted only one inning. Freshman TRISTAN DUNCAN pitched four innings of 3-hut shutout relief and struck out 3 in the losing effort.

HELIX 15, STEELE CANYON 4 – Helix completed a 3-game sweep over Steele Canyon in Wednesday’s (May 15) rout of the host Cougars in the finale of the Grossmont Hills League season.

Although the Highlanders (15-4, 8-7) finished out of the race, they managed to beat every team at least once in the GHL.

Helix scored 6 runs in the 1st inning and 7 in the 3rd in its highest season offensive output. The Highlanders’ 17 hits were also their best production of the campaign.

Steele Canyon (12-17, 4-11) most likely lost any chance at a playoff berth by losing its final 7 regular season games.

The Highlanders scored 14 runs in the first three innings.

JORGE GARCIA led the charge with a 2-run homer in the 1st and a solo shot in the 2nd, giving him an East County high 7 round-trippers for the season.

FRANKIE NUNEZ was 3-for-4 with 4 RBI, including a 2-run homer in the first inning.

DEREK CLARK ripped a pair of doubles to cash in 2 more runs for the Highlanders, who also got 2 more runs from ALEX BRITSCHGI.

JEREMIAH WYLIE allowed 3 earned runs over five innings to pick up his 3rd win in six decisions for the Highlanders. Frankie Nunez blanked the Cougars over the final two innings.

TANNER PERRY broke out of a slump with a 2-for-4 effort and 2 RBI to lead Steele Canyon .

SANTANA 19, EL CAJON VALLEY 5 (5 inn.) – With its playoff chances hanging in the balance Santana concluded the regular season by trouncing El Cajon Valley in the final Grossmont Valley League game.

Whether this victory will be good enough to earn the Sultans (14-13, 8-4) a berth in the postseason playoffs won’t be decided until Saturday (May 18) when the tournament pairings are announced.

TIM HUSON paced the Santana attack, which included a 15-run 2nd inning, with a 3-for-4 effort, including a double and a 2-run homer.

ALAN STRONG was 3-for-3 with a double, a triple, 3 RBI and 2 runs scored for Santana.

TYLER BROWNING laced a pair of doubles as did BRIAN PARKER for the Sultans.

Santana totaled 20 hits, including 8 straight in its 15-run 2nd inning.

ROGER MEJIA had 3 RBI for the Braves, who scored their highest total against Grossmont Conference competition.

FRANCIS PARKER 6, CHRISTIAN 4 – Christian was tagged with its 3rd loss in four games as the Patriots fell to visiting Francis Parker in Wednesday’s (May 15) non-league game.

The issue was decided in the 7th inning when the Lancers (13-12) pushed across 2 runs to snap a 4-4 tie.

Christian earlier tied the game 1-1 on a two-out triple by BRANDON TARDIFF and a single by NICK JARVIS.

After falling behind in the 5th 3-1 the Patriots (18-10) fought back with 3 runs in the bottom of the 5th. TREVOR HOWELL singled up the middle and WILLLIAM HAIL singled to left. The runners moved up on a wild pitch and KYLE STOWERS singled to score Howell. Hail then scored the tying run on an error. CHRISTIAN MEZA singled but A.J. GREGOROVIC hit into a double play.

Gregorovic’s ground ball wasn’t a total loss however as Stowers scored the go-ahead run to make it 4-3.

The rest of the game belonged to Parker.

Christian closes the regular season on Thursday (May 16) by hosting Clairemont in a Central League game at 3:30 p.m.

© East County Sports.com
CLAIREMONT (5-15-13) — BRANDON TARDIFF and NICK JARVIS collected the only two hits for Christian in Tuesday’s (May 14) loss to host Clairemont 6-0 in a Central League encounter

The Chieftains broke the game open on a grand slam by first baseman Luke Jarvis in the 4th inning.

Citrus League
Vista Calvary Christian 18, Foothills Christian 1 — It was an another ugly outing for the Knights of Foothills Christian in Tuesday’s (May 14) Citrus League loss to champion Vista Calvary Christian (15-9, 9-0) at Barona. Ten errors drove the stake in the Knights (14-9, 6-3) heart.

No other information was reported.

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-14-13) — In a battle of Grossmont Hills League spoilers, the host Valhalla Norsemen squeaked out a 5-4 victory on Monday (May 13) over visiting West Hills with 2 runs in the 7th and one in the 8th.

The Norsemen claimed the victory on a single to right field by CHRIS HUDGINS, which was his 6th game-winning RBI.

Valhalla was trailing 4-2 entering the bottom of the 7th inning. The Wolf Pack’s D.J. LEWIS led with a double to left field. CHASE PARSONS laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Lewis to third. JOHNNY ESPINOZA hit a sacrifice fly to bring Lewis home.

In the bottom of the 7th with the score sitting at 4-2, Valhalla’s COREY ZIMMERMAN drew a walk and FOSTER McNARY ran for him. Two errors by the Wolf Pack handed the Norsemen 2 runs to send the game into extra innings.

Lewis finished 2-for-3 in a losing cause for West Hills, which accounted for only 4 hits all day.

McNary pitched one shutout inning to earn the win for Valhalla .

