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EAST COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL — April 2014
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Needing victories, Christian takes first step toward playoff berth

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

EL CAJON (5-1-14) — With eight games remaining in the regular season, the Christian High Patriots find themselves in a must-win situation.

Planted in Division 3 of the San Diego CIF playoffs, which begin May 26, Patriots head coach MIKE MITCHELL figures is ballclub needs to close the season with five victories to assure itself of a postseason berth.

And the road to the playoffs is going to be bumpy, to say the least. Christian (13-7, 3-2) began a string of five games in seven days, beating Lincoln, 10-2, in a Central League contest Wednesday (Apr. 30).

“I don’t understand this playoff system so all we can count on is winning every game,” said Mitchell. “If we don’t win at least 18 games I can see us getting bumped out of the playoffs. That’s ridiculous.”

In the win over Lincoln the Patriots got an unexpected shot in the arm by JOE ROSS, who had pitched only six innings all season prior to making his first start against the Hornets (6-13, 0-5).

Ross delivered a complete game effort, scattering 7 hits while allowing only 2 earned runs and striking out 7 for his first win.

“We were hoping he could go just 2 innings for us and then pitch by committee after that,” Mitchell said. “But he really came through – did a great job.”

Christian built a 9-0 lead in the first three innings and never looked back.

Leadoff hitter TREVOR HOWELL singled, stole two bases and scored on a wild pitch to ignite a 4-run 1st inning for the Patriots. BRYCE JURRIES hit an RBI single and JUSTIN LEDGERWOOD lined a 2-run single to cap the inning.

Christian fused together another 4-run inning in the 3rd. Howell supplied the key hit with a 2-run single, while CHRISTIAN MEZA drove in a run with a base hit.


Grossmont third baseman Braedon Barr is waiting with the ball
to tagout Nate Nguyen of Granite Hills. The Eagles still won, 6-3.
(Photo by Linda Byerline)

Norsemen blank slumping Helix

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

LA MESA (4-30-14) — East County Top 10 power Valhalla High smothered host Helix in Tuesday’s (Apr. 29) Grossmont Hills League encounter.

This one was all about the blast that exploded at Helix. In other words CHRIS HUDGINS hit his 7th and 8th home runs, including a grand slam, a double and 6 RBI as the Norsemen (14-6-1, 4-2) hammered the Highlanders, 12-0.

“I think this is the best game I’ve had so far,” said Hudgins, the Norsemen’s catcher.

“I spent all summer on power lifting, hoping I would get noticed by colleges,” he said.

And so he did, as he has signed a National Letter of Intent with Cal State Fullerton.

“I think the pressure is off so now I can focus on my senior year,” Hudgins said. “I still work hard – I’m not easily satisfied.

“I’ve been working out with (Rancho Bernardo’s) catcher Alex Jackson since we were 13,” said Hudgins, who has 8 home runs and 23 RBI for the season.

Just for the record Jackson has 8 home runs and 20 RBI for No. 1 ranked Rancho Bernardo.

So does catching help you or hurt you when it comes to hitting, Hudgins was asked.

“As a catcher it builds your arm strength and it gives you quick feet,” he replied.

Pitcher BRENT KEATON allowed one hit and no runs in five innings as he posted his 6th win in 7 decisions for the Norsemen.

In the 2nd inning Valhalla scored 5 runs, added 2 in the 5th and 5 in the 7th.

For Helix it was a long afternoon as the only base hits the Highlanders had were struck by JOSH CASTRO and MIGUEL ARMENDARIZ.

JEFF HOUGHTBY led the Valhalla assault with 3 hits and 2 RBI. ANDY VAN ANTWERP had 3 hits, as did Hudgins.

GRANITE HILLS 6, GROSSMONT 3 – Host Granite Hills maintained its lead of the Grossmont Hills League with a late inning victory in Tuesday’s (Apr. 29) contest in El Cajon .

The Eagles (14-6, 5-1) broke a 3-3 tie in the 6th inning. NATE NGUYEN led off with a walk, advanced on a single by PRESTON SKINNER and MICHAEL DIFFLEY walked to load the bases. ROBERT BOSTEDT came through with an RBI single.

Grossmont then committed the only error of the game as its shortstop threw a ball into the Granite Hills dugout in the fruitful 6th inning. The Eagles scored 2 runs on the play.

Nguyen, ADRIAN ANDREWSON and Skinner held the Foothillers in check with Skinner toiling the final 2 2/3 innings to post his 2nd win in as many appearances.

“The pitchers we used today really picked us up,” said Eagles coach JAMES DAVIS. “I’m happy with their performance. This is what depth is all about.”

Grossmont (9-10, 3-3) pushed across a run in the 4th inning and 2 more in the 5th to tie the contest.

HUNTER STRATTON was 2-for-3 for the Foothillers and BRADEN BARR was 2-for-2 with an RBI.

Bostedt was 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI for Granite Hills, while JAYSON ROSE was 2-for-2 with a run scored and an RBI.

STEELE CANYON 8, WEST HILLS 4 – After suffering a frustrating double-header loss to Granite Hills on Saturday (Apr. 26), the Cougars rebounded by knocking off West Hills Tuesday (Apr. 29) to raise their record to 14-7, 3-3 in the Grossmont Hills League.

The Cougars were on the brink of suffering their 3rd straight loss in the bottom of the 6th inning as West Hills led 4-2. Steele Canyon , however, erupted for 6 runs as they sent 12 men to the plate.

In that inning BERNY ARIPEZ stroked a 2-run single to center. West Hills handed the Cougars another run on a balk, and AUSTIN ELLERY came up with a big base hit to cash in 2 more. The other run scored on a bases loaded walk to KENNETH BAGDASAR.

Four Steele Canyon pitchers shared in the pitching as QUINN CADAVA picked up the win, and CHRIS BARKLEY earning his East County leading 7th save.

West Hills (9-11, 2-4) scored twice in the 4th inning as HAYDEN SCHILLING hit a base hit and NATHAN LEDFORD stroked a triple down the right field line scoring Schilling from first base. D.J. LEWIS hit a sacrifice fly to center field to score Ledford.

In the 5th inning, after BRYCE GIBSON smashed a double, CHASE PARSONS got a base hit to score Gibson.

The 6th inning saw COLE PENDLETON lead off with a single and LUKE PETERSON sacrificed him to second. Gibson got a base hit and DONOVON McCRYSTAL pinch ran for him. Gibson collected the RBI as Pendleton scored on the play.

SANTANA 7, MONTE VISTA 1 – Santana senior ALAN STRONG is living up to his namesake this season as the cornerstone of the Sultans’ bid for the Grossmont Valley League championship.

Strong pitched a 2-hitter, allowing only one earned run while striking out 8 as he hoisted his record to 4-2.

The victory allowed the Sultans (12-9, 4-1) to maintain their lead in the GVL.

Santana took a 6-0 lead after three innings and never let go.

In the 1st inning the Sultans jumped in front as TRISTEN SALINAS singled, stole second and scored on a double by TOMMY LOGAN.

In the 2nd frame the Sultans scored 3 runs without benefit of a hit, but they did run wild on the bases as Santana stole home twice. NATHAN NUNEZ had 3 of the steals.

Leading 4-0 Santana padded its advantage with 2 more runs in the 3rd inning. The key hit was an RBI double by BRIAN PARKER and a single by Salinas .

Strong pitched 5 2/3 innings
without allowing a hit for the third straight game.

But the Monarchs broke through as TYLER WILLIAMS drew a one-out walk and stole second on a two-out single by XAVIER CHAVOYA, scoring Williams to allow the Monarchs to avoid the shutout. AUSTIN CAOLE also singled but the rally stalled after that.

MOUNT MIGUEL 12, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 – JACOB CASTILLO flirted with a perfect game and settled for a no-hitter as he posted his 2nd win in as many decisions during Tuesday’s (Apr. 29) Grossmont Valley League game in El Cajon.

Castillo struck out 6 and allowed only one base runner – a walk to DONOVAN PEREZ FOSTER with one out in the 6th inning.

Mount Miguel turned a double play to erase the Braves’ only base runner.

The Matadors (11-8, 3-2 GVL) scored all the runs it would need in the 1st inning when they rang up 5.

BRAD MORENO and ESTEBAN LIERAS were both 3-for-4 for the Matadors.

Castillo had a single and 2 RBI in the victory.

“This was Castillo’s longest outing and he was one walk away from a perfect game,” said Matadors coach JASON BABINEAU. “Regardless of who you’re pitching against a no-hitter is rare, so we’re really proud of him.”

EL CAPITAN 10, MISSION HILLS 5 – A 6-run 3rd inning and a 15-hit attack propelled El Capitan to a non-league victory Tuesday (Apr. 29) in San Marcos .

The Vaqueros (11-9) broke a 1-1 tie on a base hit by TRAVIS BAKER in the big inning. Key blows in the inning included an RBI double by TRISTAN DUNCAN and a run-scoring triple by JAKE MEDFORD. Newcomer VICTOR CARLINO lined a single to right field to score Medford .

JOHNATHAN SUMMERS was 3-for-5 with 2 runs scored for El Capitan, while Medford finished 2-for-2 with 3 RBI. Duncan supplied the key blow in the 4th inning as he stroked a 2-run single. Medford capped the 4th inning with an RBI single.

As a team El Capitan had one of its best offensive showings as SAM MELERO contributed 2 hits, as did Baker, MYLES EMMERSON and Medford .

DYLAN WANNAMAKER pitched the first five innings to earn his 5th win in 7 decisions, allowing only one earned run.

Vista-CALVARY CHRISTIAN 12, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 0 – No information was provided for this Citrus League game.


A major traffic jam at second base found (from left) shortstop Michael Diffley and
second baseman Nate Nguyen of Granite Hills, plus Steele Canyon baserunner
Mackey Bowers get tangled together. The Eagles swept the GHL doubleheader.
(Photo by Ruth Mims)
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

First baseman Robbie Agerbeek of Granite Hills
makes the perfect scoop to retire Steele Canyon
batter Joey Gerardi in a GHL doubleheader.
(Photo by Ruth Mims)
Eagles go overtime to sweep

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

RANCHO SAN DIEGO (4-27-14) — Granite Hills High swept a marathon doubleheader from host Steele Canyon in Saturday’s (Apr. 26) Grossmont Hills League competition that no doubt will have a bearing in who wins the circuit crown.

Both games were nail-biters but the Eagles won the opener 3-2 and captured the nightcap 5-3 in 12 innings to raise its league record to 4-1, which puts Granite Hills in first place for the time being.

“This was two amazing games,” said Granite Hills coach JAMES DAVIS. “We had to grind to win both of them. We were out here all day long. I know I can speak for myself – I’m tired.”

But the Eagles are not upset by the results.

In the opening game Granite Hills snatched victory from the jaws of defeat when winning pitcher DANIEL VASQUEZ hammered a 2-run homer in the 7th inning that made it 3-2.

Vasquez pitched a complete game, using 95 pitches to scatter 7 hits while striking out 11 and posting his 5th win without a defeat.

“Whether I’m pitching or batting, it’s all about winning for the team,” said Vasquez.

In the second game Granite Hills (13-6, 4-1) mustered 10 hits but left on 10 runners.

Steele Canyon was in a similar mode as the Cougars (13-7, 2-3) generated only 3 runs on 6 hits while stranding 11 base runners.

Facing the fifth Steele Canyon pitcher in the nightcap, the Eagles capitalized on 2 walks and an error, a base hit by JORDAN VERDON and a sacrifice fly by JUSTIN MITCHELL to score 2 runs in the 12th inning and take a 5-3 lead.

PRESTON SKINNER, the fourth Granite Hills pitcher in game two, pitched 2 2/3 innings of shutout baseball, allowing only one hit while striking out 2 and walking only one.

“I never really get nervous, no matter what the situation is,” said the Eagles junior right-hander.

But Skinner was up against the wall with the game on the line in the 12th inning as the Cougars had the tying runs on base with two outs. He worked the count to 3-2 on WYATT LOGAN, and then struck him out to end the game.

Skinner was pleased with the victory but did not schedule a party.

“I never get nervous, it’s all about keeping your cool,” he said. “In this game my changeup was my best pitch – I guess you could say it was my out pitch.”

It wasn’t all bad news for Steele Canyon as ace left-hander ALEX VESIA allowed only 4 hits and struck out 11.

Grossmont's Hunter Reed (23) will tightly secure
the pop-up. Teammate Brandon Weed looks on,
(Photo by Linda Byerline)
VALHALLA 4, GROSSMONT 0; GROSSMONT 1, VALHALLA 0 – In 18 innings of this Grossmont Hills League doubleheader on Saturday (Apr. 26) all the runs were scored in two innings.

In game one of the doubleheader at Valhalla the Norsemen knocked out a 4-0 victory. That is, JORDAN QSAR carried the hammer as he launched a 3-run homer to right field that cleared the scoreboard by 20 feet for a 3-0 Valhalla lead.

If Grossmont was shell-shocked at that point, CHRIS HUDGINS followed Qsar’s lead by hoisting his 6th home run over the left field fence in the same inning.

And that was it for the scoring in the opener.

Valhalla’s senior southpaw MITCH COOMBS took over from there. He allowed only 4 hits as he posted his 3rd shutout and 4th complete game while lifting his record to 6-1.

In the second game runs were even more at a premium. Grossmont won the contest on a solo home run by PEYTON LINDSAY, a shot in the 4th ,his 3rd of the season.

That was enough for BRANDON WEED, who struggled at the beginning of the season, but has now regained the form that made him one of East County ’s top pitchers a year ago. Weed allowed only 4 hits in the complete game shutout, which leveled his record at 4-4.

Valhalla’s pitching was just short of blue chip itself as JOSH MITICH allowed only one run on 4 hits in 4 innings, while relievers MATT GREEN and Qsar delivered hitless relief with 6 strikeouts.

“It wasn’t an offensive showcase,” said Grossmont coach CHAD WILLIAMS. “But we played defense better than we have all season, and that makes a difference in a close game.”

MOUNT MIGUEL 9, SANTANA 1 – In a key battle of Grossmont Valley League contenders, visiting Mount Miguel smothered Santana on Saturday (Apr. 26) in Santee to move within one game of the circuit lead.

The Matadors, who took a 6-0 lead in the first two innings, are 2-2 in league and 2-8 overall. Santana (11-9, 3-1), which remains on top of the league, was never in contention.

This one belonged to the Matadors DANIEL RONK, who scattered 8 hits and allowed only one earned run as he evened his pitching mark at 3-3. He also was 2-for-2 at the plate.

“We exemplified team baseball today,” said Matadors coach JASON BABINEAU. “Daniel Ronk did a great job of throwing strikes and trusting our defense, and our defense had his back (by not committing an error).”

Mount Miguel jumped in front in the 1st frame on a double by ESTEBAN LIERAS and a two-out single by ANDRES GONZALEZ.

In the 2nd inning the Matadors erupted for 5 markers. ALEX ESTRADA capped the inning with a 2-run single. JACOB CASTILLO and Lieras also drove in runs with base hits in that inning.

Santana also handed Mount Miguel a fifth run in the frame on an error.

Estrada, the Matadors’ catcher, finished 2-for-4 with 3 RBI to lead a 10-hit assault.

It was lean pickings for Santana, which had sporadic hits throughout the game. TOMMY LOGAN was the only Sultans to collect 2 hits as he was 2-for-3 including a double.

WEST HILLS 6, HELIX 5; WEST HILLS 4, HELIX 2 – West Hills pulled off one of East County’s biggest upsets this season by sweeping a Grossmont Hills League doubleheader Saturday (Apr. 26) in Santee.

On the brink of elimination the Wolf Pack (9-10, 2-3 GHL) regrouped and knocked the Highlanders (12-9, 1-4 GHL) into the cellar by posting back-to-back victories.

Although details are sketchy, West Hills won the opener by scoring 5 runs in the 6th inning to rub out a 5-1 deficit.

The key hits in the West Hills comeback in the 6th were a 3-run double by NATHAN LEDFORD and a 2-run single by KRIS AGUILAR.

TRENT TOPLIKER (3-2) scattered 8 hits in the opener and allowed only 2 earned runs in six innings to post the victory for the Wolf Pack.

HAYDEN SCHILLING pitched the final frame to post his 1st of 2 saves of the doubleheader to raise his season total to 3.

In the second game WILLIE BENNETT pitched 6 1/3 innings for the Pack and allowed one earned run while surviving an 8-hit assault by the Highlanders to level his record at 3-3

LUKE PETERSON had a key 2-run double in the 3rd inning to stretch West Hills’ advantage to 4-1.

BRYCE GIBSON was kind of a phantom contributor to the Pack’s offense with 2 sacrifice flies.

Ledford was 2-for-3 with 2 runs scored, and CHASE PARSONS also had 2 hits in 3 at-bats. In the opener Parsons was 1-for-1 with 2 walks and scored twice.

There was no report from Helix.