GROSSMONT 7, STEELE CANYON 3 – Credit Grossmont coach CHAD WILLIAMS for being a mentalist.

He started pitcher DAN ROLF, who came in in relief and got hammered in last week’s showdown loss against Granite Hills.

Rolf did not disappoint in Monday’s (May 13) Grossmont Hills League game against Steele Canyon .

“Dan came up to me and told me he wanted the ball,” Williams said. “He wanted to make the start in this game.”

So everybody was happy on the Foothillers’ side as Rolf allowed only 3 runs and 2 hits while striking out 4 to balance his pitching record at 4-4. Even more impressive was Rolf was spinning a no-hitter with 2 outs in the 5th inning before the Cougars’ SAM MELERO singled.

Grossmont (21-8, 10-4 GHL), made the most of 5 hits in the victory that kept the Foothillers within one game of front-running Granite Hills.

The key blow was a 3-run home run in the 5-run 3rd inning by DEREK RUSTICH, which made it 6-0 in favor of the Foothillers. It was Rustich’s 3rd home run of the year.

“All we can control is what we do, not what anybody else does,” said Williams.

Grossmont closes the season at West Hills on Wednesday at 4 p.m.

MOUNT MIGUEL 9, MONTE VISTA 0 – BRAD MORENO pitched a 5-hit shutout with 9 strikeouts as Mount Miguel blanked host Monte Vista in Monday’s (May 13) Grossmont Valley League contest.

The Matadors eventually broke the game open with 8 runs in the middle three innings. ENRIQUE KELLER provided the spark with 2 singles for 3 RBI and a double for an RBI.

KYLE BEDSOLE accounted for 2 of Monte Vista’s 5 hits in the shutout.

EL CAPITAN 21, EL CAJON VALLEY 1 (5 inn.) –First-year coach JORDAN ABRUZZO and his El Capitan Vaqueros won their 7th game in a row, a rout of El Cajon Valley on Monday (May 13).

The newly crowned champions of the Grossmont Valley League Vaqueros (11-15, 9-2) hammered out 22 hits against the Braves.

JESSIE BURNS paced El Capitan with a 5-for-5 effort, including two triples and seven RBI.

IMPERIAL 5, SANTANA 1 – Pitcher RYAN BROWNING has been dealing with the best in his most recent performances for the Santana Sultans. In his last 21 innings over four games, the junior right-hander has coined a 0.67 ERA and has not surrendered an earned run in his last 12 innings, including none in Monday’s (May 13) non-league loss at Imperial.

“He has certainly deserved better than his record,” Santana coach TIM BARRY said.

No doubt the main problem for Browning is lack of run support – 4 runs in his last 21 innings. Yet, he’s managed two wins in three decisions.

It was 104 degrees when Santana arrived in the Imperial Valley desert, so the game was switched to a night-time start.

The Sultans (13-13) scored their only run in the 6th inning. As it was they scored without benefit of a hit.

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (5-12-13) — TREVOR TINNEY was a double threat for Foothills Christian (14-8) in Saturday’s (May 11) non-league game as the Knights blew out host Maranatha Christian 14-2.

Not only did Tinney pitch a complete game 5-hitter with 7 strikouts, he was also 2-for-3 with a double and 3 runs scored as the Knights improved to 14-8.

Catcher DANIEL LUCKETT was 3-for-3 with 2 doubles, 3 runs scored and 3 RBI for Foothills Christian, which pounded out 15 hits in the victory.

Shortstop RYAN QUINN was 3-for-4 with a double, 2 stolen bases, 2 RBI and 3 runs scored.

Foothills Christian turned the game into a blowout with eight runs in the 7th inning.

“We lost to this team earlier in the year,” said Foothills Christian coach DAVE LEWIS. “Today we really played well. Tinney pitched a great game and we made some great plays on defense. We hit the heck out of the ball.”

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-11-13) — Granite Hills High senior SEAN WALKER had a plan – both on the field and off the field.

But it was his 2-run double in the 7th inning of Friday’s (May 10) showdown against Grossmont that probably produced the most memorable day of his life.

The 6-5 victory was sweet, but Walker ’s off-the-field plan made it even better. As the Eagles scrambled around, trying to figure out what Walker was up to, suddenly a bouquet of flowers showed up.

Grossmont High second baseball Tyler Gardetto (left) is forced to field the ball and make a solo attempt to get the out at first base. However, Granite Hills' Trenton Brooks (4) dives head-first to get there first for an infield single in a 6-5 win. (Photos by Linda Byerline) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

A mystified but smiling VICTORIA HARDING, was led blindfolded to home plate, where Walker met her and invited her to the Senior Prom as he handed her the flowers.

She accepted his invitation to the June 1st event.

TRENTON BROOKS, who pitched the first six innings and had his jersey ripped, said he didn’t know what was going on.

“I saw flowers in the clubhouse but didn’t know what they were for,” he said.

One of the players barked out of the background “What if she had said No?”

That wasn’t likely however, as the young couple has been dating for three months.

“I told Sean he could carry out his plan as long as we won the game,” said Granite Hills coach JAMES DAVIS.