Q's excuse Christian in extra innings

By Andrew Smith
© East County Sports.com

EL CAJON (4-26-14) — There's always an answer...Unfortunately, there were too many Q's for Christian High and not enough answers Friday (Apr. 25) afternoon as they fell to the Conquistadors 2-1 in 9 innings in a Central League contest.

“We shouldn't have lost this game,” said Patriots head coach MIKE MITCHELL. “We wasted a great effort from SAM (GERSHOW) and if we score one run in any of those first 3 innings, we win.”

What the skipper was alluding to was the Patriots (12-7, 2-2 CL) had Serra (15-4, 4-0 CL) on the ropes multiple times, with at least two men on base in the first couple of innings and they were left loaded in the third. Overall the Patriots left the bases loaded three times and stranded 13 runners.

A double play ruined Christian's chances in the first. An unlucky line drive ran them out of the second and a pair of pop-ups in foul territory squashed their minor threat in the third.

Gershow, starting pitcher for the Patriots was lights out, as usual and then some, but to no avail. He shut down Serra for 8 innings...after allowing one earned run his ERA for the season actually went up...making his stats borderline ridiculous.

Gershow had a perfect game for 5 2/3 innings, retiring the first 17 batters he faced.

The game was scoreless after seven innings. Serra took the lead on a bases loaded walk. Christian tied it when pinch hitter ZACH HOGUEISSON slashed a single to center in the bottom of the 8th.

In the 9th inning Serra took the lead for keeps as Tyler Paton hammered a game-winning single.

Gershow and KYLE STOWERS allowed only 4 hits overall, while the Patriots could not take advantage of 11 walks offered by Serra.

When all is said and done, this might be one league game that Christian High wished they had back.

“This is one of the most frustrating losses I’ve had in 18 years at Christian,” Mitchell stated.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 5, JULIAN 4 – No further information was available for this non-league game at Julian.


East County Sports' Game of the Week
 Presented By...

                ...Celebrating its First Anniversary!
Duncan speeds past Monte Vista

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

LAKESIDE (4-25-14) — El Capitan High sophomore TRISTAN DUNCAN is one of those who will be a candidate for unsung hero in the postseason awards.

The 6-foot-2, 172-pound right-hander turned in a complete game Grossmont Valley League victory for El Capitan, as the Vaqueros conquered Monte Vista, 3-1, in Thursday’s (Apr. 24) Power Alley Game of the Week.

Duncan had pinpoint control as he walked one and struck out 9 for the Vaqueros (10-9, 3-1 GVL) to move within a half game of league-leading Santana.

Monte Vista fell to 4-13, 0-2 GVL.

The Monarchs took the early lead in the 2nd inning. MATT GONZALES led off with a single and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by RICKY DUPREE. ANDREW GONZALES laced a single to put runners at the corners. SEAN WHITE then singled home Matt Gonzales.

The Monarchs’ advantage was short-lived, however, as El Capitan pushed across 3 runs in the 3rd frame.

SAM MELERO opened the Vaqueros’ only scoring inning with a walk, and then promptly stole second base. He eventually scored on a double by JOHNATHAN SUMMERS to tie the game. TRAVIS BAKER drew a walk and DYLAN WANNAMAKER ran for him.

A wild pitch by Monte Vista starter AUSTIN CAOLE set the stage for what turned out to be the game-winning hit by MYLES EMMERSON, who laced a single to left-center field, scoring both Summers and Wannamaker.

The offenses were dormant after that. Nobody on El Capitan had more than one hit. Monte Vista ’s Andrew Gonzales had 2 hits, as did Sean White.

El Capitan coach JORDAN ABRUZZO can’t say enough positive things about Duncan ’s pitching.

“He’s one of those guys who can three different pitches for strikes,” Abruzzo said. “The good thing about him is he’s pretty consistent. Every time he goes to the mound he expects to pitch seven innings. You know, he’s gonna be special. He gets better every time out.”

 
To Catch A Thief

© East County Sports.com
BARONA INDIAN RESERVATION (4-25-14) — Less than three weeks ago, the Foothills Christian Knights set the East County record of 22 stolen bases in a non-league game against Crawford.

In Thursday’s (Apr. 24) non-league encounter against Borrego Springs, the Knights did themselves one better, with 23 thefts as they corralled the Rams, 13-4.

The base-running bandits had contributions from nine players, including 3 each from CALEB HOFFMAN, MARK PROFETA, DANIEL LUCKETT, NOAH GULA, NATHAN YEAGER, JOSH LEWIS and TIM GRAY. RYAN QUINN and DANIEL HOFFMAN swiped a bag apiece.

Only Imperial, which swiped 26 sacks against Winterhaven San Pasqual in 1984, has stolen more bases in a San Diego Section baseball game than the Knights.

Yeager pitched a complete game 2-hitter and did not allow an earned run.

“We didn’t play very well in the first couple of innings,” said Knights coach DAVE LEWIS. “Yeager was pitching great, we just weren’t playing good defense (4 errors). Yeager struck out 8 and walked only one.

“Borrego Spring has a good hitting team,” Lewis said. “Yeager really shut them down. We beat Borrego 12-10 earlier in the season.

“We’re averaging 13 runs a game,” Lewis added.

Foothills snapped a 4-4 tie with 2 runs in the 4th inning. Caleb Hoffman singled, stole second and eventually scored on a double by Quinn. Profeta, who drew a walk and stole a base, rode home on a wild pitch.

Foothills broke the game open with 7 runs in the 5th inning.

Caleb Hoffman had an RBI double, Profeta singled home a run as did Quinn and Yeager. Three runs scored on passed balls.


Big inning lifts Christian into second place

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

CLAIREMONT (4-24-14) — The Christian High Patriots maintained their grip on second place in the Central League following a 6-4 victory on Wednesday (Apr. 23) over host Clairemont.

The Patriots (12-6, 2-1 CL) scored 5 runs in the 2nd inning to take a lead they would not surrender.

CHRISTIAN MEZA hoisted a bases loaded sacrifice fly, which tied the game at 1-1 at the time.

The Chieftains chipped in with a 2-base throwing error to hand the Patriots two more runs.

KYLE STOWERS then nailed a 2-run double and that proved to be enough to carry starting pitcher BRYCE JURRIES to a complete game victory. Jurries was touched up for 9 hits but surrendered just one earned run and struck out 5 as he evened his ledger at 2-2.

“He moved the ball around well,” said Christian coach MIKE MITCHELL of Jurries. “He wasn’t throwing hard, but he kept them guessing. Sure, they got nine hits but none of them were hit hard.”

The Patriots tacked on one run in the 4th as NICK JARVIS singled and eventually scored on a double by TREVOR HOWELL.

Christian will play one of its biggest games of the Central League season on Friday (Apr. 25) when they host front-running Serra (3-0) at 3:30 p.m.


Valhalla starting pitcher Brent Keaton struck out six in less han five innings to stop Helix.
(Photo by Don DeMars Photography)
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

The Daley Double
Position change doesn't deter reserve,
his home run lifts Hillers past Granite Hills

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

EL CAJON (4-23-14) — Reserve catcher NICK DALEY has to make the most of his chances, and so he did in Tuesday’s (Apr. 22) Grossmont Hills League game against Granite Hills.

Daley shed his mask and shin guards and picked up his first baseman’s glove, but when all was said and done it was his bat that did the talking.

Daley slugged a walkoff home run with two outs in the bottom of the 8th inning as the Foothillers stunned Granite Hills, 4-3.

“We were all pretty excited about that,” said Foothillers coach CHAD WILLIAMS. “Daley doesn’t get much opportunity to catch so we try to put him in the lineup.”

That was a good move on this particular day.

The victory left Grossmont (8-3, 2-1) in a 4-way tie for first place in the GHL. Granite Hills fell to 11-6, 2-1.

Grossmont took a 1-0 lead in the 2nd inning on a solo home run by PEYTON LINDSAY.

Granite Hills regained the lead with a pair of runs in the 4th on an RBI single by ANDY LOWRY and a sacrifice fly by AUSTIN DABBS.

Granite Hills made it 3-1 in the 5th on an RBI single by JAYSON ROSE, but Grossmont refused to fold.

The Foothillers tied it in the bottom of the 5th on an RBI double by Stratton and a run scoring single by TIGER GUERRERO.

That set the stage for Daley’s late inning heroics.

DANIEL ROLF pitched 7 solid innings for Grossmont, allowing only 3 earned runs. But BRANDON WEED earned the victory by pitching one shutout inning in the 8th, evening his record at 4-4.

SANTANA 4, MOUNT MIGUEL 0 – ALAN STRONG pitched a one hit shutout as the Sultans (11-8, 3-0 Grossmont Valley League) clipped the Matadors to maintain the lead in the GVL and enjoy being the only unbeaten team in the Grossmont Conference on either side.

Strong, who pitched a complete game while walking none and striking out 7, narrowly missed throwing a no-hitter when the Matadors’ ANDRES GONZALEZ grounded a single up the middle, past a diving Santana shortstop with one out in the 5th inning.

For Strong it was a matter of pinpoint control. He faced 23 batters, only 2 over the minimum. But better yet he had 17 first-pitch strikes.

“I guess that says a lot about Strong,” said Sultans coach RIGO LEDEZMA. “There aren’t many pitchers at any level that can throw that many first-pitch strikes.”

Santana scored all the runs it would need in the 4th inning, punching across 3 runs. RYAN BROWNING reached base on a drag bunt and advanced to second on an error by the third baseman. CALEB STUFFLE singled to put runners at the corners. NATHAN NUNEZ then put down a safety squeeze to give the Sultans the lead 1-0.

The Sultans picked up a second run in the inning on a wild pitch, and capped the scoring on a sacrifice fly by TOMMY LOGAN.

Santana scored its final run in the 6th inning as Nathan Nunez walked, scurried to second on a sacrifice bunt by JACOB ODENKIRK. REECE HERNANDEZ singled to put runners at the corners. Nathan Nunez scored on a groundout by Logan .

The hardluck loser for Mount Miguel was BRAD MORENO, who spun a complete game and allowed only 2 earned runs while striking out 7.

VALHALLA 7, HELIX 3 – In a battle of Top 10 teams, Valhalla used a pair of big innings to knock off Helix in Tuesday’s (Apr. 22) Grossmont Hills League contest.

Pitching-rich Valhalla was led on the mound by BRENT KEATON and BROCK MOSIER. Keaton pitched the first 4 1/3 and allowed 3 runs and struck out 6 as he posted his 5th win in 6 decisions.

Mosier came out of the bullpen to log his 4th save, tossing 2 2/3 innings of hitless relief.

“We have 13 solid seniors on this team,” said Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON. “This is a group that never gives up, regardless of the situation. When we swing the bat well like we did today we’re a pretty good ball club.”

The Norsemen (12-5-1, 2-1 GHL) had to rally from a 3-0 deficit against Helix. In the bottom of the 3rd JUSTIN GARCIA-JAIME doubled to left. JEFF HOUGHTBY reached base on an error to put runners at the corners. JORDAN QSAR then doubled to right, scoring Garcia-Jaime and sending Houghtby to third. CHRIS HUDGINS followed with a single to drive in two runs and tie the game 3-3.

Later in the inning COLE HENDERSON singled to give Valhalla a 4-3 lead.

The Norsemen put the game on ice in the 6th inning with a 3-spot. Garcia-Jaime walked and JARED SULLIVAN pinch ran for him. After successful bunts by COREY ZIMMERMAN for a base hit and Houghtby to put runners at second and third, Qsar singled to right to score 2 runs. GIUSEPPE CASTANOS capped the inning with a sacrifice fly.

Helix (12-7, 1-2 GHL) took the early lead, scoring all its runs in the top of the 3rd inning. MATTHEW RICHARDSON drew a one-out walk and CONNOR KONISHI doubled to center to put runners at second and third in the scoreless game. JORGE GARCIA hit a 2-run double to left. NICO ALCOSER doubled to right to score Garcia, and suddenly things were looking pretty good for the Highlanders.

However, the Helix offense stalled after that as the Highlanders finished with only 4 hits.

STEELE CANYON 19, WEST HILLS 3 – COLE FLINT pounded out 4 hits in 6 at-bats while driving in 3 runs and scored twice as he sparked a 21-hit assault for visiting Steele Canyon in Tuesday’s (Apr. 22) Grossmont Hills League rout of the West Hills Wolf Pack (7-10, 0-3 GHL).

The hit parade by the Cougars (13-5, 2-1 GHL) featured 10 batters contributing to a season high offensive output. TANNER PERRY was 3-for-6 with 3 runs scored and 3 RBI, including a double and a triple as well as a stolen base.

Steele Canyon ’s hitting heroes were by the handfuls. WYATT LOGAN pitched in with 3 hits in 4 at-bats while scoring 3 runs and driving in another.

The Cougars took a 3-0 lead in the 1st inning as Perry doubled in two and scored on a double by KENNETH BAGDASAR.

Steele Canyon scored in every inning but one, including 6 times in the 3rd frame. That made like easy for starting pitcher JOSH MEDERIOS, who allowed only one earned run in 4 frames as he posted his 4th win against 2 losses.

WYATT BORKLUND pitched 2 shutout innings in relief and SEAN McCARTHY pitched one.

West Hills picked up two runs in the 4th inning on a 2-run single by NOAH ORTIZ, but by that time the game was out of reach.

EL CAPITAN 5, MONTE VISTA 3 – DYLAN WANNAMAKER and TRISTAN DUNCAN combined to pitch a 5-hitter as the Vaqueros clipped the Monarchs in Tuesday’s (Apr. 22) Grossmont Valley League encounter in Spring Valley .

SAM MELERO was 3-for-4 and scored 2 runs in the leadoff spot for El Capitan (9-9, 2-1 GVL).

It was a thing of beauty for the Vaqueros pitchers who did not issue a single walk and surrendered only 2 earned runs. Wannamaker was awarded his 4th win in six decisions and Duncan logged his first save.

The Vaqueros capitalized on a bunt by JOHNATHAN SUMMERS and a throwing by the Monte Vista pitcher to take a 2-0 lead.

The Monarchs cut the deficit in half on a line drive two-out double by REILLY DIAZ.

But El Capitan wasn’t through. CLAY CROMWELL slashed a 2-run double in the 6th inning to make it 4-1 in favor of the Vaqueros. El Capitan added its final tally in the 7th on an RBI single by Summers.

“Our guys are buying in and they’re getting better,” said El Capitan coach JORDAN ABRUZZO. “It’s fun to see the guys on the team coming together. They’re really starting to click.”

Monte Vista tried to stage a comeback in the bottom of the 7th, scoring 2 runs. The key blow was an RBI double by RICKY DUPREE down the right field line. Monte Vista picked up its final run on a ground out by ANDREW GONZALES.

Diaz (3-5) was the hardluck loser for the Monarchs, allowing just 2 earned runs in his six innings.


 
Scotties earn Lions' Premier championship

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

POINT LOMA (4-18-14) — Helix High head coach COLE HOLLAND would be the first to admit that the Highlanders are never going to overpower their opponents with their bats or their pitching.

“We like to think of ourselves as being a scrappy team that takes advantage of the short game,” he said.

And that was the case in the Premier Division championship game of the 64th annual Lions Tournament on Thursday (Apr. 17) against Steele Canyon.

Helix was the only East County team to win a Lions Tournament championship this year.

MICHAEL VARGASON, a senior right-hander, came out of the bullpen to pitch a shutout by scattering 8 hits and rolling his record to 3-1.

“Vargason made his first start of the year in a complete game effort,” said Holland. He’s been really good for us out of the bullpen. I feel deep down that he wants to be a starter. I think he earned that today.

“One of our three starting pitchers, LEE MUTTER, broke his collarbone Wednesday when he tripped in a weight training class.”

The Highlanders scored their only run in the 3rd inning when ERIC PRECIADO led off by getting hit by a pitch. MICHAEL AUSTIN sacrificed him to second and CONNOR KONISHI singled Preciado home.

Konishi was 1-for 3 with his 2nd game-winning RBI in the championship game.

In order to get to the championship game Helix had to get past the Ramona Bulldogs, which they did, 2-1 in the semifinals of the Lions Tournament.

Junior left-hander DaSHAWN KEIRSEY threw a complete game 2-hitter and did not allow an earned run.

“It’s his second start of the year,” said Holland. “In his first start at Eastlake he struggled with his control, so after we beat RBV I told him he was starting against Ramona. I told him to go to bed visualizing throwing strikes. “He did exactly that.”

Steele Canyon was able to muster only 4 hits in a losing effort.

The Cougars wasted a solid pitching performance by newcomer QUINN CADAVA who had 8 strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings.

Said Cougars assistant coach SEAN TUCKER, “It was a game of inches. Helix had timely hitting with two outs. It could have gone either way. It’s a tough loss but we’re heading in the right direction. We’ll see them again in league.”

STEELE CANYON 3, EASTLAKE 0 – Steele Canyon advanced to the semifinals on an RBI double by BERNY ARIPEZ in the 3rd inning. TANNER PERRY also had a run-scoring single in the same frame as the Cougars overcame Eastlake to move into the championship game against Helix.