So Walker took matters into his own hands.

After Brooks singled to lead off the 7th inning, NOAH CUMMINGS followed with a double. JOSH ROSE was intentionally walked, setting the stage for Walker, who blasted a line drive into left-center field to score 2 runs and win the game.

Grossmont (20-8, 9-4 GHL) had taken a 4-3 lead in the top of the 7th inning as NOAH BUCHANAN singled and NICO MAIDA sacrificed. With two outs HUNTER STRATTON doubled to score Buchanan. PEYTON LINDSAY followed with a triple to give the Hillers a 4-3 edge.

But it didn’t hold up as the Eagles (21-7, 10-3 GHL) rallied in the bottom of the 7th.

HELIX 6, VALHALLA 5 – After losing their first three meetings to Valhalla and surrendering 36 runs, the Helix Highlanders made the most of the least in Friday’s (May 10) Grossmont Hills League game in La Mesa.

“We’re not gonna rock anybody,” conceded Helix coach COLE HOLLAND. “We take advantage of little mistakes and I guess you could say we play small ball.”

The Highlanders vanquished Valhalla behind the pitching of FRANKIE NUNEZ and ELIJAH VARELA to raise their team record to 14-13, 7-6.

“When it comes to talent we’re not better than anybody in our league,” Holland said. “We have to work for anything we get.”

The Highlanders made the most of 4 hits in their latest victory, which is typical of their small ball style.

“We beat a lot of good teams we’re not supposed to beat,” Holland added.

Case in point for Helix’ latest drive was first-time catcher ALEX BRITSCHGI.

“He has more heart than anybody I’ve ever coached,” Holland said of Britschgi. “He doesn’t care about stats. He cares about who wins and loses.”

Britschgi laid down a suicide squeeze in the 5-run Helix 5th inning that gave the Highlanders a 6-2 lead.

Earlier in the 5-run 5th MIGUEL ARMENDARIZ blasted an RBI double.

“It’s a process,” said Holland . “We don’t have the best talent in the league, that’s for sure. But we’re happy to be where we are.”

For Valhalla , GIUSEPPE CASTANOS drove in 3 runs for the Norsemen (15-14, 5-8) with a 2-run homer in the 7th and a sacrifice fly.

WEST HILLS 7, STEELE CANYON 2 – In a statement from West Hills athletic director DON RUTLEDGE, there has been a meeting with the assistant coaches and confirmed another change in the baseball coaching situation at West Hills.

“The assistant coaches expressed their concern that there was miscommunication from the administration to them. They expressed their desire to continue coaching the varsity team and emphasized their dedication to the players.

“Effective Thursday (May 9), the assistant coaches returned to lead the team through the remainder of the season and are excited to be doing so.”

That included Friday’s (May 10) Grossmont Hills League 7-2 victory over Steele Canyon in Rancho San Diego.

HAYDEN SCHILLING was 3-for-4 including a 2-run homer and a triple to lead the Wolf Pack (15-12, 4-9 GHL).

JOHNNY ESPINOZA was 2-for-3 with a pair of RBI.

TRENT TOPLIKAR and DAVID HESSLINK combined to scatter 7 hits and struck out 7 for West Hills.

CHRISTIAN 6, CORONADO 3 – The Christian High Patriots snapped a 2-2 tie with 4 runs in the 6th inning and continued on for their 6th win in 10 Central League decisions in Friday’s (May 10) game on the peninsula.

CHANDLER COSSIO and BRYCE JURRIES combined to handle the pitching for the Patriots, who improved to 18-8 overall.

The key hit in the pivotal 6th inning for the Patriots was a 2-run double by AJ GREGOROVIC. STEPHEN JOHNSTON executed a squeeze bunt for a 3rd run and CHRISTIAN MEZA singled in the final run.

Gregorovic paced the Patriots 11-hit attack with a 3-for-5 effort.

MONTE VISTA 27, EL CAJON VALLEY 3 (5 inn.) – The visiting Monarchs scored a season high in blowing out El Cajon Valley in Friday’s (May 10) Grossmont Valley League encounter.

ANDREW POIRIER was 2-for-5 with 5 RBI and 3 runs scored to lead the Monarchs (8-18, 5-6 GVL).

KYLE BEDSOLE was 3-for-4 with a triple, 4 RBI and 2 runs scored, while RICKY DUPREE was 5-for-5 with 4 RBI and 3 runs scored as Monte Vista hammered out 27 hits.

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (5-10-13) — El Capitan High figured to be lost in the Grossmont Valley League shuffle this season, but that has not proven to be true as the Vaqueros will be vying for the circuit championship when they travel to Santana for a 4 p.m. game on Friday (May 10).

The Vaqueros (9-15, 7-2 GVL) were predicted to finish fourth in the 5-team league race.

“It’s been an awesome turnaround for us,” said El Capitan first-year coach JORDAN ABRUZZO. “We’re excited about the opportunities we have in front of us. We didn’t think about anything but improving when we were 2-12.”

In Thursday’s (May 9) victory over Monte Vista it was a 5-4 nod in eight innings. The Vaqueros hope that that momentum will carry over to the showdown against Santana.