Three Steele Canyon pitchers shared in the victory over the Titans with CHRIS BARKLEY earning his 6th save. TREVOR ROW allowed one hit over three innings and struck out 3 before ALEX VESIA took over, surrendering only 2 hits before he posted his 5th victory.

   
 
Well-tested Eagles fall to top prospect

By Andrew Smith
© East County Sports.com

SAN MARCOS (4-18-14) — It has been a brutal schedule so far this season for the Granite Hills Eagles, to say the least. Not only did they have the normal, early-season tournaments packed with top-ranked teams to deal with, but they also were hand-picked to be a part of the Boras Classic in Orange County which boasts some of the top teams in the country, mostly serving as a draft prospect showcase to scouts and agents.

Once they were done with that, a return home must have seemed easy.

Instead, they ended up having to scratch and claw their way through the Classic Division of the 64th annual Lions Tournament and eventually needed to beat Cathedral Catholic and No. 1 draft pick Brady Aiken, but fell behind 5-0 on the scorecards in the early rounds with the heavyweight title on the line.

“When you give Carl Lewis a 50-yard head start in a 100-yard dash no one thinks you have a chance,” coach JAMES DAVIS said. “We capitalized on their mistakes (5 errors) and it was a great win for us...as it would be for any team facing a future first round pick.”

Somehow...someway...they managed to stick-and-move their way to a 6-5 victory over the Dons, getting them into Thursday's (Apr. 17) semifinal round at Cal State San Marcos and they balked their way to the Championship game with a 5-1 victory over Madison, only to be reunited with their arch-nemesis rival, Rancho Bernardo's Casey Henderson...

Over the last three years, no pitcher has stymied the Eagles quite like the Broncos' ace has and he did it once again by twirling a 3-hit complete game shutout, downing the Eagles 6-0 and was also named tournament MVP for his efforts.

In five appearances against Granite Hills over the past three years his stats line reads a 3-1 record with a 1.25 ERA in 28 innings of work, and also notched one save.

All that said...he's not an over-powering pitcher with speed by any means, which will often keep so many batters confused.

“I think he has pixie dust on his ball,” claimed Davis. “He just hits his spots so well and throws all three pitches for strikes. We hit the ball well today, but nothing dropped or fell our way.”

Even though he proved to be Granite Hills' kryptonite once again, the Eagles played a great game against Madison just to reach the finals to get one more crack at him.

MICHAEL DIFFLEY led off the semifinals round with a leadoff single and was granted second base after the first of four balks called on the Madison pitching staff.

To say that ruffled the feathers of the Warhawks' entire team, coaching staff and their fans would be an understating farce by every single meaning of the word.

Diffley went on to score the first run for Granite on a double play, but also reached base two more times.

“Yesterday we had a huge win, beating Cathedral,” he said after 3-for-4 on the day with 3 runs scored “But I don't think that gave us any kind of momentum into this one. We always play our hardest and take things game-to-game-to-game.”

ROBERT BOSTEDT also went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and JORDAN VERDON laced an RBI double in support of starter NATE NGUYEN against a team that, at the high school level, looked like a bunch of Paul Bunyan's at the plate with axes in their hands.

“A team like that can be a little intimidating because they're so big,” Nguyen claimed. “You just have gotta have confidence and fill up the strike zone. I had my off-speed and curve both working for me today. With that kind of control I just kept the ball down in the zone and had good success.”

It might be a moot-point for them considering the time being, but the Eagles have probably earned enough respect to crack the Top-10 poll rankings after their impressive week despite losing to Rancho Bernardo for the second time.

Lions Round-up:
Sultans bounce Bonita Vista

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (4-18-14) — The Santana Sultans ran out of pitching in Thursday’s (Apr. 17) Division 5 of the 64th annual Lions Tournament, which is not uncommon in this event.

It’s all about pitching depth. Santana used three pitchers to knock off Bonita Vista, 5-4, in eight innings in the semifinals of the tournament.

The Sultans pushed across the decisive run in the 8th inning.

BRIAN PARKER led off the pivotal 8th with a single. NOAH NUNEZ advanced Parker on a sacrifice bunt, then TRISTEN SALINAS walked and REECE HERNANDEZ reached base on a ground ball to load the bases.

RYAN BROWNING then banged a single to score the winning run, giving Santana the walkoff win.

Santana’s luck in the championship ran out as the Sultans produced only 3 hits as they dropped a 7-0 decision to Orange County Foothill.

“Overall I thought we had a great tournament,” said Sultans coach RIGO LEDEZMA. “But we came up dry against a pretty good team from Orange County . We had three games that were decided by one run. We won two of them.”

PATRICK HENRY 4, EL CAPITAN 2 – El Capitan coach JORDAN ABRUZZO said “I bet a lot of people didn’t believe we’d make it this far.”

No matter what the non-believers thought, the Vaqueros reached the Division 6 semifinals against El Camino on Thursday (Apr. 17) and continued on to the finals of the 64th annual Lions Tournament against Patrick Henry at Grossmont College.

In the championship game the Patriots scored 4 runs in the 6th inning to claim the victory.

The Vaqueros took a 1-0 lead on an RBI single by JOHNATHAN SUMMERS in the 1st inning and extended their advantage to 2-0 on a base hit by SAM MELERO in the 4th.

After that the El Capitan offense stalled as Henry’s David Hensley slammed the door. The 6-foot-5 senior allowed only 6 hits in a complete game outing.

EL CAPITAN 2, EL CAMINO 1 (10 inn.) – In a 10-inning semifinal game earlier in the day El Capitan took advantage of an El Camino error to advance to the championships while eliminating the Wildcats.

JORDAN FRANTZ pitched 6 2/3 innings in relief, allowing only 2 hits to hurl the Vaqueros into the top game.

SAM MELERO was 2-for-4 with an RBI and finished the double-header with 5 hits for El Capitan.

MT. CARMEL 6, WEST HILLS 1 – West Hills clawed into the Division 4 semifinals of the 64th annual Lions Tournament action on Thursday (Apr. 17).

Junior NATHAN LEDFORD was 2-for-3 with an RBI but it was hardly enough as the Wolf Pack (7-9) fell to Mt. Carmel .

West Hills took a 1-0 lead in the 1st inning but it didn’t hold up for long, as the Sundevils scored 6 runs on 7 hits.

The Pack let Mt. Carmel off the hook by issuing a few too many passes, 8 walks to be exact.

“The coaching staff, the parents and the Wolf Pack family are proud of these guys,” said West Hills coach MIKE “Cougar” HARWELL. “They made a good run. Back to work next week.”

D.J. LEWIS added 2 hits to lead West Hills’ attack.

ESCONDIDO 8, CHRISTIAN 6 – The Patriots surrendered 3 runs in the 1st inning and never recovered as they were eliminated in the Division 3 semifinals of the 64th annual Lions Tournament on Thursday (Apr. 17) at Mater Dei High.

Christian coach MIKE MITCHELL pointed out that his Patriots struck out 13 times.

“That kinda kills any kind of rally you could put together,” he said.

The Patriots scored twice in the 2nd inning on a single by JOE ROSS, a triple by TREVOR HOWELL. Howell scored on a ground out by KYLE STOWERS.

Christian took the lead in the 4th inning on a 2-run single by CHRISTIAN MEZA.

After that the Patriots’ pitching staff collapsed.

Grossmont's Braeden Barr pitched a 6-hit shutout
to motor the Foothillers past San Ysidro, 2-0.
(Photo by Linda Byerline)
 
GROSSMONT 2, SAN YSIDRO 0 – BRADEN BARR, who is accustomed to coming out of the bullpen, pitched a complete game 6-hit shutout as the Grossmont Foothillers upended host San Ysidro in a Lions Tournament consolation game.

Grossmont took the lead in the 2nd inning when RYAN BARNES singled, PEYTON LINDSAY doubled, and HUNTER REED walked to load the bases. MATT LUJAN hit into a double play to score Barnes. Barr then banged a base hit to make it 2-0.

VALHALLA 1, MONTGOMERY 1, tie (10 inn.) – Valhalla and Montgomery played to a 10-inning, 1-1 tie in a Classic Division consolation game of the 64th annual Lions Tournament at Montgomery.

Four Norsemen pitchers, JOSH MITICH, JORDAN QSAR, JUSTIN GARCIA-JAIME and FOSTER McNARY, combined to allow 1 run on 8 hits. The quartet walked 4 and struck out 6 Aztecs.

Montgomery got on the board in the 2nd inning. A 1-out single by Herman Alvarado, a walk to Jose Cerda followed by an error loaded the bases. Omar Gonzalez then placed a squeeze bunt scoring Alvarado from third.

The Norsemen answered in the 6th. Qsar hit a 1-out double to left. After a fly out, CHRIS HUDGINS singled to left, scoring Qsar.


Grossmont's Hunter Reed with the throw to first base.
(Photo by Linda Byerline)
East County well-represented
in Lions' Final Four

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

EL CAJON (4-17-14) — Seven East County teams qualified for the semifinals of the 64th annual Lions Tournament. What that means is two victories by these teams would give them a division championship in the nation’s oldest high school tournament.

Semifinal games on Thursday (Apr. 17) will begin at 9:30 a.m. at various sites (check schedule). The championship game will be played at 3:30 (same sites).

There are also consolation games involving Grossmont at San Ysidro at 3:30 and Valhalla at Montgomery at 4 p.m.

GRANITE HILLS 6, CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC 5 – After falling behind 5-0 in two innings against the No. 1 ranked team in the San Diego Section, the Granite Hills Eagles figured to be left for dead in Wednesday’s (Apr. 16) Classic Division pool play finale of the 64th annual Lions Tournament.

Why?

Cathedral Catholic’s Brady Aiken (5-1) pitched 4 2/3 innings and struck out 11 leaving the mound with a 5-1 lead over Granite Hills.

“Aiken will be one of the top five picked in the draft – maybe number one,” Eagles coach JAMES DAVIS predicted. “I heard that he touched 96 mph.”

The place was flooded with scouts loaded with radar guns.

“He’s the total package,’ Davis added of Aiken. “He has a throw down curveball and a wicked change-up.

“He runs with the elite – like STEPHEN STRASBURG (a West Hills alum), Cole Hamels and Mark Prior – guys like that.”

Despite falling behind 5-0 after two innings, Granite Hills (10-4) scrambled back to score two runs in the bottom of the 7th for a walkoff 7-6 victory.

The Eagles’ game-winning rally came in the bottom of the 7th with two outs. JUSTIN MITCHELL slashed a double and DANIEL VASQUEZ and ANDY LOWRY each walked on 3-2 pitches to load the bases. AUSTIN DABBS then hit a ground ball to third base, who threw the ball into the right field stands, allowing Mitchell and Vasquez to score.

All 6 of Granite Hills’ runs were unearned, aided greatly by Cathedral’s 4 errors.

The Dons loss snapped a 12-game winning streak.

STEELE CANYON 7, MIRA MESA 5 – The Steele Canyon Cougars seem to be lost in the San Diego Section shuffle despite their 11-4 record.

The Cougars will get another chance to prove themselves when they play Eastlake in the Premier Division semifinals of the 64th annual Lions Tournament on Thursday (Apr. 17) at Point Loma Nazarene University at 12:30.

If the Cougars are successful, they will advance to the championship game at 3:30 at the same site.

On Wednesday (Apr. 16) Steele Canyon clipped Mira Mesa to raise the Cougars record to 11-4. The Cougars took a 6-0 lead after five innings and then held on for the victory.

Steele Canyon senior catcher BRANDON BROWN, with a 4.35 gpa, is the brains of the outfit.

“I’m really not a yell guy,” Brown said. “I just try to lead by suggestion. I don’t like to yell at my teammates, I just like to talk to them.”

Brown has focused his future on possibly becoming a doctor. Both his parents are doctors.

“But I’d really like to keep playing baseball,” said Brown, who has received interest from dozens of colleges. He plans to visit Purdue University this weekend. He’s also toured Washington, Michigan and Lafayette.

“The scholarships are out there but I’m not sure what I want to do,” Brown noted.

Brown was 2-for-4 at the plate with a pair of RBI, including a 2-run double which gave the Cougars a lead they wouldn’t lose.

KENNETH BAGDASAR was 3-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base for Steele Canyon.

In the 4th inning COLE FLINT doubled as did TANNER PERRY. Bagdasar delivered a singled to score a run.

SANTANA 3, CANYON CREST 0 – Santana freshman NOAH NUNEZ, a 6-foot-2 right-hander pitched a 2-hit shutout as the Sultans clipped Canyon Crest in Wednesday’s (Apr. 16) final round of Division 5 pool play of the 64th annual Lions Tournament.

Nunez walked only 2 and struck out 7 as he leveled his record at 2-2 and propelled the Sultans into the Division 5 semifinals on Thursday (Apr. 17) at 9:30 a.m. at Westview High.

The Sultans took the lead over the Ravens in the 3rd inning. NATHAN NUNEZ singled and stole second. He scored on a triple by CHRISTIAN MENDEZ.

Santana continued its longball parade as TOMMY LOGAN doubled in Mendez.

The Sultans scored the final run of the game in the 4th inning as TRISTEN SALINAS got hit by a pitch and eventually scored on a double by CALEB STUFFLE.

HELIX 5, RANCHO BUENA VISTA 0 – Several pitchers throw harder, and others may be more crafty, but Helix senior JEREMIAH WYLIE gets the job done.

Wylie pitched a 6-hit shutout against Rancho Buena Vista while striking out 6 and raising his record to 5-1.

“The thing about Wylie is he has three pitches for strikes and is consistently able to get outs,” said Highlanders coach COLE HOLLAND.

Wylie received plenty of support on this occasion as the Highlanders (10-6) scored twice in the 1st inning.

After MATTHEW RICHARSON singled and JORGE GARCIA hammered his 4th home run, the Highlanders were on their way to the Premier Division semifinals of the 64th annual Lions Tournament.

Helix will meet Ramona at Point Loma Nazarene University at 9:30 a.m. Thursday (Apr. 17).

In the Highlanders latest victory over Rancho Buena Vista on Wednesday (Apr. 16), Garcia was 3-for-3 with 2 RBI.

“He’s been really hot lately,” Holland said of Garcia. “It’s nice to have his bat in the lineup. We’re a scrappy team but we don’t score a lot of runs.”

EL CAPITAN 4, BIRMINGHAM 0 – Sophomore right-hander DYLAN WANNAMAKER pitched a complete game 4-hit shutout as the Vaqueros blanked the Birmingham Patriots in Wednesday’s (Apr. 18) final round of Division 5 pool play in the 64th annual Lions Tournament.

Wannamaker walked one and struck out 6 as he posted his 3rd win in five decisions.

The upstart Vaqueros (7-8) took the early lead with 3 runs in the 2nd inning. JAKE MEDFORD singled in a run and TRISTAN DUNCAN doubled in two.

“It’s an awesome opportunity to have a chance to win the Lions Tournament,” noted El Capitan coach JORDAN ABRUZZO.

WEST HILLS 6, POINT LOMA 1 – West Hills knocked out 11 hits on Wednesday (Apr.16) in what turned out to be a lopsided victory that propelled the Wolf Pack into the Division 4 semifinals of the 64th annual Lions Tournament.

HAYDEN SCHILLING, who wound up getting the final 2 outs on the hill, was 2-for-4 with the bat.

D.J. LEWIS was 2-for-3 with 2 runs, 2 stolen bases and an RBI, while KRIS AGUILAR was 2-for-3 with an RBI for the Pack.

Not to be overlooked was the slick fielding of DALLAS SIEGAL, who was 1-for-2 with a double and 2 RBI, and ALEC SCALCO, was also 2-for-3.

Probably the star of the show was sophomore GABRIEL SHUBERT, who allowed only 2 hits and one earned run over 6 1/3 innings. He walked 2 and struck out 5.

MAR VISTA 4, CHRISTIAN 3 – Although the Patriots lost for the first time in three Division 3 games in the final round of pool play in the 64th annual Lions Tournament, it took a 4-way tie-breaker for Christian to nose Mount Miguel out of the semifinal berth.

Christian attempted a late comeback in the 5th inning against Mar Vista (9-7), scoring 2 runs.

With one out JOE ROSS walked, as did KYLE STOWERS. WILL HAIL lined a single to load the bases. JUSTIN LEDGERWOOD smacked an infield single to score Ross. NICK JARVIS followed with a sacrifice fly to make it a 1-run game. But that’s where the Christian offense stalled.

BRANDON TARDIFF finished 3-for-3 with an RBI in the losing effort.

MONTE VISTA 7, ROOSEVELT 0 – Whenever REILLY DIAZ is on the mound the Monte Vista Monarchs are a threat to beat any team that crosses their path.

The senior southpaw allowed only 4 hits while striking out 5 in a shutout effort through six innings as he earned his 3rd win in seven decisions.

CONNER WHITE pitched a scoreless 7th inning to send the Rough Riders packing in Wednesday’s (Apr. 16) final round of Division 4 pool play of the 64th annual Lions Tournament.

Monte Vista scored all the runs it needed in the 3rd inning. Run scoring singles were delivered by AUSTIN CAOLE and Diaz and a sacrifice fly by MATT GONZALES.

SEAN WHITE swatted an RBI single in the 4th inning.

VALHALLA 1, CARLSBAD 0 – A pair of lefty's carved out an old-fashioned pitching duel at Valhalla’s Eric Turgeon Field in Wednesday’s (Apr. 16) final round of Classic Division pool play of the 64th annual Lions Tournament.

Valhalla senior MITCH COOMBS and Carlsbad senior Matt Wezniak matched pitch for pitch. Coombs pitched out of a bases loaded jam in the 1st, his only serious threat.

The Lancers (12-5) got a 2-out double to left from Kyle Mendenhall, a walk to Wezniak and an infield single by Will Bjorstad off Coombs glove to load the bases. But Coombs got Conor McKenna to lift a pop-up to second baseman COREY ZIMMERMAN to end the threat.

The Norsemen, playing as the visitor via coin flip, tallied their only run in the top of the 4th.

JORDAN QSAR drew a leadoff walk and promptly stole second. Qsar moved to third on an infield single by CHRIS HUDGINS and scored a batter later when FOSTER McNARY grounded into a fielder’s choice.

In the end it was all about the pitchers. Coombs completed his third game in 6 starts, allowing 5 hits, walked 3 and struck out 7. Wezniak allowed only 3 hits, walked 3 and struck out 7 in a losing effort.

— Glenn Turgeon

MOUNT MIGUEL 3, TAFT 1 – The hardluck Mount Miguel Matadors found a way to hang onto the victory as pitchers ENRIQUE KELLER and JACOB CASTILLO combined to pitch a 1-hitter in Wednesday’s (Apr. 16) final Division 3 round of the

64th annual Lions Tournament as they dumped the Woodland Hills Taft Toreadors.

Keller allowed only one hit and struck out 6 in the first five innings before Castillo took over and finished the job.

The Matadors took the lead in the opening frame as ALEX ESTRADA singled, BRAD MORENO hit into a force out and Keller walked. The key blow was delivered by ANDRES GONZALEZ, who cashed in Moreno.

Mount Miguel doubled its advantage in the 2nd inning as KENNY STEWART singled, stole second and scored on a base hit by ERIC DE LA ROSA.

The Monarchs scored an insurance run in the 4th inning on a sacrifice fly by ESTABAN LIERAS.

MAYFAIR 8, GROSSMONT 7 – The Grossmont Foothillers could not overcome 6 errors despite knocking out 14 hits in the final round of pool play in the Classic Division of the 64th annual Lions Tournament. The Foothillers got the consolation prize, which is a 3:30 p.m. game at San Ysidro.

Against the Mayfair Monsoon (11-6) on Wednesday (Apr. 16), the Foothillers fell behind 6-1 but rebounded and nearly pirated the victory.

Grossmont (6-8) began its comeback in the bottom of the 3rd as RYAN BARNES followed a double by TIGER GUERRERO to spark a 3-run rally. After a walk to ALEX MARLAY, CALVIN FARRIS singled to score Barnes. FREDDY WALKER capped the rally with an RBI single.

The Foothillers kept coming in the 4th inning, scoring on a ground out by Barnes.

Grossmont’s last stand came in the 7th inning with Mayfair leading 8-5. Mayfair nearly fell apart as an error in the outfield gave the Hillers one run and an RBI single by BRADEN BARR. A passed ball added the final marker, but that’s when the rally stalled as the Foothillers dropped their fourth win in six decisions.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 17, THE ROCK 5 – The Foothills Christian Knights knocked off the Rock Academy Warriors in the final round of pool play on Wednesday (Apr. 16) in Division 1 play of the 64th annual Lions Tournament.

No further details were reported.


 
East County Sports' Game of the Week
Thurs., Apr. 17
Lions Tournament championship game, 3:30 p.m.
 Presented By...

                ...Celebrating its First Anniversary!
   
 
Vaqueros welcome
taking chance on Chance

By Andrew Smith
© East County Sports.com

LAKESIDE (4-16-14) — El Capitan high right-hander CHANCE COLSON isn't your typical sophomore making his first career start.

Even though Colson admitted to having a few butterflies before the game, he put one of the hottest teams in the county behind the magic 8-ball, handcuffing Santa Fe Christian all afternoon by making their bats disappear with a simple sleight of hand.

“I definitely woke up a little nervous today with it being my first start,” he admitted. “But...I knew I was ready.”

The Eagles entered Tuesday's (Apr. 15) Division 6 Lions Tournament game having won 10 games of their last 11 contests, but Lady Luck wasn't on their side as the Vaqueros (6-8) fought their way to a 3-1 victory.

“For Chance to come out and fill up the strike zone the way he did to give us a shot at winning was just outstanding,” said Vaqueros' second-year head coach JORDAN ABRUZZO.

Stacking the odds even further upon the young El Capitan squad was the fact that they were facing off against Santa Fe Christian's ace, Chase Bushor, who was coming off of a no-hitter thrown at Petco Park in his last start. He also helped his own cause with an RBI double in the 1st.

El Capitan got on board in the 5th after a couple of walks set the scene for sophomore JOHNATHAN SUMMERS to give them the lead as he ripped a single, scoring their first run of the game to tie things up. However, in the process the center fielder also threw the ball into the dugout allowing the game-winning run to score.

“I picked up that every second pitch he threw to us was a curveball so I just sat on one,” said Summers of his big hit. “We brought a lot of energy out here with us today and I think it carried over from yesterday's big win (a 5-1 W over San Marcos).”

DYLAN WANNAMAKER plated JAKE MEDFORD for a late insurance run in the bottom of the sixth to help secure the victory.

“I'm excited because this is the first time all year that we've been able to put together good back-to-back games in a row,” added Abruzzo. “I can't wait to see if we can keep things rolling tomorrow.”

With two wins under their belt in the Lions Tournament, there's one more wish left in the genie's bottle to help them take a magic carpet ride into the Division 6 semifinals on Thursday morning (Apr. 17) at Grossmont College.

Norsemen go long, surprise Clovis North

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

EL CAJON (4-16-14) — Valhalla High School is known for its excellence in sports – across the board.

So when the Norsemen pounded the 15-6 Clovis North Broncos, 10-1, in Tuesday’s (Apr. 15) second round Classic Division game of the 64th annual Lions Tournament, people were somewhat surprised.

Perennial power Clovis fell under the longball hitting of Valhalla.

Catcher CHRIS HUDGINS pasted his 5th home run of the season in the 4th, COLE HENDERSON slugged his 2nd homer in the 2nd inning, and JORDAN QSAR belted his 2nd home run – a grand slam – also in the 2nd frame.

SANTANA 6, BRAWLEY 5 – The Santana Sultans claimed a walkoff win on a base hit by NOAH NUNEZ in Tuesday’s (Apr. 15) Division 5 game of the 64th annual Lions Tournament in Santee.

In the 7th inning with the game tied at 5-apiece, the Sultans (8-7) loaded the bases on a walk to JACOB ODENKIRK, who stole second base and went to third on a throwing error. That set the stage for Nunez’ RBI walkoff hit.

The Sultans were in an inning-to-inning scramble with Brawley.

After falling behind 2-0, Santana tied it with a pair of runs. BRIAN PARKER, who singled in a run in the 1st inning, doubled to leadoff the 2nd. RYAN BROWNING singled in Parker.

In the 3rd inning Brawley scored 2 runs to give the Wildcats a 4-2 lead.

Santana tied it in the 4th with a pair of runs, and each team scored a run in the 5th to maintain the tie.

Parker finished 2-for-3 for Santana.

On the pitching end Odenkirk pitched two shutout innings to pick up the win.

HELIX 4, Las Vegas RANCHO 3 – A leadoff walk by JACK STOSANOCK turned out to be the key play for the Helix Highlanders in Tuesday’s (Apr. 18) Premier Division game of the 64th annual Lions Tournament.

Actually it was ELIJAH VARELA who picked up the base running after Stosanock’s 7th inning walk. CONNOR KONISHI put down a sacrifice bunt. That set the table for HUNTER ISBELL, who stroked a single to center that gave the Highlanders (9-6) the walkoff win.

Helix erased a 1-0 deficit against the Rancho Rams in the 3rd inning with a 2-run single by NICO ALCOSER.

The Highlanders made it 3-1 in the 5th inning when JORGE GARCIA slashed his 3rd home run of the season.

Rancho fought back to tie it 3-3 in the 6th and that set the stage for Helix’ walkoff win.

CHRISTIAN 2, MOUNT MIGUEL 0 – SAM GERSHOW, who as a junior was relegated to the bullpen, has become the standout of the Christian Patriots pitching staff.

Gershow ran his record to 5-1 by spinning a 4-hit shutout against Mount Miguel where he walked one and struck out 3.

This was definitely a pitching duel because the Matadors DANIEL RONK allowed only 2 runs and 7 hits in a complete game effort.

The Patriots were limited to 4 hits, and half of them were delivered by Ronk.

Christian scored the only 2 runs of the game in the 2nd inning of Tuesday’s (Apr. 15) second round Division 3 contest of the 64th annual Lions Tournament.

The Patriots scored their first run on a sacrifice fly by NICK JARVIS and the second run came across on a wild pitch. After that the pitchers dominated.

Christian center fielder KYLE STOWERS made the defensive play of the game in the 3rd inning as he threw out DANIEL SAAVEDRA, who was attempting to score from second on a base hit by ESTEBAN LIERAS.

GRANITE HILLS 12, VISTA 2 – In a battle of ranked teams, it took Granite Hills two innings to turn it into a blowout in Tuesday’s (Apr. 15) second round Classic Division game of the 64th annual Lions Tournament.

The Eagles (9-4) scored 6 runs in the first two frames against the Vista Panthers (11-4). That was more than enough for winning pitcher DANIEL VASQUEZ, who surrendered only one earned run and 3 hits in six innings, which hoisted his record to 4-0.

In the 1st inning the Eagles scored 3 runs as JAYSON ROSE drove in a run and ANDY LOWRY drove in 2.

The 2nd inning was a repeat performance. Rose drove in another run and Vasquez plated another, while ROBERT BOSTEDT stole home.

In the 7th inning Granite Hills broke the game open on RBI singles by JUSTIN MITCHELL, Vasquez, newcomer AUSTIN DABBS, BILLY CUMMINGS and MICHAEL DIFFLEY.

STEELE CANYON 7, Granada Hills KENNEDY 2 – Steele Canyon knocked out a dozen hits and JOSH MEDERIOS pitched a complete game in Tuesday’s (Apr. 15) second round of the Premier Division game of the 64th annual Lions Tournament.

Mederios scattered 7 hits and allowed only 2 runs as he raised his record to 3-2.

The Cougars (10-4) erased a 1-0 deficit by scoring 3 runs in the 2nd inning. AUSTIN ELLERY had an RBI single, and BERNIE ARIPEZ had a run-scoring double. COLE FLINT then cashed in Aripez with a base hit.

TANNER PERRY pounded his 4th home run of the season – a solo shot in the 3rd inning to extend the Cougars lead to 4-1.

In the 4th inning, Aripez singled in a run and Steele Canyon expanded its advantage in the 6th.

MACKEY BOWERS walked and stole second, Ellery had a base hit. Aripez then hit into a double play, sending Bowers to third. Flint whacked a base hit up the middle that the center fielder dropped, scoring Bowers. Perry hit into the right field gap but was thrown out at second trying to stretch it into a double. Flint scored on the play.

MONTE VISTA 1, LOMPOC 0 – RICKY DUPREE scattered 8 hits in a complete game shutout as Monte Vista upended Lompoc in the Division 4 second round of the 64th annual Lions Tournament in Spring Valley.

It was the second win in the last three games for the Monarchs (3-11).

Monte Vista scored the only run of the game in the 6th inning as XAVIER CHAVOYA walked, MATT GONZALES sacrificed him to second, and he scored on a double by REILLY DIAZ.

“We don’t have a better clutch player than Reilly,” said Monarchs coach MATT ATKINSON. “It’s not surprising that he came through again.”

WEST HILLS 9, El Centro-CENTRAL 7 – CHASE PARSONS was 3-for-4 with 2 runs scored, one RBI and 2 stolen bases to spark West Hills to Tuesday’s (Apr. 15) Division 4 second round encounter of the 64th annual Lions Tournament.

The Wolf Pack pounded out 13 hits, with COLE PENDLETON going 2-for-3 with 2 runs scored and a triple.

NATHAN LEDFORD was 2-for-3 and drove in 3 runs to help the Pack in their conquest of Central.

ALEC SCALCO was 3-for-3 with a run scored, including a triple for West Hills to help break the game open with 4 runs in the 5th inning to take a 9-3 lead.

WILLIE BENNETT pitched five innings, allowing only 5 hits and 3 runs to post his 2nd win in five decisions.

POWAY 10, GROSSMONT 2 – Playing under the lights did not do any favors for the visiting Grossmont Foothillers who fell to Poway in Tuesday’s (Apr. 15) second round of Classic Division play of the 64th annual Lions Tournament.

The Foothillers (6-7) were down 10-0 after six innings after finally breaking through for 2 runs in the final frame.

Grossmont’s only rally was sparked by MATT WINET, who singled, and BRADEN BARR, who followed with a base hit. HUNTER STRATTON, Grossmont’s top hitter, was then plunked to load the bases. HUNTER REED walked to score Winet. Barr then scored on a passed ball – and that was it for the Foothillers.

“It’s kinda tough to do much when eight of your players strike out and eight others hit fly ball outs,” said Grossmont coach CHAD WILLIAMS. “It pretty much ends all strategy.”

LINCOLN 14, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 9 – No report was received for this Division 1 Lions Tournament game played on Tuesday (Apr. 15).


Grossmont infielder Peyton Lindsay records
the out on this throw across the diamond to
Foothillers first baseman Michael Byerline.
(Photo by Linda Byerline)
 
G-House mashes the Mad-house

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

EL CAJON (4-15-14) — Grossmont High scored a season-high 13 runs in Monday’s (Apr 14) Classic Division opening round of the 64th annual Lions Tournament as the Foothillers mashed Madison, 13-3.

The Foothillers (6-6) scored 8 runs after two outs in the 2nd inning and cruised to a season-high scoring tally.

Grossmont came across with nine players contributing to a 9-hit attack in the contest at Joe Gizoni Field.

“It’s a different story and a different taste when we have games like this,” said senior catcher HUNTER STRATTON, who was 1-for-2 with a key single that sparked the 8-run 2nd inning.

BRANDON WEED and BRADEN BARR scattered 7 hits as the Foothillers did not allow an earned run.

“That’s probably the best game Weed has pitched this year,” Stratton said. “He’s pitching like he was in midseason last year.”

GRANITE HILLS 4, GREEN VALLEY (Nev.) 2 – This is basically a one-man show as JUSTIN MITCHELL was a double threat in Monday’s (Apr. 14) Classic Division opening round of the 64th annual Lions Tournament.

Not only did Mitchell pitch 5 1/3 innings and allow just one earned run while striking out 6 in his first pitching victory, he was also 2-for-3 at the plate and slugged his first home run of the season.

STEELE CANYON 4, SILVERADO (Nev.) 3 – ALEX VESIA allowed only 5 hits and 2 earned runs as the Cougars clipped Silverado in Monday’s (Apr. 14) opening round of the Premier Division of the 64th annual Lions Tournament.

The left-handed senior pitched six innings while walking none and striking out 6.

After falling behind 3-1 Steele Canyon fought back in the 3rd inning to take the lead, which it would never relinquish. Actually it was a two-out rally.

MOUNT MIGUEL 7, MAR VISTA 1 – Mount Miguel’s BRAD MORENO pitched a 3-hitter and did not allow an earned run as he posted his 5th win in 6 decisions in Monday’s (Apr. 14) Division 3 contest of the 64th annual Lions Tournament.

The Matadors took the lead on a 2-run single by ANDRES GONZALEZ in the 1st inning.

They added 3 more runs in the 2nd inning, but there was no key hit.

The highlight of the frame was DANIEL SAAVEDRA stole home.

CHRISTIAN 10, TAFT (Woodland Hills) 0 – NICK JARVIS pitched a complete game 2-hit shutout for the Christian Patriots, who improved their record to 10-4 in Monday’s (Apr. 14) Division 3 opening round of the 64th annual Lions Tournament.

Christian leadoff hitter TREVOR HOWELL paced Christian’s 16 hit attack.

Catcher WILL HAIL was 3-for-4 with 2 RBI in the lopsided victory for the Patriots.

DAVID SUDA was 1-for-3 with a double and 3 RBI for Christian.

EL CAPITAN 6, SAN MARCOS 1 – El Capitan sophomore TRISTAN DUNCAN pitched a complete game 1-hitter as the Vaqueros upended San Marcos in Monday’s (Apr. 14) Division 6 opening round of the 64th annual Lions Tournament.