The game was decided in the 8th inning when JASON MOORMAN singled and NATHAN GEISEL pinch ran.

Just the fact that Geisel was able to be on the base paths after breaking his collarbone during practice a month ago was an emotional lift. Geisel stole second, and CONRAD STANTON then laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance Geisel to third, where he eventually scored the winning run on a wild pitch.

“It was pretty exciting that Geisel was able to play a primary role in the win after breaking his collarbone,” Abruzzo said. “I didn’t think he’d be able to come back, but he did and he had a big day.”

El Capitan took a 4-0 lead in the 3rd inning. The key blows were a 2-run triple by JESSIE BURNS and an RBI single by Moorman.

Credit Monte Vista (7-18, 4-6 GVL) for fighting back. The Monarchs posted a two-out rally with 3 runs in the 6th inning. AUSTIN CAOLE whacked a double, SEAN WHITE walked and REILLY DIAZ ripped an RBI single. ALAN HERNANDEZ followed with a 2-run double and suddenly the outcome was up for grabs.

After a dropped fly ball in the 7th inning the Monarchs cashed in on a base hit by KYLE BEDSOLE to tie the game at 4-4.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 7, GUAJOME PARK 0 [forfeit] – The Frogs folded their program, allowing the Knights to collect a Citrus League win.

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (5-9-13) — They played old fashioned baseball at Monte Vista High when the Sultans tackled the host Monarchs in a Grossmont Valley League game on Wednesday (May 8).

For Santana (13-11, 7-3 GVL), it was about challenging for setting up a GVL championship battle with El Capitan on Friday (May 10) in Santee .

RYAN BROWNING and ALAN STRONG combined on a 5-hit shutout and a 1-0 victory over Monte Vista to put the Sultans on the heels of El Capitan (8-15, 6-2 GVL).

The game came down to the bottom of the 7th inning with the Sultans clinging to a 1-0 lead.

REILLY DIAZ began the frame with an infield single for Monte Vista. ALAN HERNANDEZ laid down a bunt for the Monarchs that the Sultans misplayed into an error. RICKY DUPREE then laid down a sacrifice bunt to move the runners into scoring position.

But that’s where the Monte Vista rally stalled as Sultans reliever Strong came on to strike out the final two batters for his 3rd save and salvage the win for Browning (3-3).

The Sultans scored the only run of the game in the 4th inning on an RBI single by MATHEW HUDSON, who drove in TOMMY LOGAN who led off the frame with a double.

Browning, who pitched the first 6 innings to earn his 3rd win, said, “I knew what the stakes were. Honestly, I knew I could pull it off.”

HELIX 2, GROSSMONT 0 – Most likely Helix won’t capture the Grossmont Hills League championship, but the Highlanders hope to play the spoiler. And that’s what they did in Wednesday’s (May 8) shutout of Grossmont.

JEREMIAH WYLIE pitched a 7-hit shutout to knock the Foothillers (20-7, 9-3) out of the league lead and into a tie with Granite Hills for the top spot.

The GHL front-runners will collide at Granite Hills on Friday (May 10) at 4 p.m.

“I was proud of our guys,” said Helix coach COLE HOLLAND. “We made no errors and Wylie did a heckuva job on the mound. To shut out a Top 10 team is a big deal. I’m proud of the energy we showed. When you get a big game against a rival it’s a big deal to win. Our kids deserved to win.”

Helix scored their first run in the 3rd inning on a base hit by NICO ALCOSER.

The Highlanders doubled their lead on a sacrifice fly by RAY PETERSON in the 4th inning.

It was the first time Grossmont has been shutout all season.

It was a hard loss for the Foothillers JOEY VISKAS, who allowed only 8 hits and 2 runs and was tagged with his 2nd loss in 10 decisions.

GRANITE HILLS 14, WEST HILLS 3 – The Granite Hills Eagles punished the home-standing West Hills High Wolf Pack in Grossmont Hills League action on Wednesday (May 8) to set up the much anticipated showdown with the Grossmont Foothillers on Friday (May 10).

Granite Hills (20-7, 9-3 GHL) was trailing Grossmont by a game going into Wednesday's action for the GHL lead. However, while the Eagles were taking care of their business, Grossmont was busy getting upset by Helix.

So it will indeed be a showdown on Friday as the Eagles and the Foothillers scrape paint with identical 20-7 (9-3 GHL) records. The victor will most likely gain the outright GHL lead with only 2 games remaining. In case of a tie at the top, Grossmont owns the tie-breaker regardless of the outcome on Friday.

On Wednesday Granite Hills rubbed its feet early and often on the West Hills (13-12, 3-9) welcome mat. The Eagles posted crooked numbers in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th innings to build a 13-0 lead before coasting to the 14-3 final.

TRENTON BROOKS paced the Eagles attack with 3 hits, 3 runs and 3 RBI. JOSH ROSE had a double, 3 walks, 3 runs and 2 RBI.

Granite Hills coupled 11 hits with 6 walks in support of the 3-hit pitching of surprise starter SEAN WALKER (4.0 innings, 3 hits, 2 strikeouts).

The senior right-hander earned his 4th win without a loss and lowered his East County leading ERA to 0.92. Primarily a reliever this year, Walker may need to play a dual role for the Eagles if they want to hoist the inaugural Open Division Championship of the San Diego Section CIF.

"We've always wanted to give Walker a start at some point," said Eagles head coach JAMES DAVIS. "Sean's been our No. 1 reliever all year, but we needed to explore some options for down the road."

Another key component to Granite Hills’ latest run at the title has been the re-emergence of ROBERT BOSTEDT. An All-East County performer as a sophomore, Bostedt has struggled most of this year while toiling at the bottom of the order. A move back to the top of the order has been the remedy.

"Bostedt's a hard-nosed kid, a battler," said Davis . "We were looking for a little spark a couple weeks ago and he's thrived again in the lead-off role."

Bostedt is 8-for-15 (.533) for the Eagles over the last 6 six games while batting lead-off.

Of note for West Hills was junior catcher JOHNNY ESPINOZA who was 1-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI.

With both the Grossmont Hills League and the Grossmont Valley League races coming down to the wire, Granite Hills's Davis summed it all up, "It's the East County , there aren't any surprises."

— Mark Meadows

VALHALLA 7, STEELE CANYON 2 – Probably the word that best describes Valhalla baseball is “uncertainty.” You never know which direction the Norsemen are going to go.

After scoring only one run in two previous losses the Norsemen rebounded to club the Cougars of Steele Canyon on home soil Wednesday (May 8) in Grossmont Hills League action.

Catcher CHRIS HUDGINS provided the muscle for Valhalla with a 2-run homer and a pair of doubles as he drove in 4 runs to collect his East County leading 5th game-winning RBI.

Pitchers ZACK HYMER, FOSTER McNARY and MATT MELANESE combined to limit the Cougars to 7 hits. McNary pitched the middle two innings to post his 3rd win without a loss. Melanese blanked the Cougars over the final two innings to pick up his 2nd save.

Valhalla (15-13, 5-7 GHL) broke the game open in the 5th inning with 4 runs. JORDAN QSAR doubled to center to start the rally and eventually scored on a wild pitch. SEAN CROSBY singled to left and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Hudgins then slugged an RBI double.

With KRIS SMITH running for Hudgins, he scored on an error as did pinchrunner TYLER ROY, running for DOMENIC DONATO.

Valhalla added another run in the 6th inning with a two-out rally anchored by Hudgins RBI double. Hudgins had 9 total bases.

A quick check of the future of the Norsemen is Hymer is headed for Sonoma State ,

JAMES MARTIN will attend Hendrix College in Conway , Ark. , CONNOR HOPKINS is ticketed for Yavapai College in Prescott , Ariz. , and RAMSEY ROMANO will call the University of Michigan his collegiate home.

MOUNT MIGUEL 21, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 (5 inn.) – Sophomore pitchers CHRISTIAN GARCIA and ENRIQUE KELLER combined to blank the visiting Braves on a 2-hitter in Wednesday’s (May 8) Grossmont Valley League encounter in Spring Valley .

The Matadors (9-17, 6-4 GVL) scored 10 runs on 11 hits in the opening frame and the rout was on. BRAD MORENO, DOMINIC SAWYER and DANIEL RONK produced two hits apiece in the 1st inning.

Moreno finished the contest 4-for-4 with two runs and one RBI. Sawyer was 4-for-5 with a double and three RBI. For good measure Keller drove in four runs with a pair of knocks.

“We were playing station-to-station in the first inning,” Mount Miguel coach JASON BABINEAU said.

“Probably one of the most positive things for us was our pitching,” the coach added. “We are going to need help from those sophomores in the playoffs. This was a good time to get them some experience.”

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 13, CV-CALVARY CHRISTIAN 2 (5 inn.) – The Foothills Christian Knights scored 11 runs in the 2nd inning and never looked back in Wednesday’s (May 8) Citrus League contest at SportsPlex USA of Sanree.

MILES KIEFER, RYAN QUINN and ERIC CANNON combined to pitch a five inning 2-hitter for Foothills Christian (12-8, 5-2 CL).

Cannon led the charge for the Knights with 2 hits and 3 RBI to go along with one of Foothills Christian’s 15 stolen bases.

RYAN DEYLING was 2-for-3 with 2 RBI and 3 stolen bases.

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (5-7-13) — Battling inclement weather and a soggy field, visiting Mount Miguel edged host Santana, 5-3, in a Grossmont Valley League encounter on Monday (May 6).

Junior DANIEL RONK scattered seven hits in a complete game effort for the Matadors (8-17, 5-4) to keep Mount Miguel in the GVL pennant race.

Ronk has been a pleasant surprise for coach JASON BABINEAU and the Matadors.

“He’s not flashy but he keeps the ball down and throws strikes,” Babineau said. “He’s not afraid to trust his defense.

“He’s committed and willing to put in the hard work to keep getting better.”

The Matadors trail front-running El Capitan by 1½ games and second-place Santana by one game.

In the 3rd inning Mount Miguel took a 1-0 lead on singles by JACOB CASTILLO and ENRIQUE KELLER. DOMINIC SAWYER was hit by a pitch to load the bases, then CESAR PRECIADO hit into a force play, scoring Castillo.