Duncan struck out 6 and walked only 2 as he evened his record at 2-2.

The biggest hit of the game was by SAM MELERO, who stroked a 2-run single to right field in the 4th inning to give El Capitan a 5-0 lead.

MYLES EMMERSON was 3-for-3 with 2 runs scored for the Vaqueros (5-8).

JASON MOORMAN was 2-for-4 with 2 runs scored, as was Melero.

Valhalla junior shortstop Jeff Houghtby (1) turns the double play against Otay Ranch.
(Photo by Don DeMars Photography)
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

OTAY RANCH 5, VALHALLA 4 – The Valhalla Norsemen left 12 runners on base, including the bases loaded three times without scoring in Monday’s (Apr. 14) Classic Division contest of the 64th annual Lions Tournament.

“That’s a pretty poor effort for a team with13 seniors,” said Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON.

Valhalla fell behind 4-2 after four innings and never recovered against the Mustangs.

JEFF HOUGHTBY and GIUSEPPE CASTANOS had 2 hits apiece in the losing effort.

EL CAMINO REAL (Woodland Hills) 3, HELIX 2 – The Helix Highlanders made the most of 4 hits but it was not nearly enough against El Camino Real in Monday’s (Apr. 14) Premier Division opening round of the 64th annual Lions Tournament.

Both of the Highlanders’ runs came without benefit of a hit, and they never led against the Conquistadors.

Helix wasted the pitching of CONNOR KONISHI and MICHAEL VARGASON, who allowed only 2 earned runs.

The Highlanders’ offense consisted of a double by NICO ALCOSER and singles by MIGUEL ARMENDARIZ and CLIFFORD SMITH.

TAMALPIAS (Mill Valley) 3, SANTANA 2 (8 inn.) – The Santana Sultans wasted a powerful pitching performance by ALAN STRONG in Monday’s (Apr. 14) opening round of the Division 5 Lions Tournament. He gave up only 3 hits and one earned run while striking out 10.

But the issue went into the 8th inning as the Sultans surrendered the go-ahead run to the Red Tailed Hawks.

Santana produced only 5 hits as the Sultans fell to 7-7 overall.

The only player that had more than one hit was BRIAN PARKER, who delivered a safety squeeze that gave the Sultans a 2-1 lead after six innings. Parker was 2-for-2 while the rest of the Sultans only collected 3 hits.

MT. CARMEL 2, MONTE VISTA 1 (8 inn.) – Monte Vista’s paltry attack continued to sputter as the Monarchs fell to Mt. Carmel in a Division 4 game of Monday’s (Apr. 14) first round of the 64th annual Lions Tournament.

The Monarchs tied the game 1-1 in the 6th inning on a base hit by REILLY DIAZ that scored TYLER WILLIAMS.

In the 7th inning with two outs, ANDREW GONZALES reached on an error, CONNER WHITE walked and XAVIER CHAVOYA singled to right.

“We sent Gonzales to score and he did, sliding home, and the umpire called him “Safe,” said Monte Vista coach MATT ATKINSON.

But while the play was going on, TYLER WILLIAMS, who was on deck, ran out to the plate to grab the bat and get it out of the way.

“He didn’t impact the play in any way, but Mt. Carmel insisted that he had interfered,” Atkinson said.

So the plate ump conferred with the first base ump, and reversed his decision, declaring that Williams had interfered with the play, and called Gonzales “Out.”

“That would have been the game winner,” stated Atkinson.

Mt. Carmel score the final run in the 8th inning to win the game.

WEST HILLS 5, GRANADA HILLS 3 – Senior right-hander TRENT TOPLIKER, bound for UC Riverside, blanked Granada Hills on 3 hits while striking out 5 over four innings as the Wolf Pack knocked off the Highlanders in the opening round of Division 4 of the 64th annual Lions Tournament.

West Hills jumped in front with 4 runs in the 1st inning of Monday’s (Apr. 14) contest.

COLE PENDLETON slashed 2 hits in 4 at-bats as did D.J. LEWIS for the Pack. Lewis also stole 3 bases.

HAYDEN SCHILLING also chipped in with 2 hits in 4 at-bats for West Hills.

KODIAK (Alaska) 10, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 6 – There was no details reported for this Division 1 game of the 64th annual Lions Tournament.


Islanders knock Christian out of first place

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-12-14) — The Christian High Patriots came out of the gate and never could get a grip as they fell to Coronado 11-3 in Friday’s (Apr. 11) Central League contest.

The Patriots (9-4, 1-1 CL) were playing catch-up from the 4th inning on as they succumbed to the Islanders.

Five Christian pitchers could not stop Coronado.

“You know, we couldn’t get strike one on anybody,” said Patriots coach MIKE MITCHELL. “ Coronado played smart baseball by hitting the ball on the ground, and we kept popping everything up.”

The game was tied at 2-2 after three innings before Coronado broke loose with 5 runs in the 4th. That pretty much decided the issue.

Christian tied the game in the 3rd inning on RBI singles by ZACH HOGUEISSON and WILL HAIL.

After that the game belonged to Coronado.


East County Sports' Game of the Week
 Presented By...

                ...Celebrating its First Anniversary!
Eagles alone at 2-0 in GHL

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

SANTEE (4-11-14) — It’s hard to believe that only nine runs could make for a lopsided victory, which Granite Hills registered Thursday (Apr. 10) to take the Grossmont Hills League lead in a 7-2 conquest of West Hills.

Neither team got a hit until Granite Hills collected a safety in the 4th inning.

“You can’t expect to score a lot of runs with these (BBCOR) bats,” said Eagles head coach JAMES DAVIS. “No matter how hard you hit it, it doesn’t matter.”

Of course if you have quality pitching, which the Eagles do as proven by JAYSON ROSE (3-0), who pitched a complete game against West Hills, allowing no earned runs, three walks and five strikeouts.

“I just throw strikes,” said Rose. “I try to get them to hit the ball on the ground, and that’s what they did.”

Granite Hills scored all the runs it needed in the 4th and 5th inning. ROBERT BOSTEDT singled to center and JORDAN VERDON doubled him home.

Granite Hills (7-4, 2-0 GHL) broke the game open with 6 runs on only one hit, capitalizing on eight West Hills walks. The only hit was an RBI double by DANIEL VASQUEZ.

West Hills avoided the shutout on a 2-run single by COLE PENDLETON in the 6th inning.

 
Norsemen rebound, swamp Steele Canyon

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (4-11-14) — Following a disappoint loss in the Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament game on Saturday (Apr. 5), Valhalla High bounced back on Thursday (Apr. 10) with an impressive 9-1 Grossmont Hills League victory over visiting SteeleCanyon

The Norsemen (9-4, 1-1 GHL) hammered out 15 hits, taking a 3-0 lead in the 1st inning. The key blow was CHRIS HUDGINS’ 2-run home run, his 4th of the season.

In the 4th inning JORDAN QSAR slugged an RBI single as did FOSTER McNARY, who collected his 3rd game-winning RBI.

MITCH COOMBS pitched a complete game – his 4th victory in 5 starts. He did not allow an earned run, scattered 5 hits and struck out 6.

“Any time Coombs is on the mound we know we’re in the game,” said Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON. “That’s a good feeling.”

GROSSMONT 8, HELIX 5 – Grossmont avenged an earlier loss to Helix, but Thursday’s (Apr. 10) carried more impact as the Foothillers evened their Grossmont Hills League record at 1-1 (5-6 overall).

The Foothillers took an 8-0 lead into the 7th inning behind the pitching of DANIEL ROLF.

One of the key moves by Foothillers coach CHAD WILLIAMS was a pointer handed out by his dad, MIKE WILLIAMS.

“My dad said we should put HUNTER STRATTON in the leadoff spot,” Coach Williams said.

It proved to be a good move as Stratton whacked a 2-run homer in the 3rd inning, which was his 4th circuit clout, giving Grossmont a 2-0 lead. The Grossmont receiver also blasted a leadoff double that sparked a later Grossmont rally.

“Sometimes you have to listen to the old man,” Chad Williams said.

Rolf pitched 6 2/3 shutout innings but caved in in the 7th inning, allowing 7 hits and 5 runs. PEYTON LINDSAY came out of the bullpen to earn the save.

In Helix’ belated comeback in the 7th inning, the Highlanders scored 5 runs. The key blow was a 3-run homer by JORGE GARCIA.

MOUNT MIGUEL 4, EL CAPITAN 3 – Mount Miguel pulled out a little bit of robbery against visiting El Capitan in Thursday’s (Apr. 10) Grossmont Valley League action.

That is, the Matadors, trailing 3-1, scored 3 runs in the 7th inning.

In the 7th for Mount Miguel JACOB CASTILLO and DANIEL SAAVEDRA singled. ESTEBAN LIERAS bunted but the pitcher overthrew the third baseman, allowing Castillo to score and cut El Capitan ’s lead to 3-2.

ALEX ESTRADA was hit by a pitch to load the bases and BRAD MORENO’s single scored Saavedra. On the play a bad throw allowed Lieras to also score to end the game with the Monarchs on top.

“I’m proud of my guys for fighting until the last out,” said Matadors coach JASON BABINEAU.

El Capitan led until the 7th inning, scoring on JASON MOORMAN’s RBI single in the first inning.

SAM MELERO scored in the 2nd inning and JOHNATHAN SUMMERS scored in the 6th on MARSHALL CHAMPLIN’s ground out.

SANTANA 14, EL CAJON VALLEY 1 – Visiting Santana made the most of 7 hits as the Sultans buried the Braves in a Grossmont Valley League game Thursday (
Apr. 10).

Starter DAULTON BARRY pitched three innings and did not allow a hit while striking out 3.

CHRISTIAN MENDEZ picked up after that and blanked the Braves on 3 hits over three innings and struck out 7. JACOB ODENKIRK finished the job by fanning three batters over one inning.

NOAH NUNEZ slugged a 2-run homer in the 2nd inning to help Santana take a 7-1 lead. He was 2-for-2 with the bat and scored 3 runs.

NATHAN NUNEZ was 2-for-4 with 2 RBI for Santana (7-6, 2-0 GVL).

MONTE VISTA 10, CHULA VISTA 3 – Monte Vista snapped an 8-game losing streak behind the pitching of REILLY DIAZ in a non-league game at Chula Vista on Thursday (Apr. 10).

Diaz (2-3) pitched five innings, scattered 7 hits and did not allow an earned run while striking out 8.

The Monarchs (2-10) pounded out 10 singles led by AUSTIN CAOLE, who was 3-for-4 with 3 RBI. He also scored 2 runs and stole a base.

Monte Vista broke a 3-3 tie in the 2nd inning on a 2-run single by Caole.

MATT GONSALES was 2-for-3 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scores for the Monarchs.

At the plate Diaz was 2-for-4 with 2 runs scored and an RBI.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 5, SWEETWATER 2 – CALEB HOFFMAN slashed 3 hits in 4 at-bats and DANIEL LUCKETT hit a county-leading 5th home run with a man aboard as the Knights toppled Sweetwater in a non-league game Thursday (Apr. 10).

Luckett gave Foothills Christian the early lift with his homer.

Newcomer NATHAN YEAGER pitched a complete game 6-hitter, allowing only one earned run as Foothills Christian improved to 10-2.


Patriots hammer the Hive

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

SAN DIEGO (4-10-14) — Preseason Central League favorite Christian High crushed host Lincoln, 22-2, in Wednesday’s (Apr. 9) opener.

Seven Patriots produced multiple hit games for Christian (9-3, 1-0), which hammered out 19 hits against the hapless Hornets.

Sophomore KYLE STOWERS was 2-for 2, including a 2-run homer in Christian’s 7-run 4th inning to stake the Patriots to a 15-0 lead.

JOE ROSS banged out 3 hits in 4 at-bats, including a pair of doubles to pace the Christian onslaught.

BRANDON TARDIFF was 2-for-3 with a double and 3 RBI, while MITCHELL GRIFFIN was 2-for-2 with 3 RBI for the Patriots.

“I know it looks like it’s all about our offense, which was awfully impressive,” said Patriots coach MIKE MITCHELL. “But you can’t overlook our pitching.”

Despite the offensive fireworks show, the Christian star could have easily been BRYCE JURRIES, who retired the first 14 batters he faced and blanked the Hornets on one hit over five frames to earn the pitching win. He also struck out 6.

NICK JARVIS was a double threat as he was 2-for-3 with 3 runs scored, one RBI and also pitched one shutout inning in relief.

Next up for the Patriots is a major challenge when they host Coronado on Friday (Apr. 11) at 3:30 p.m. in a game that will have significant impact on the league title.


Duncan blanks Mount Miguel, 1-0

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

LAKESIDE (4-9-14) — In a Grossmont Valley League pitching duel between Mount Miguel and El Capitan high schools on Tuesday (Apr. 8), Vaqueros sophomore TRISTAN DUNCAN won the faceoff, 1-0.

Duncan allowed only 5 hits and struck out 7 as he toiled in a complete game shutout.

The hardluck loser was the Matadors BRAD MORENO, who turned in a complete game six inning start and was defeated by an unearned run. He allowed only 3 hits.

The Vaqueros scored the only run of the game in the 3rd inning as SAM MELERO cracked a leadoff double, advanced to third and scored on a sacrifice fly by JOHNATHAN SUMMERS.

El Capitan baserunner Sam Melero (28)
knows it's a close play at second base,
but he got the call from the base umpire.
The shortstop is Mount Miguel's Alex Estrada.
(Photo by Leslie Autry)

GRANITE HILLS 6, WEST HILLS 1 – Granite Hills rolled over West Hills in Tuesday’s (Apr. 8) in the Grossmont Hills League opening victory.

JORDAN VERDON was 3-for-4 with 2 RBI for the Eagles (6-4, 1-0).

ROBERT BOSTEDT banged a double and a triple, scoring 2 runs and driving in one more for Granite Hills.

DANIEL VASQUEZ allowed only one earned run in 5 2/3 innings as he posted his 3rd win without a loss.

STEELE CANYON 4, VALHALLA 2 – Steele Canyon anchored itself into contention in the Grossmont Hills League by knocking off No. 8 ranked Valhalla in Tuesday’s (Apr. 8) league opener.

The Cougars made the most out of 3 hits and took advantage of quality pitching by ALEX VESIA and CHRIS BARKLEY. The duo allowed only 6 hits and 2 earned runs. Vesia posted his 3rd win in 5 decisions, and Barkley got his 3rd save.

The Cougars made the most of three hits.

JEFF HOUGHTBY was 3-for-4 in the losing cause for the Norsemen (8-4, 0-1)

DeShawn Kiersey (left, in helmet) jumps for joy
into a group of teammates following his home run.
(Photo by Linda Byerline)

HELIX 10, GROSSMONT 2 – Helix scored 10 runs in the middle innings and cruised to a lopsided victory over Grossmont in the opening round of Grossmont Hills League play on Tuesday (Apr. 8).

The Highlanders (8-4, 1-0) received a 2-run homer by JORGE GARCIA in the 6-run 4th inning.

DaSHAWN KIERSEY hit a 3-run homer in the 5th as the Highlanders took a 10-2 lead and never let go.

CONNOR KONISHI scattered 8 hits and allowed only 2 earned runs as he posted his 3rd win without a loss.

MICHAEL VARGASON pitched the final inning to sew up the victory.

For Grossmont NICK DALEY was 3-for-3 with 2 doubles and 3 RBI in the losing cause.

SANTANA 16, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 (5 inn.) – The host Sultans took a 16-0 lead after three innings as pitchers NOAH NUNEZ and TRISTEN SALINAS combined on a one hit shutout Tuesday (Apr. 8) in the Grossmont Valley League opener that was halted after five innings.


Speed Racer
Knights steal East-County
record 22 bases in victory

© East County Sports.com
BARONA INDIAN RESERVATION (4-8-14) — The Foothills Christian Knights ran wild, 11-2, in Monday’s (Apr. 7) non-league victory over the Crawford Colts.

In the process, the Knights (8-2) set an East County record by stealing 22 bases in the lopsided victory.

Only Imperial, which stole 26 against Winterhaven-San Pasqual in 1984, has stolen more in a San Diego Section baseball game.

“It could have been a lot more but I finally shut it down,” said Knights coach DAVE LEWIS.

JOSH LEWIS (no relation) led the base-running onslaught with 6 steals. That total tied him for the East County record in a game, shared by Granite Hills’ FRANK CAREY, Helix’ LARRY SIMMS and Mount Miguel’s ROBERT CANNON.

CALEB HOFFMAN contributed 3 thefts to the record haul, as did TIM GRAY and newcomer NATHAN YEAGER.

Winning pitcher RYAN QUINN stole 2 bases, as did DANIEL LUCKETT. MARK PROFETA, NOAH GULA and TAYLOR BANKHEAD each had one steal.

The East County team record for stolen bases in a game was set by Granite Hills with 15 in 1983 against Monte Vista.

Not to be overlooked was the fact that the Knights banged out 16 hits, including 3 apiece by Caleb Hoffman, Quinn and Gray.