Mount Miguel pulled away with three runs in the 4th inning. SEAN MARX was hit by a pitch and ARMANDO DIAZ drew a walk. JOEL SANDOVAL advanced the runners with a sacrifice bunt and BRAD MORENO singled to score Marx. Castillo singled to score Diaz. Moreno stole second and eventually scored on a base hit by Preciado.

Santana (12-11, 6-3) countered with one run in the bottom of the 4th on a two-out double by BRIAN PARKER.

The Sultans crept closer in the 6th inning as TOMMY LOGAN doubled and scored on a single by Parker.

Mount Miguel added an insurance run in the top of the 7th. Sawyer doubled, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on a base hit by Marx.

Santana staged a belated rally in the bottom of the 7th as TYLER BROWNING doubled and eventually scored on a groundout by COLTEN STUTZ.

“We are proving it to ourselves and to the league that we are committed to a fast finish,” Babineau said.

You Make The Call

Steele Canyon sophomore left fielder Jordan Johnson gets parallel in an attempt to rob Granite Hills batter Josh Rose of a line drive double in the 4th inning... but did he? CLICK on the picture and You Make The Call! (Photo by Don DeMars Photography) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (5-4-13) — It’s no doubt been a frustrating season for first-year West Hills High head coach CORDELL HIPOLITO. That is, six of the Wolf Pack’s 11 losses have come by a one run margin.

But for one of the rare times this season the Wolf Pack pulled a reversal on the opposition and West Hills came from behind to beat visiting Helix 4-3 in 8 innings in Friday’s (May 3) Grossmont Hills League encounter.

The Highlanders (12-13, 5-6 GHL) took a 3-0 lead into the 4th inning before West Hills could find the plate. But that was just the beginning for the Wolf Pack (13-11, 3-8 GHL), which registered its most dramatic victory of the season.

After ALEX WAGNER whacked a two-out RBI double to put the Pack on the board in the 4th inning, the West Hills offense was silent until the bottom of the 7th. That’s when the Wolf Pack fireworks started.

Down to their final strike in the final frame, CHASE PARSONS eventually drew a walk. That set the stage for HAYDEN SCHILLING’s game-tying 2-run homer. That blow gave Schilling 9 hits in his last 12 at-bats.

The Wolf Pack put the game away in the bottom of the 8th as DALLAS SIEGEL led off with a single and scurried to third on a double by KRIS AGUILAR.

With the infield drawn in, Helix got the first out to keep the game tied at 3-3.

The Highlanders then intentionally walked D.J. LEWIS to set the stage for Wagner, who singled in Siegel with the game-winning run.

“It may not look like it but we’ve kept on battling,” said West Hills first-year coach CORDELL HIPOLITO. “We’ve progressively gotten better. Our pitching has been very good all year so it’s nice to finally win a close one after all the near misses we’ve had.”

Helix designated hitter RAY PETERSON was 4-for-5 but received little help from the Highlanders’ lineup.

GRANITE HILLS 10, STEELE CANYON 2 – Granite Hills executed a 3-game Grossmont Hills League sweep over host Steele Canyon Friday (May 3) with a 17-hit attack against three Cougars pitchers.

JOSH ROSE was the kingpin for the 7th ranked Eagles (19-7, 8-3 GHL) with 4 hits in 4 at-bats, including a double and his 4th home run of the season.

“When we’re focused we can hit with any team in the county,” said Josh. “We were pretty locked in today.”

His brother JAYSON ROSE limited Steele Canyon (12-13, 4-7 GHL) to 2 hits while striking out 7 in five innings to raise his record to 4-3.

“I think the key for me today was I worked ahead in the count,” Jayson said. “That’s something I don’t always do, but when I went to the mound today I knew what was at stake. We had to win this game.”

“When Jayson throws strikes he’s pretty tough,” said Granite Hills coach JAMES DAVIS. “Today was one of the better outings he’s had in quite awhile.”

Rarely has Davis emptied his bench more than he did in the Eagles third straight win over Steele Canyon .

Leadoff man ROBERT BOSTEDT was 3-for-4 with 2 runs scored and a double in his last three games. He’s 5-for-9 with a home run and 3 RBI.

NOAH CUMMINGS keyed a 5-run 4th inning with a 3-run homer for the Eagles.

EL CAPITAN 3, MOUNT MIGUEL 2 – It was a key Grossmont Valley League game, matching pitchers of contrasting styles. If you compared the numbers it would be difficult to determine who had the upper hand.

But El Capitan’s JESSIE BURNS, who is anything but flashy, turned in a complete game 5-hitter allowing only one earned run, enabling the Vaqueros to edge the Matadors and maintain a share of the Grossmont Valley League lead Friday (May 3) in Lakeside .

While Burns was rolling his record to 4-3 he struck out only two batters in his complete game effort.

On the flip side Mount Miguel ’s BRAD MORENO twirled a complete game and struck out 11 in the process, but wound up being tagged with the loss.