The game was actually tied 2-2 after the 1st inning before Foothills Christian took the lead when Lewis stole second, third and home.

The Knights did not allow an earned run as Quinn pitched the first five innings to even his record at 1-1. He surrendered only 4 hits and struck out 7.

Yeager, a transfer from Granite Hills, was 2-for-3 at the plate and pitched one inning of relief while striking out all three batters.

Luckett was 2-for-4 with the bat, and he pitched the final inning, fanning three in a row.
League Predictions
Sultans, Norseman lead public school picks; Patriots, Knights also expect titles

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

EL CAJON (4-8-14) — The Grossmont Hills League should be filled with surprises with all six teams capable of capturing the championship. The nod here goes to Valhalla, which is ranked No. 6 in the San Diego CIF poll with eight straight wins.

In the Grossmont Valley League things are even more congested as there are no clear favorites. Santana should be rated as a slight favorite over Mount Miguel and El Capitan. Monte Vista and El Cajon Valley will try to provide the upsets.

GROSSMONT HILLS LEAGUE

Predicted order of finish:

1. Valhalla (8-3): Left-hander MITCH COOMBS is the ace of a deep pitching staff, while shortstop JEFF HOUGHTBY, centerfielder JORDAN QSAR, catcher CHRIS HUDGINS, third baseman COLE HENDERSON and first baseman GIUSEPPE CASTANOS lead a heavy-hitting offense.

2. Granite Hills (5-4): Senior pitcher JAYSON ROSE must have a great year if the Eagles are able to overthrow Valhalla. But that’s not out of the realm of possibility. This is a team loaded with talent. Junior shortstop MICHAEL DIFFLEY has been steady with the bat. Junior third baseman JORDAN VERDON is a clutch hitter that Granite Hills will need to finish on top.

3. Helix (7-4): The youthful Highlanders won six of their last seven games and have the talent to capture the league title, but experience could cut them off at the pass. Pitching is solid with JEREMIAH WYLIE and upstart freshman CONNOR KONISHI. The bullpen is deep, anchored by MICHAEL VARGASON. But if the Highlanders don’t produce at the plate they will be in the also-ran role.

4. Grossmont (4-5): The Foothillers rank no better than a longshot behind the pitching of senior BRANDON WEED and batting of catcher HUNTER STRATTON, who has hit in nine straight games. PEYTON LINDSAY is a double threat, both on the mound and with the bat.

5. Steele Canyon (7-3): The Cougars are almost a forgotten factor despite their record. Shortstop TANNER PERRY is one of the top players in the league and pitchers ALEX VESIA and JOSH MEDERIOS are capable of beating anybody in the league. It’s a matter of consistency for the Cougars.

6. West Hills (4-6): The Wolf Pack is loaded with talent but having to deal with three head coaches in three years makes it hard on the team chemistry. Veteran CHASE PARSONS is a threat at the top of the order, while catcher JOHNNY ESPINOZA is a threat no matter where he hits. Shortstop HAYDEN SCHILLING can also swing the bat.

  

GROSSMONT VALLEY LEAGUE

Predicted order of finish:

1. Santana (5-6): The Sultans have the pitching to go all the way. It’s whether they can hit enough to finish on top of the GVL. Pitcher ALAN STRONG is the kingpin for Santana and he mustn't falter. RYAN BROWNING also needs to come through with quality innings. THOMAS LOGAN is the top stick in the Sultans’ lineup.

2. Mount Miguel (6-5): The Matadors’ chances for a championship center around pitcher-centerfielder BRAD MORENO. DANIEL RONK should also help in the pitching ranks, while ENRIQUE KELLER is a double threat as a pitcher and heavy-hitting first baseman. KENNY STEWART can also swing the bat for the Matadors.

3. El Capitan (3-7): The rebuilding Vaqueros look to leadoff man SAM MELERO, pitcher-third baseman TRISTAN DUNCAN and shortstop JONATHAN SUMMERS to try to hoist the Vaqueros up a notch or two. Sophomore catcher MYLES EMMERSON should help as well as sophomore pitcher DYLAN WANNAMAKER.

4. Monte Vista (1-10): The Monarchs won’t win the league but they hope to have something to say about who does. Senior left-handed pitcher-centerfielder REILLY DIAZ strikes fear in every team he faces.

5. El Cajon Valley (4-6): The Braves are completely overmatched in the Grossmont Conference but they have picked up a handful of non-league wins.

CENTRAL LEAGUE

Predicted order of finish:

1. Christian (8-3): This may be Christian’s year to soar to the top of the Central League. Fact is, the Patriots could make it two times in a row, given their talent and experience. The main man on the mound for Christian is 6-foot-5 SAM GERSHOW. Sophomore outfielder KYLE STOWERS and junior TREVOR HOWELL lead a spunky offense. The primary challenger for the Patriots will be Coronado and Clairemont, with Serra and Lincoln rounding out the league.

2. Coronado:
3. Clairemont:
4. Serra:
5. Lincoln:

CITRUS LEAGUE

Predicted order of finish:

1. Foothills Christian (8-2): Having won its first tournament championship (the Eagle Classic at TCC) the Knights focus on capturing the short-stacked Citrus League. This one might be a runaway, but the Knights plan to join the Coastal League next year.


Helix' Dashawn Kiersey steals second base despite the effort of Valhalla's Jeff Houghtby.
(Photo by Tony Bordine)

East County Sports' Game of the Week
 Presented By...

                ...Celebrating its First Anniversary!

Norsemen survive game of hard knocks

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

LA MESA (4-6-14) — It’s not often that a team can survive five hit batters without swinging a bat, as Helix did in Saturday’s (Apr. 5) 3rd annual Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament championship game.

The result: visiting Valhalla won 6-4. Five batters were hit by a pitch, but only one of them scored. Three of them got plunked in the first inning by Norsemen starter JOSH MITICH.

The Highlanders cashed in one run on a double by NICO ALCOSER, but after that the chances for a big inning were snuffed when they hit into a double play.

Valhalla took the lead for keeps in the 3rd inning when JUSTIN GARCIA-JAIME hit a solo shot to left field, staking the Norsemen to a 2-1 lead.

Knights claim first-ever championship

© East County Sports.com
OCEANSIDE (4-6-14) —– Foothills Christian High captured its first tournament championship in baseball by outslugging Calvin Christian, 10-8, on Saturday (Apr. 5) in the Tri-City Christian Eagle Classic at MiraCosta College.

Despite a spell of wildness, JOSH LEWIS walked seven in four innings, but struck out 6 and surrendered only 4 hits and 2 earned runs as he posted his third win without a loss.

Foothills Christian (8-2) banged out 14 hits, led by catcher DANIEL LUCKETT who was 3-for-3 with a double, 4 runs scored and one RBI.

The Knights took the early lead in the 2nd inning. Luckett singled and advanced on a wild pitch. One out later he scored on a base hit by MARK PROFETA. TIM GRAY then laced the first of his 2 doubles to score Profeta and make it 2-0.

After that Foothills Christian maintained the lead but was threatened in the 5th when Calvin Christian (8-1) scored 5 runs in the bottom of the inning.

“We lost two fly balls in the sun that cost us five runs and cut our lead to two runs,” said Knights coach DAVE LEWIS.

But Foothills Christian never relinquished the lead as both teams scored 2 runs in the 6th inning.

 
Valhalla, which has won eight in a row, broke the game open in the 6th with 4 runs. Sophomore third baseman COLE HENDERSON, who batted .667 in the six-game (12-for-18) tournament, led off with a solo home run over the left field fence.

The Norsemen continued their onslaught as ANDY VAN ANTWERP hit a double, scoring on a single by JUSTIN GARCIA-JAIME, who advanced to second on a wild pitch, making it 4-1.

Then Valhalla broke out its short game. JARED SULLIVAN dropped down a bunt single, JEFF HOUGHTBY followed suit with a bunt single, and FOSTER McNARY hit a 2-run single.

“This is one of the tournaments we always want to win,” said Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON. “It’s East County ’s own and we want to be the champs.”

JORDAN QSAR, who was 2-for-4 in the championship game, was 5-for-8 in the last two tournament encounters, including 5 doubles.

“We’re just happy to be in the championship game,” said Helix coach COLE HOLLAND. “But we made too many baserunning mistakes in the last two innings and that cost us. I’m proud of our kids because we’ve won six of our last seven.”


An El Capitan baserunner receives a hockey-style "face wash" on a pick-off attempt.
(Photo by Leslie Autry)

Norsemen earn BDGCT title shot

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

LAKESIDE (4-5-14) — By virtue of its 3-1 victory over El Capitan in Friday’s (Apr. 4) semifinals, the Valhalla Norsemen will face Helix on the Highlanders’ field in Saturday’s (Apr. 5) championship of the 3rd annual Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament. First pitch is at 11 a.m.

Both Helix (7-3) and Valhalla (7-3) went 5-0 in pool play. The Norsemen, in fact, are riding a 7-game winning streak.

MITCH COOMBS blanked the Vaqueros (3-7) on four hits over the first five innings while striking out nine.

GARRETT YOCOM pitched the final two frames to pick up the save.

Valhalla took the early lead with two runs in the 1st inning. JORDAN QSAR, who later in the evening played in the EastCountySports.com Senior All-Star game, doubled to center to ignite the Norsemen. FOSTER McNARY reached base on an error by the first baseman, putting runners at the corners. A double steal featured Qsar stealing and McNary swiping second.

COLE HENDERSON, who was 3-for-3 in the contest, then singled home McNary.

Valhalla tacked on its final run in the 3rd inning. Once again Qsar provided the spark as he doubled to right field. He advance to third on a balk and scored on McNary’s sacrifice fly.

Qsar finished the game 3-for-3 as he and Henderson accounted for all of Valhalla ’s hits.

For El Capitan DYLAN WANNAMAKER allowed one earned run and struck out 7 during a six inning stint.

GRANITE HILLS 4, CYPRESS 3 (8 inn.) – JUSTIN MITCHELL’s RBI single with two outs in the bottom of the 8th inning capped the come-from-behind victory for Granite Hills in Friday’s (Apr. 4) final round of the Boras Classic Tournament at Junipero Serra.

Trailing 3-1 entering the bottom of the 8th, the Eagles (5-4) collected 3 of their 10 hits as they overcame Steve Skipps’ 2-run homer in the top of the inning.

DILLAN SHRUM started the Granite Hills’ rally with a walk. One out later MICHAEL DIFFLEY singled. ROBERT BOSTEDT then walked to load the bases. JORDAN VERDON followed by slugging a game-tying 2-run single.

That set the stage for the heroics by Mitchell, who drove in Bostedt with the game winner.

JAYSON ROSE pitched all eight innings for the Eagles, scattering 3 hits while striking out 6 and rolling his record to 3-0.

ALISO NIGUEL 3, GROSSMONT 0 – HUNTER STRATTON was limited to a single in three at-bats, but that safety enabled the Grossmont catcher to stretch his batting streak to nine straight games.

NICK DALEY had the only other 2 hits for Grossmont in the shutout loss to Aliso Niguel in the final day of the Boras Classic Tournament held at Santa Ana Mater Dei on Friday (Apr. 4).

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 16, EL CAJON VALLEY 2 – DANIEL LUCKETT slashed 2 homers and drove in 5 runs to lead Foothills Christian to a lopsided non-league victory over El Cajon Valley at Barona on Friday (Apr. 4).

NOAH GULA pitched a 1-hitter in a game that was halted by darkness after 4 ½ innings.


Sheriff's action in Lakeside
postpones BDGCT ballgame


By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

LAKESIDE (4-4-14) — Valhalla High’s bid for a berth in the Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament championship game scheduled for Saturday (Apr. 5) at 11 a.m. at Helix was halted before it even began.

While the Highlanders were eliminating Santana,
4-1, to earn the host role of the championship game, Valhalla never got on the field at El Capitan. In fact they never got off the bus.

The Norsemen were scheduled to play the Vaqueros on Thursday (Apr. 3) but the game never got off the ground because a deadly shooting near the El Capitan campus caused police to declare a lockdown at the Lakeside school, thus all extracurricular activity was halted.

The Vaqueros (3-6) will now host Valhalla (6-3) at 4 p.m. on Friday (Apr. 4) to determine which team will face Helix for the championship of the tournament.

HELIX 4, SANTANA 1 – The Helix Highlanders were bolstered by a stellar pitching performance by JEREMIAH WYLIE, who scattered 4 hits and struck out 6 in a complete game effort in Thursday’s (Apr. 3) semifinal game of the Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament in La Mesa. Wylie rolled his record to 4-0.

The Highlanders took the lead in the opening frame as DaSHAWN KIERSEY singled and stole second base, and scored on a double by NICO ALCOSER.

In the 2nd inning the Highlanders increased their lead as HUNTER ISBELL doubled, CONNOR KONISHI walked and Kiersey singled in Isbell. Helix made it 3-0 on an RBI single by MATTHEW RICHARDSON.

The Highlanders capped their scoring in the 6th inning on a wild pickoff throw by Santana.

Helix coach COLE HOLLAND wanted to focus on his pitching, which has allowed only 8 runs in five innings.

“We take a lot of pride in this tournament because we won the first Bill Dickens tournament three years ago,” he said.

Helix (7-3) has won six in a row after a 1-3 start.

The Sultans avoided the shutout on an RBI single by TOMMY LOGAN.

The hardluck loser on the hill was ALAN STRONG, who surrendered 4 runs and struck out 7 in the losing effort.

MOUNT MIGUEL 8, WEST HILLS 5 – Ironman BRAD MORENO carried Mount Miguel to a consolation victory in Thursday’s (Apr. 3) Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament contest.

The victory snapped the Matadors’ 3-game losing streak. The Matadors (6-5) scored 7 runs in the 1st inning and never let got.

Moreno pitched a complete game to roll his record to 4-1. He allowed 6 hits and 3 earned runs while striking out 7. At the plate he was 1-for-3 with 2 RBI.

This was no one-man show, however, as all nine starters in the Matadors’ lineup contributed to a 15 hit attack.

DANIEL SAAVEDRA was 3-for-3 with 2 runs scored to pace the Matadors. JACOB CASTILLO was 2-for-2 with a run scored and 2 RBI.

In the 1st inning, JOEL SANDOVAL slapped a one-out single. Base hits by ENRIQUE KELLER and KENNY STEWART loaded the bases. ANDRES GONZALEZ singled in Sandoval, and DANIEL RONK whacked a 2-run double. Saavedra singled in a run and Castillo singled in 2.

ADRIAN MONTIJO, a freshman making his first varsity appearance, doubled in a run. Moreno then singled in a run.

And after that it was all Moreno ’s pitching.

For West Hills, catcher JOHNNY ESPINOZA was 2-for-4 with a triple and a stolen base.

“In the 1st inning ( Mount Miguel ) put on a hitting clinic,” said Wolf Pack coach MIKE “Cougar” HARWELL. “It seems like every time they stuck their bats out they got a hit.”

“HAYDEN SCHILLING really nailed a triple,” he added. “And our catcher (Espinoza) threw two guys out on the bases.”

STEELE CANYON 10, MONTE VISTA 4 – Steele Canyon took a 10-0 lead in the first three innings of Thursday’s (Apr. 3) consolation game of the Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament game.

The Cougars jumped out in front in the 1st inning as BRANDON BROWN was hit by a pitch, COLE FLINT slashed an RBI double and eventually stole third. TANNER PERRY reached base on an error, allowing Flint to score, and then stole second and third. He scored on a ground out by MACKEY BOWERS.

In the 4th inning with two outs Steele Canyon scored four times. Bowers walked, Brown slapped an RBI single and JOEY GIRARDI whacked a 2-run double to help the Cougars take a 7-0 lead.

GABE COVARRUBIAS was 2-for-3 in a losing effort for Monte Vista (1-10), while

JUSTIN SCHWEIZER had 2 RBI for the Monarchs.


Gotta make a move out of Funkytown

© East County Sports.com
PACIFIC BEACH (4-3-14) — Christian High entered their final pool-round game of the City Conference Tournament against The Bishop's in a self-proclaimed “funk.”

Mother Nature didn't seem to care about too much about their recent struggles as wind gusts coming off the ocean at Kate Sessions Elementary school were reminiscent to an game at old Candlestick Park.

The Patriots pre-game strategy was to try and keep the ball out of the air and focus on hitting line drives and grounders to take the wind out of play. They were more than successful with that game plan, but with ace SAM GERSHOW on the mound it didn't seem to matter as he blanked the Knights rather easily 6-0.

For the staff ace it was his third complete game of the year and he earned it by scattering three hits while striking out 7. In the process he also rolled his record to 4-0 and lowered his ERA to 0.29 in 24 innings of work.

“It was a much smaller strike zone today than normal but he was consistent,” said the 6-foot-5 righty of the plate umpire. “The main key for me today was to constantly get ahead in the count. I did a good job of that and I was able to throw all my pitches for strikes.

Two more fun facts – the game lasted 1 hour and 45 minutes – making it the longest contest time-wise in his four starts this year. He has allowed just 1 walk against 33 strike outs.

“I love playing defense behind Sam,” shortstop TREVOR HOWELL said with a big smile. “He gets a million ground balls, works fast and always throws strikes, so it's a quick low-scoring game.”

Howell scored the first marker for the Pats in the top of the first after he started the game with a single, stole second and then scored on an error.

“He really is our unsung hero on this team,” boasted head coach MIKE MITCHELL after. “Game-after-game-after-game he's always out there and he's just so smooth on defense you kinda take it for granted because he makes it look so easy.”

KYLE STOWERS made it 2-0 in the third with an RBI single and then added a double in a 4-run fifth inning that saw Christian bat through the order. Howell smashed a double, NATE JARVIS had a 2-run pinch hit single and BYRCE JURRIES also drove in a run with a single.

“We seemed a lot more focused today than in the past week,” Mitchell added. “With our potential we're not quite where we need to be yet, but we're getting there and I think we got a lot of guys’ attentions in the past couple of days, so we switched up the lineup a little today and it really helped. We're definitely heading in the right direction.”

— Andrew Smith

GROSSMONT 10, Gardena-JUNIPERO SERRA 2 – HUNTER STRATTON stroked his 3rd home run with a man aboard and also tripled and scored as the Grossmont Foothillers buried Gardena Serra on Wednesday (Apr. 2) in the Boras Classic Tournament.

Stratton helped launch the Foothillers (4-4) into a 5-0 first inning lead.

Grossmont tagged on another run in the 2nd inning when TIGER GUERRERO hit a solo home run.

The Grossmont onslaught continued in the 3rd inning. Two Serra errors helped the Foothillers score 3 runs, extending their advantage at the time to 9-0. MATT LUJAN hit an RBI double and HUNTER REED hit a run-scoring single. A third run scored on an error.

In the 4th inning Stratton swatted a triple and scored on a ground out by PEYTON LINDSAY.

“It’s kinda nice to finally have some offense,” said Foothillers coach CHAD WILLIAMS. “Even better that we got an early lead.”

DANIEL ROLF turned in a strong pitching performance, allowing only 5 hits and 2 runs while striking out 9 in a six inning stint for his first win of the season.

BRADEN BARR pitched a shutout 7th inning to complete the job.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 13, LUTHERAN 6 – Despite surrendering six runs in the 1st inning, Foothills Christian turned the semifinals of Tri-City Christian’s Eagles Classic into a rout over Lutheran on Wednesday (Apr. 2).

The Knights (6-2) advance into Saturday’s (Apr. 5) championship game against Calvin Christian at MiraCosta College at 3 p.m.

Foothills Christian stole 11 bases in its latest victory.

The cornerstone of the victory was MARK PROFETA, who pitched 6 2/3 innings of shutout relief while striking out 7. He was also 2-for-4 with 2 RBI and a stolen base at the plate.

“He’s been like that all year,” said Knights coach DAVE LEWIS.

Foothills Christian erased a 6-4 deficit with 5 runs in the 5th inning.

JOSH LEWIS ignited the pivotal inning with a single, while RYAN QUINN – who was 3-for-3 with 2 runs and 2 RBI – added a double. The Knights then pulled a double steal, scoring Lewis and sending Quinn to third. After NOAH GULA walked, Profeta singled in two.

JALEN BROWN capped the inning with a 2-run single, and the Knights never looked back.

La Puente-BISHOP AMAT 3, GRANITE HILLS 0 – Outside of loading the bases with one out in the 7th inning, Granite Hills did little in a shutout loss to Bishop Amat in Wednesday’s (Apr. 2) Boras Classic Tournament contest.

Granite Hills (4-4) wasted the pitching of DILLAN SHRUM, who allowed 5 hits and 3 runs in four innings. Reliever JUSTIN MITCHELL pitched 2 perfect innings.

Half of Granite Hills’ 4 hits were produced by JAYSON ROSE. MICHAEL DIFFLEY also had a base hit as did Mitchell.


Pairings set for 'Dickens' semifinals

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

EL CAJON (4-2-14) — Helix, Valhalla, El Capitan and Santana high schools have qualified for the semifinals of the 3rd annual Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament, which will be played on Thursday (Apr. 3) at 4 p.m. Home sites will be Helix and El Capitan.

 
Bill Dickens
Grossmont Conference
Tournament
Final Pool Play Standings
GHL
W
L
RA
Helix
4
0
7
Valhalla
4
0
10
Steele Canyon
3
1
10
West Hills
2
2
13
GVL
El Capitan
2
2
20
Santana
1
3
22
Monte Vista
0
4
15
Mount Miguel
0
4
24
Thurs., Apr. 3
Semifinals

Santana at Helix, 4
Valhalla at El Capitan, 4
Consolation
Monte Vista at Steele Canyon, 4
Mount Miguel at West Hills. 4
Consolation games in the Dickens Tournament (also on Thursday) involve Monte Vista, Steele Canyon, Mount Miguel and West Hills. Game sites are Steele Canyon and West Hills at 4 p.m.

HELIX 3, EL CAPITAN 0 — The pitch-stingy staff of the Helix Highlanders shut down El Capitan in La Mesa in Tuesday's (Apr. 1) Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament action.

Freshman CONNER KONISHI pitched a complete game 2-hit shutout while striking out 2 and rolling his record to 2-0.

"He has so much poise on the mound," said Helix coach COLE HOLLAND of Konishi. "In my 13 years as Helix' coach he's the only freshman I've used at the varsity level."

The Highlanders (6-3), who have won 5 straight, are probably the most opportunistic team in East County. Give 'em a break and they'll score a run.

Case in point was the 1st inning against El Capitan. DeSHAWN KEIRSEY singled and MATTHEW RICHARDSON doubled. Keirsey scored on a passed ball and Richardson cruised home on a wild pitch.

The only other run the Highlanders had came in the 5th inning when Richardson singled, JORGE GARCIA walked and MIGUEL ARMENDARIZ came through with an RBI single.

El Capitan's offense consisted of a single and a double by CLAY CROMWELL.

The Vaqueros wasted a fine pitching performance by TRISTAN DUNCAN, who scattered 8 hits and allowed only 2 earned runs.

Mount Miguel right fielder Christian Mendez with an outstanding diving catch.
(Photo by Don DeMars Photography)

 
Valhalla pitcher Brent Keaton
(Photo by Don DeMars Photography)
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

VALHALLA 4, MOUNT MIGUEL 0 — BRENT KEATON and MATT GREEN put the stranglehold on Mount Miguel in Tuesday's (Apr. 1) Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament, limiting the Matadors to five hits at Valhalla's Eric Turgeon Field.

Keaton (3-0) worked the first five innings, scattering four hits and walking none while striking out six. Green came in in relief to blank the Matadors on one hit while striking out two to earn the save.

Valhalla (6-3) took the lead with two runs in the 1st inning. JORDAN QSAR singled to right and stole second. FOSTER McNARY walked and GIUSEPPE CASTANOS singled to center to score Qsar.

COLE HENDERSON then lobbed a sacrifice fly to right field.

In the 6th inning McNary got hit by a pitch and CHRIS HUDGINS hammered his 3rd home run of the season with a shot over the left center field fence.

Mount Miguel's DANIEL RONK was the hardluck loser who gave up four runs and four hits while striking out three.

BRAD MORENO led the Matadors' meager attack with two hits in four at-bats.

STEELE CANYON 6, SANTANA 2 — Steele Canyon's JOSH MEDEIROS limited Santana to 4 hits and one earned run but had to overcome 5 walks as he posted his 2nd win in three starts in Tuesday's (Apr. 1) Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament action.

The key blow for Steele Canyon was a 2-run home run by junior left fielder AUSTIN ELLERY in the 2nd inning, which gave the Cougars a 3-0 lead. It was Ellery's second home run of the season.

BRANDON BROWN was 2-for-3 with a double and 2 RBI for the Cougars (6-3).

Steele Canyon scored in the 1st inning when TANNER PERRY walked, stole one of his two bases and scored on a single by Brown.

The Cougars had 6 stolen bases.

Santana pitchers allowed only 5 hits but surrendered 5 walks, which added up to too many runs. Probably the most startling stat was Santana left 12 runners on base.

 
West Hills pitcher Willie Bennett
(Photo by Leslie Autry)

WEST HILLS 7, MONTE VISTA 1 — WILLIE BENNETT pitched a complete game 5-hitter without allowing an earned run as West Hills dunked Monte Vista in Tuesday's (Apr. 1) Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament encounter.

Monte Vista REILLY DIAZ was the hardluck loser, allowing only two earned runs in five innings.

The Monarchs tied the game 1-1 in the 4th inning as Diaz slugged a 2-out triple and scored on a basehit by JUAN DAVALOS.

West Hills regained the lead as D.J. LEWIS got a bunt single and eventually scored on a base hit by LUKE PETERSON.

Clinging to a 2-1 lead the Wolf Pack (4-5) broke the game open with 5 runs in the 5th inning.


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2014 STANDINGS
Grossmont Valley League
School
W
L
W
L
Santana
10
2
20
10
Mount Miguel
8
4
17
11
El Capitan
8
4
16
12
Monte Vista
4
8
8
19
El Cajon Valley
0
12
5
18

Grossmont Hills League
School
W
L
W
L
Granite Hills
13
2
22
7
Valhalla
8
7
18
11
Grossmont
8
7
14
14
Steele Canyon
6
9
17
13
Helix
5
10
16
15
West Hills
5
10
12
18

Central League
School
W
L
W
L
Christian
10
2
20
8
Coronado
9
3
19
11
Serra
8
4
20
8
Clairemont
3
9
6
21
Lincoln
0
12
5
21

Citrus League
School
W
L
W
L
Vista-Calvary Christian
6
0
16
14
Foothills Christian
4
2
18
7
Classical Academy
2
4
18
10
Lutheran
0
6
2
17
CV-Calvary Christian
susp. ops.
Guajome Park Frogs
susp. ops.
Records for out-of-area teams may be incomplete.
RANKINGS (May 12)
CIFSDS PLAYOFFS
Championships
Sat., June 7
(at USD)
Division 4

Olympian 5, Mar Vista 4
Division 2

Bonita Vista 4, El Camino 0
Open Division
Granite Hills 3,
La Costa Canyon 0

Fri., June 6
Division 5
(at CSUSM)
Classical Academy 7, Mission Vista 6 (11 inn.)
Division 3
(as USD)
Francis Parker 6, Mt. Carmel 4 (10 inn.)
Division 1 (at USD)
Grossmont 6, Valhalla 4

Fifth Round
Thurs., June 5
Division 2

Bonita Vista 5, Santa Fe Christian 4

Wed., June 4
Division 1

Valhalla 1, Helix 0 (8 inn.)
Division 4
Olympian 8, Calexico 7 (9 inn.)

Fourth Round
Tue., June 3
Open Division
(2) Granite Hills 7,
(3) Cathedral Catholic 6
(4) La Costa Canyon 3, at (1) Rancho Bernardo 2
Division 1
(6) Grossmont 3, at (2) Ramona 1
(9) Helix 8, at (5) Valhalla 0
Division 2
(1) El Camino 3, (5) Eastlake 2
(2) Bonita Vista 4, Santa Fe Christian 3
Division 3
(4) Francis Parker 6, at (1) Santana 1
(2) Mt. Carmel 3, (10) Mount Miguel 1
Division 4

(4) Mar Vista 5, (9) SD-Southwest 4
(3) Calexico 4, at (2) Olympian 2

Third Round
Sat., May 31
Open Division

(1) Rancho Bernardo 12, (8) Mira Mesa 3
(3) Cathedral Catholic 3, (6) Vista 2

Division 1
(9) Helix 8, (1) St. Augustine 7
(2) Ramona 18, (10) Steele Canyon 6

Division 2
(5) Eastlake 10, (4) La Jolla 5
(2) Bonita Vista 4, (5) Scripps Ranch 2

Division 3
(1) Santana 5, (8) Vista-Calvary Christian 1
(10) Mount Miguel 8, at (3) Canyon Crest 6

Division 4
(3) Calexico 8, (10) SD-High Tech 4
(9) SD-Southwest 4, (1) EC-Central 2

Division 5
(1) Calvin Christian 5, (8) Maranatha Christian 4
(6) Borrego Springs 8, at (3) Hoover 3

Second Round
Fri., May 30
Open Division

(4) La Costa Canyon 10, (8) Mira Mesa 1
(1) Rancho Bernardo 8, (5) Carlsbad 2
(2) Granite Hills 3, (3) Cathedral Catholic 2 (8 inn.)
(6) Vista 6, (7) Rancho Buena Vista 3
Division 1
(5) Valhalla 3, at (1) St. Augustine 2
(6) Grossmont 7, (10) Steele Canyon 6 (8 inn.)
(9) Helix 7, at (4) Otay Ranch 5
(2) Ramona 5, (3) Poway 1
Division 2
(1) El Camino 7, (4) La Jolla 2
Thurs.: (3) Santa Fe Christian 3, (2) Bonita Vista 0
(5) Eastlake 6, (9) West Hills 5
(6) Scripps Ranch 7,(7) San Marcos 6
Division 3
(4) Francis Parker 6, (1) Santana 1
(2) Mt. Carmel 4, (3) Canyon Crest 2
(8) Vista-Calvary Christian 3, (5) Christian 0
(10) Mount Miguel 5, (6) Coronado 3
Division 4
(4) Mar Vista 17, (9) SD-Southwest 0
(2) Olympian 6, (3) Calexico 4
(1) EC-Central 11, (5) Imperial 1
(10) SD-High Tech 3, (11) Holtville 2


Thurs., May 29
Division 2

Santa Fe Christian 3, Bonita Vista 0
Division 5

Mission Vista 24, Borrego Springs 2
Classical Academy 8, Calvin Christian 2
Hoover 7, El Cajon Valley 4
Maranatha Christian 11, Calipatria 5

Wed., May 28
First Round
Open Division
(8) Mira Mesa 5, (1) Rancho Bernardo 4
(4) La Costa Canyon 9, (5) Carlsbad 3
t (3) Cathedral Catholic 8, (6) Vista 6
(2) Granite Hills 9, (7) Rancho Buena Vista 2
Division 1
(1) St. Augustine 3, (9) Helix 0
(5) Valhalla 5, (4) Otay Ranch 3
(6) Grossmont 7, (3) Poway 4
(10) Steele Canyon 5, (2) Ramona 4
Division 2
(1) El Camino 1, (9) West Hills 0
(4) La Jolla 5, (5) Eastlake 3
(3) Santa Fe Christian 1, (6) Scripps Ranch 0
(2) Bonita Vista 6, (7) San Marcos 0
Division 3
(1) Santana 13, (8) Vista-Calvary Christian 3
(4) Francis Parker 5,(5) Christian 2
(3) Canyon Crest 10, (6) Coronado 3
(2) Mt. Carmel 3, (10) Mount Miguel 1
Division 4

(9) SD-Southwest 1, (1) EC-Central 0
(4) Mar Vista 6, (5) Imperial 2
(3) Calexico 7, (11) Holtville 0
(2)Olympian 10, (10) SD-High Tech 0

Tue., May 27
Play-In Round
Division 1

(9) Helix 1, (8) Montgomery 0
(5) Valhalla 7, (12) Madison 1
(6) Grossmont 4, (11) El Capitan 3
(10) Steele Canyon 10, (7) Patrick Henry 2
Division 2
(9) West Hills 10, (8) San Ysidro 2
(5) Eastlake 2, (12) Hilltop 0
(6) Scripps Ranch 3, (11) San Pasqual 2
(7) San Marcos 4, (10) Del Norte 3
Division 3
(8) Vista-Calvary Chr. 3, (9) Oceanside 2
(5) Christian 6, (12) San Diego HS 2
(6) Coronado 6, (11) Horizon 0
(10) Mount Miguel 7, (7) Serra 6

Division 4
(9) SD-Southwest 5, (8) The Bishop's 1
(5) Imperial 4, (12) Escondido Charter 1
(11) Holtville 6, (6) Palo Verde Valley 1
(10) SD-High Tech 2, (7) Sweetwater 1
First Round
Division 5
(1) Calvin Christian 2, (9) Maranatha Chr. 1
(4) Classical Academy 10, (5) Calipatria 0
(6) Borrego Springs 5, (3) Hoover 2
(2) Mission Vista 14, (7) El Cajon Valley 7

Fri., Mar. 7
Non-League

El Cajon Valley 7, Gompers 1

Sat., Mar. 8
Foothiller-Aztec Classic

Helix 4, Point Loma 2
San Ysidro 9, Grossmont 4
Eastlake 8, West Hills 6
Non-League
Foothills Christian 20, Mountain Empire 7
Vista 5, Steele Canyon 1
Olympian 5, Monte Vista 4
Santana df. King-Chavez, forfeit

Mon., Mar., 10
19th Christian Patriots Invitational

Christian 28, El Cajon Valley 0 (5 inn.)