In the bottom of the 7th inning AUSTIN CURO-RUIS led off with a bunt single, followed by TYLER DeGRAFF’S infield single. CONRAD STANTON, pinch hitting for TRISTAN DUNCAN, showed bunt, then slashed a single up the middle, scoring Curo-Ruis. KENNY OLHAUSER hit into a fielder’s choice and DeGraff was put out at third. ERIC LOZANO walked to load the bases and TRAVIS BAKER singled to left to score Stanton with the game winning run.

“That was the roughest loss of my short career,” said Matadors second-year coach JASON BABINEAU. “I thought that was the best game Brad has pitched for Mount Miguel . We didn’t give it to them in the 7th, they (El Cap) executed in the 7th.”

As if a biting defeat wasn’t bad enough, Moreno got one small consolation as he boosted his East County leading batting streak to 12 games with a base hit.

“It was a great game,” said El Capitan coach JARROD ABRUZZO. “We had two No.1s with Moreno and Burns – two great pitching performances. We knew we were going to have to execute the little things in this game because Moreno is such a good pitcher.”

GROSSMONT 4, VALHALLA 1 – The Foothillers posted their 5th straight win and 8th in their last 9 starts Friday (May 3) as their Magic Man BRANDON WEED pitched his 4th straight complete game victory in a key Grossmont Hills League win over Valhalla.

Weed scattered 5 hits and allowed only one run, walked two and struck out 7.

However, Valhalla was toe-to-toe with the first-place Foothillers (20-6, 9-2 GHL) through six innings as freshman DOMENIC DONATO kept the Grossmont bats in check.

Grossmont eventually snapped a 1-1 deadlock with 3 runs in the top of the 7th inning. DAN ROLF led off with a double to left and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by ALEX MARLAY. NOAH BUCHANAN then broke the tie with a single to center, scoring Rolf. Buchanan advanced to second on a wild pitch and NICO MAIDA followed with a walk. HUNTER STRATTON then put the game on ice with a 2-run triple to right field.

“Every week is a big week,” stated Grossmont coach CHAD WILLIAMS. “We’re just taking it one at a time. Weed threw a helluva game – got out of a jam when he needed to. We got a lot of spark from our 8-9 hitters (Rolf and Marlay, who were a combined 3-for-5).”

Grossmont’s victory gave the Foothillers a 3-2 edge over the Norsemen (14-13, 4-7 GHL).

Santana's Gabe Kruse with a run-scoring single. (Santana High courtesy photo)

SANTANA 17, EL CAJON VALLEY 1 (6 inn.) – It’s pretty difficult for the Santana Sultans not to look ahead to a May 10th showdown against El Capitan that will likely decide the Grossmont Valley League championship.

But the Sultans (12-10, 6-2 GVL) managed to focus on Friday’s (May 3) task at hand, which was a rout of El Cajon Valley .

Santana coach TIM BARRY started a lineup of reserves before bringing his regulars in to play in the 4th inning.

Senior right-fielder GABE KRUSE was 2-for-3 with 3 RBI to pace the Sultans.

BRIAN PARKER was 3-for-3 with a triple and 3 runs scored for Santana.

PRESTON HOWE and DRAKE FRANCO combined to spin a 3-hitter at the Braves without allowing an earned run and striking out 9 between them.

“We’re looking forward to next week when the league title and our whole season will be on the line,” Barry said.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-3-13) — After helping skipper MIKE MITCHELL post his 400th coaching victory two days earlier, the Christian High Patriots failed to hold an early 1-0 lead on Thursday (May 2) as they succumbed to visiting Coronado, 7-2, in a Central League contest.

The Patriots took the lead on an RBI double by TYLER LESLIE to left-center field in the 2nd inning.

After that the Patriots offense went dormant as Coronado did all of its scoring in the middle three frames.

The Patriots tacked on a final tally in the 7th inning thanks to an error and an RBI single by A.J. GREGOROVIC.

“We had some wildness early,” said Mitchell. “We walked 7 and hit a batter. You can’t do that and expect to win.”

As a side note for Christian is versatile BRANDON TARDIFF was hit by a pitch for the 14th time in 24 games.

Grossmont High right-hander Brandon Weed registers the final out for the save. (Photo by Linda Byerline) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-1-13) — The Grossmont Foothillers maintained a tight grip on the Grossmont Hills League lead with a 5-2 victory over the West Hills Wolf Pack at Joe Gizoni Field on Wednesday (May 1).

Led by ace right-hander JOEY VISKAS (8-1, 1.75 ERA), Grossmont (19-6, 8-2 GHL) seized an early 3-0 lead and held off a late West Hills (12-11, 2-8) rally to retain the GHL top spot with one round of league play remaining.

“At this point every win is important," said Grossmont head coach CHAD WILLIAMS. "Viskas wasn't as sharp as usual, but he battled like he always does and he got the job done.”

Foothillers third baseman Derek Rustich. (Photo by Linda Byerline)

The Foothillers got on the scoreboard first. Sophomore RYAN BARNES turned on an inside 3-2 fastball and hammered a solo homer to right. DANNY ROLF followed with a hustle double to right-center and NICK DALEY moved him to third on a safety to right. Rolf would score on an errant throw and NICO MAIDA (2-for-4, RBI) would drive home Daley to lift Grossmont to a 3-0 lead.

Barnes is a recent call-up from JV. He was 4-for-4 with 3 walks coming into today's action. He knew why he was brought up to varsity and what his role would be.

"I knew I was brought up to swing the bat,” he said. "I've been the DH for the most part, so I've been able to concentrate on my hitting. On the home run I was just looking fastball.”

West Hills closed the gap to 3-1 in the 5th inning when JOHNNY ESPINOZA scored on a bases loaded walk.

The game still hung in the balance until the 6th. Grossmont pinch hitter HUNTER STRATTON was aboard on a 1-out walk. With two outs FREDDY WALKER legged out an infield single to short. NOAH BUCHANAN then found a 2-1 offering to his liking.

"I was looking fastball all the way,” Buchanan said of his two-run double. "I haven't had a hit in a few games so it was nice to get one in that situation".

Buchanan's double would give the 10th-ranked Foothillers a 5-1 lead heading into the 7th.

West Hills' HAYDEN SCHILLING (3-for-3) scored in the 7th to close the gap to 5-2. Schilling has garnered 7 hits in his last 8 at-bats.

But with two on base and the tying run at the plate, Grossmont's BRANDON WEED was summoned out of the bullpen to shut the door on the Wolf Pack and record his first save of the season.

Of note for West Hills was junior pitcher TRENT TOPLIKAR who went 5 innings striking out six while yielding only 2 earned runs.

— Mark Meadows

GRANITE HILLS 2, VALHALLA 0 – The sound of pings echoing off baseball bats was almost at a dead silence Wednesday (May 1) as host and No. 7-ranked Granite Hills (18-7, 7-3) remained on the tail of front-running Grossmont in the Grossmont Hills League race.

Granite Hills senior left-hander TRENTON BROOKS spun a four-hit shutout and struck out 10 as the Eagles logged their eighth shutout.

The Eagles took the early lead in the 1st inning. ROBERT BOSTEDT slashed a single as did Brooks. Bostedt scored on a sacrifice fly.

A two-out rally led to Granite Hills’ final run in the 3rd inning. NOAH CUMMINGS singled, JOSH ROSE was hit by a pitch and SEAN WALKER produced an RBI single

“We played solid defense and Brooks made all the key pitches to get out of jams,” Granite Hills coach JAMES DAVIS said.

HELIX 4, STEELE CANYON 3 – Host Helix broke a 3-3 tie in the bottom of the 7th inning to ice the game over Grossmont Hills League rival Steele Canyon on Wednesday (May 1.).

In the top of the inning Steele Canyon ’s TANNER PERRY was hit by a pitch and BERNY ARIPEZ walked.

The Highlanders made a pitching change and brought in junior RYAN CROSSLEY, who struck out the side from the bullpen, protecting the 3-3 tie.

With two outs in the bottom of the 7th, JORGE GARCIA doubled and TYLER AVILUCEA ran for him. NICO ALCOSER singled to left. On the hit Avilucea raced for third with coach COLE HOLLAND waving him home.

However, as Avilucea rounded third base he tripped and fell, and ultimately returned to third base.

“It was a good thing he fell,” Holland said. “If he’d gone on towards the plate he’d have been out by 20 feet.”

With runners on first and third freshman DEREK CLARK hit a base hit to right, scoring Avilucea with the game-winning run.

“It was a well-played game on both sides,” Holland said. “But as the old adage goes, it sometimes better to be lucky than good.”

“But not really.”

EL CAPITAN 9, MOUNT MIGUEL 4 – Visiting El Capitan pounded out 14 hits in a

Grossmont Valley League romp over Mount Miguel on Wednesday (May 1.).

“We swung the bats real well today,” said Vaqueros coach JORDAN ABRUZZO. “We were aggressive from the start.”

TYLER DeGRAFF was 3-for-4 with 2 RBI for El Capitan . ERIC LOZANO added 3 RBI with a triple and a single.

“Our freshman pitcher TRISTAN DUNCAN gave us exactly what we needed,” Abruzzo added. “It was a big game and we were tied for first (in the league), and for a freshman to give us that kind of outing was pretty big.”

SANTANA 14, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 (5 inn.) – Santana scored 6 runs in the 1st inning and 7 more in the 3rd in a rout over El Cajon Valley in Wednesday’s (May 1) Grossmont Valley League encounter.

TYLER BROWNING, COLTEN STUTZ and TOMMY LOGAN accounted for 2 hits apiece for the Sultans (11-10, 5-2 GVL) for the lopsided victory which would allow them to maintain a share of the GVL lead.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 17, LUTHERAN 2 (5 inn.) – Foothills Christian avenged an earlier 7-0 loss to Lutheran by banging out 19 hits in Wednesday’s (May 1) lopsided Citrus League encounter.

DANIEL LUCKETT was 4-for-4 with two doubles, three runs and three RBI to pace the Foothills Christian Knights. NOAH GULA was 3-for-5 with three RBI and two runs. MARK PROFETA was 2-for-5 with three RBI.

TREVOR TINNEY pitched a complete game three-hitter and did not allow an earned run. He struck out 12.