Tue., Mar 11
Bully’s East/Andy Sanchez Memorial

Santana 3, Mission Hills 1
Mount Miguel 4, Sweetwater 2
Hilltop Lolita’s Tournament
Bonita Vista 1, El Capitan 0
Granite Hills 4, Rancho Buena Vista 1
Poway 5, Valhalla 4 (15 inn.)
Non-League
La Jolla 7, Monte Vista 2

Wed., Mar 12
Foothiller-Aztec Classic

Mater Dei Catholic 3, Helix 2
Eastlake 7, Grossmont 6
San Ysidro 10, Steele Canyon 6
West Hills 9, Coronado 0
19th Christian Patriots Invitational
Christian 17, Mountain Empire 0
Madison 24, El Cajon Valley 1

Thurs., Mar. 13
Bully’s East/Andy Sanchez Memorial

Santana 7, Otay Ranch 2
Mount Miguel 6, Kearny 2
Monte Vista 2, Westview 1
Hilltop Lolita’s Tournament
El Capitan 5, Granite Hills 4 (8 inn)
Cathedral Catholic 4, Valhalla 2
Non-League
Foothills Christian 10, Maranatha Christian 7 (9 inn.)

Fri., Mar. 14
Foothiller-Aztec Class
ic
Montgomery 5, Helix 0
Grossmont 4, Coronado 3
West Hills 7, Mater Dei Catholic 6
Steele Canyon 6, La Jolla Country Day 5
19th Christian Patriots Invitational
Christian 10, Horizon 1
Lincoln df. El Cajon Valley, score not reported

Sat., Mar. 15
Foothiller-Aztec Classic

Grossmont 4, La Jolla Country Day 2
Eastlake 6, Helix 3
Vista 4, West Hills 1 (8 inn.)
Steele Canyon 5, Pt. Loma 2
Bully’s East/Andy Sanchez Memorial
Mount Miguel 9, Hoover 6
Patrick Henry 10, Santana 7
Del Norte 5, Monte Vista 3 (9 inn.)
Hilltop Lolita’s Tournament
Bonita Vista 8, Valhalla 5
La Costa Canyon 11, El Capitan 1
Rancho Bernardo 5, Granite Hills 2
Non-League
High Tech-CV 11, Foothills Christian 10

Mon., Mar. 17
19th Christian Patriots Invitational

Madison 8, Christian 2
Morse df. El Cajon Valley, score not reported

Tue., Mar. 18
Bully’s East/Andy Sanchez Memorial

Mount Miguel 21, SD-Southwest 3
La Jolla 3, Santana 2
Patrick Henry 7, Monte Vista 5 (10 inn.)
Hilltop Lolita’s Tournament
Rancho Bernardo 16, El Capitan 1 (6 inn.)
Valhalla 19, Rancho Buena Vista 6
Granite Hills 6, Bonita Vista 3 (8 inn.)

Wed., Mar. 19
Foothiller-Aztec Classic

Helix 3, Coronado 1
Grossmont 12, Vista 1
Steele Canyon 18, Mater Dei Catholic 4
Montgomery 10, West Hills 5
19th Christian Patriots Invitational
Christian 7, Morse 0
Serra df. El Cajon Valley
Eagles Classic
Foothills Christian 9, Maranatha Christian 3

Thurs., Mar. 20
Hilltop Lolita’s Tournament

Poway 11, El Capitan 2
Valhalla 10, Hilltop 0
Granite Hills 3, La Costa Canyon 0
Bully’s East/Andy Sanchez Memorial
Otay Ranch 4, Monte Vista 1
Santana 2, Mt. Carmel 1
Castle Park 5, Mount Miguel 4

Sat., Mar. 22
Bully’s East/Andy Sanchez Memorial
Championship
Mount Miguel 8, Mar Vista 1
19th Christian Patriots Invitational
Championship
Madison 4, Christian 3 (10 inn.)
Foothiller-Aztec Classic

Championship
Vista 2, Montgomery 1
Hilltop Lolita’s Tournament
Championship
Poway 2, Rancho Bernardo 0
Eagles Classic
Foothills Christian 12, Borrego Springs 10

Mon., Mar. 24
City Conference Tournament

Christian 5, at San Diego 4

Tue., Mar. 25
Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament

Valhalla 2, Monte Vista 0
El Capitan 9, West Hills 6
Helix 8, Santana 4
Steele Canyon 4, Mount Miguel 0
Non-League
El Cajon Valley 20, King-Chavez 0 (first win by shutout by ECV since 3-20-2008)

Wed., Mar. 26
City Conference Tournament

Christian 7, Kearny 1
Eagles Classic
Foothills Christian 12, Tri-City Christian 3
Non-League
El Cajon Valley 7, Lutheran 0

Thurs., Mar. 27
Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament
Valhalla 9, El Capitan 5
Santana 1, West Hills 0
Helix 7, Mount Miguel 2
Steele Canyon 2, Monte Vista 1
Non-League
El Cajon Valley 18, Liberty Charter 3

Fri., Mar. 28
City Conference Tournament

Christian 11, Morse 2

Sat., Mar. 29
Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament

Valhalla 8, Santana 5
Helix 4, Monte Vista 1
West Hills 9, Mount Miguel 2
El Capitan 7, Steele Canyon 2
Boras Classic
Valencia 2, Grossmont 1
Glendora 5, Granite Hills 1
Eagles Classic
Classical Academy 5, Foothills Christian 3

Mon., Mar. 31
City Conference Tournament

Francis Parker 8, Christian 4
Boras Classic Tournament
Cypress 7, Grossmont 1
Granite Hills 11, Aliso Niguel 8

Tue., Apr. 1
Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament

Helix 3, El Capitan 0
Valhalla 4, Mount Miguel 0
Steele Canyon 6, Santana 2
West Hills 7, Monte Vista 1
Non-League
El Cajon Valley 9, Crawford 5

Wed., Apr. 2
City Conference Tournament
Christian 6, The Bishop’s 0
Eagles Classic
Foothills Christian 13, Lutheran 6
Boras Classic Tournament
At Santa Ana-Mater Dei
Grossmont 10, Gardena-Junipero Serra 2
La Puente-Bishop Amat 3, Granite Hills 0

Thurs., Apr. 3
Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament
Semifinals
Helix 4, Santana 1
Valhalla at El Capitan, ppd. (police action), moved to Apr. 4
Consolation
Steele Canyon 10, Monte Vista 4
Mount Miguel 8, West Hills 5

Fri., Apr. 4
Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament
Semifinals
Valhalla 3, El Capitan 1 (from Apr. 3)
Boras Classic Tournament
Granite Hills 4, Cypress 3 (8 inn.)
Aliso Niguel 3, Grossmont 0
Non-League
Foothills Christian 16, El Cajon Valley 2

Sat., Apr. 5
Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament
Championship
Valhalla 6, Helix 4
Eagles Classic
Championship:
Foothills Christian 10, Calvin Christian 8
City Conference Tournament
Championships
Div. 1: Cathedral 4, St. Augustine 3
Div. 2: Serra 5, Coronado 1

Mon., Apr. 7
Non-League
Foothills Christian 11, Crawford 2

Tue., Apr. 8
Grossmont Hills League
Granite Hills 6, West Hills 1
Helix 10, Grossmont 2
Steele Canyon 4, Valhalla 2
Grossmont Valley League
El Capitan 1, Mount Miguel 0
Santana 16, El Cajon Valley 0 (5 inn.)

Wed., Apr. 9
Central League
Christian 22, Lincoln 2
Serra 14, Clairemont 4

Thurs., Apr. 10

Grossmont Hills League
Valhalla 9, Steele Canyon 1
Granite Hills 7, West Hills 2
Grossmont 8,. Helix 5
Grossmont Valley League
Mount Miguel 4, El Capitan 3
Santana 14, El Cajon Valley 1
Non-League
Monte Vista 10, Chula Vista 3
Foothills Christian 5, Sweetwater 2

Fri., Apr. 11
Central League
Coronado 11, Christian 3
CLairemont 4, Lincoln 2
Non-League
Escondido 6, Serra 0

Mon., Apr. 14
Lions Tournament
Classic Division
Granite Hills 4, Green Valley (Nev.) 2
Grossmont 13, Madison 3
Otay Ranch 5, Valhalla 4
Premier Division
Steele Canyon 4, Silverado (Nev.) 3
El Camino Real (Woodland Hills) 3, Helix 2
Division 1
Kodiak (Alaska) 10, Foothills Christian 6
Division 3
Mount Miguel 7, Mar Vista 1
Christian 10, Taft (Woodland Hills) 0
Division 4
West Hills 5, Granada Hills 3
Mt. Carmel 2, Monte Vista 1
Division 5
Tamalpias (Mill Valley) 3, Santana 2 (8 inn.)
Division 6
El Capitan 6, San Marcos 1

Tue., Apr. 15
Lions Tournament
Classic Division
Valhalla 10, Clovis 1
Granite Hills 12, Vista 2
Poway 10, Grossmont 2
Premier Division
Helix 4, LV-Rancho 3
Steele Canyon 7, Granada Hills-Kennedy 2
Division 1
Lincoln 14, Foothills Christian 9
Division 3
Christian 2, Mount Miguel 0
Division 4
West Hills 9, El Centro-Central 7
Monte Vista 1, Lompoc 0
Division 5
Santana 6, Brawley 5
Division 6
El Capitan 3, Santa Fe Christian 1

Wed., Apr. 16
Lions Tournament
Classic Division
Mayfair 8, Grossmont 7
Valhalla 1, Carlsbad 0
Granite Hills 6, Cathedral Catholic 5
Premier Division
Steele Canyon 7, Mira Mesa 5
Helix 5, Rancho Buena Vista 0
Division 1
Foothills Christian 17, The Rock 5
Division 3
Mount Miguel 3, Woodland Hills-Taft 1
Mar Vista 4, Christian 3
Division 4
West Hills 6, Point Loma 1
Monte Vista 7, L.A.-Roosevelt 0
Division 5
Santana 3, Canyon Crest 0
El Capitan 4, L.A.-Birmingham 0

Thurs., Apr. 17
Lions Tournament
Classic Division
Semifinals
Granite Hills 5, Madison 1
Championship
Rancho Bernardo 6, Granite Hills 0
Premier Division
Semifinals
Helix 2,, Ramona 1
Steele Canyon 3, Eastlake 0
Championship
Helix 1, Steele Canyon 0
Division 3
Semifinals
Escondido 8, Christian 6
Division 4
Semifinals
Mt. Carmel 6, West Hills 1
Division 5
Semifinals
Santana 5, Bonita Vista 4 (8 inn.)
Championship
Santa Ana-Foothill 7, Santana 0
Division 6
Semifinals
El Capitan 2, El Camino 1 (10 inn.)
Championship
Patrick Henry 4, El Capitan 2

Consolation Games
Grossmont 2, San Ysidro 0
Valhalla 1, Montgomery 1, tie (10 inn.)

Mon., Apr. 21
Central League
Serra 11, Lincoln 5
Coronado 12, Clairemont 0

Tue., Apr. 22

Grossmont Hills League
Steele Canyon 19, West Hills 3
Valhalla 7, Helix 3
Grossmont 4, Granite Hills 3 (8 inn.)
Grossmont Valley League
Santana 4, Mount Miguel 0
El Capitan 5, Monte Vista 3

Wed., Apr. 23
Central League
Christian 6, Clairemont 4
Serra 6, Coronado 0
Non-League
Borrego Springs vs. Foothills Christian at Barona, ppd. (moved to Apr. 24)

Thurs., Apr. 24
Grossmont Valley League
El Capitan 3, Monte Vista 1
Non-League
Foothills Christian 13, Borrego Springs 4 (from Apr. 23)

Fri., Apr. 25
Central League
Serra 2, Christian 1 (9 inn.)
Coronado 4, Lincoln 1
Non-League
Foothills Christian 5, Julian 4

Sat., Apr. 26
Grossmont Hills League
Granite Hills 3-5, Steele Canyon 2-3 (second game, 12 inn.)
Grossmont 0-1, Valhalla 4-0
West Hilla 6-4, Helix 5-2
Grossmont Valley League
Mount Miguel 9, Santana 1
Monte Vista at El Capitan, ccd.
Citrus League
Foothills Christian at Vista-Calvary Christian, ppd. (moved to Apr. 29)
Non-League
Coronado 4, Mar Vista 3

Tue., Apr. 29
Grossmont Hills League
Steele Canyon 8, West Hills 4
Valhalla 12, Helix 0
Granite Hills 6, Grossmont 3
Grossmont Valley League
Mount Miguel 12, El Cajon Valley 0
Santana 7, Monte Vista 1
Citrus League
Vista-Calvary Chr. 12, Foothills Christian 0
Non-League
El Capitan 10, Mission Hills 5

Wed., Apr. 30
Central League
Christian 10, Lincoln 2
Serra 11, Clairemont 3

Thurs., May 1
Grossmont Hills League
Steele Canyon 6, Grossmont 4
Granite Hills 6, Helix 0
West Hills 15, Valhalla 2
Grossmont Valley League
Mount Miguel 13, El Cajon Valley 0
Monte Vista 3, Santana 2

Fri., May 2
Central League
Christian 7, Lincoln 4
Serra 18, Clairemont 2
Citrus League
Foothills Christian 7, Classical Academy 6
Vista-Calvary Chr. 21, Lutheran 0

Sat., May 3
Grossmont Hils League
Grossmont 10, Steele Canyon 2
Granite Hills 2, Helix 0
Valhalla 7, West Hills 6
Grossmont Valley League
Monte Vista 9, El Cajon Valley 0
Santana 5, El Capitan 4
Non-League
Mount Miguel 6, Chula Vista 0
Francis Parker 6, Christian 0

Mon., May 5
Central League
Christian 1, Coronado 0
Clairemont 1, Lincoln 0
Non-League
Mater Dei Catholic 6, Mount Miguel 3

Tue., May 6
Grossmont Hills League
Helix 1, Steele Canyon 0
Grossmont 9, West Hills 8
Granite Hills 7, Valhalla 5
Grossmont Valley League
Monte Vista 3, El Cajon Valley 1
Santana 2, El Capitan 0
Citrus League
Vista-Calvary Chr. 2, Classical Academy 0

Wed., May 7

Central League
Christian 6, Coronado 2
Clairemont 5, Lincoln 4
Citrus League
Foothills Christian 12, Lutheran 2
Non-League
Serra 3, Vista-Calvary Christian 2

Thurs., May 8
Grossmont Hills League
Helix 7, Steele Canyon 5
Grossmont 2, West Hills 0
Granite Hills 3, Valhalla 2
Grossmont Valley League
Mount Miguel 3, Monte Vista 1
El Capitan 11, El Cajon Valley 2

Fri., May 9
Citrus League
Vista-Calvary Chr. 10, Foothills Christian 5
Classical Academy 11, Lutheran 0
Central League
Serra 16, Lincoln 3
Coroando 13, CLairemont 8

Sat., May 10
Grossmont Valley League
Mount Miguel 8, Monte Vista 0
El Capitan df. El Cajon Valley, forfeit
Non-League
4-11, SD-High Tech 2-1

Mon., May 12
Non-League
El Cajon Valley 3, Ocean View Christian 2
Central Legaue
Serra 8, Lincoln 4
Coronado 9, Clairemont 2

Tue., May 13

Grossmont Hills League
Granite Hills 2, Steele Canyon 1
Valhalla 13, Grossmont 1
Helix 7, West Hills 6 (10 inn.)
Grossmont Valley League
Santana 8, Mount Miguel 4
El Capitan 4, Monte Vista 2
Citrus League
Vista-Calvary Christian 17, Lutheran 2

Wed., May 14
Grossmont Valley League
El Capitan 7, Mount Miguel 2
Central League
Christian 12, Clairemont 1
Coronado 5, Serra 1
Citrus League
Foothills Christian at Classical Academy, ppd., fire

Thurs., May 15
Grossmont Hills League
Valhalla at Steele Canyon, ppd. (moved to May 19)
West Hills at Granite Hills, ppd. (moved to May 19)
Helix at Grossmont, ppd. (moved to May 19)
Grossmont Valley League
El Cajon Valley at Santana, ppd. (moved to May 21)

Fri., May 16
Central League
Christian at Clairemont, ppd. (moved to May 17)
Citrus League
Foothills Christian vs. Lutheran, at Sweetwater LL, ppd. (moved to May 21)

Sat., May 17
Grossmont Hills League
West Hills 13, Steele Canyon 6
Valhalla 3, Helix 1
Granite Hills 10, Grossmont 1
Grossmont Valley League
Santana 3, Monte Vista 2
Central League
Christian 8, Clairemont 4 (from May 16)
Citrus League
Foothills Christian 13, Classical Academy 3
Non-League
Castle Park at El Capitan, ccd,
Lutheran at CV-High Tech, ppd. (moved to May 19)

Mon., May 19
Central League
Christian 15, Serra 3
Coronado 7, Lincoln 0
Grossmont Hills League
Granite Hills 3, West Hills 2 (from May 15)
Grossmont 6, Helix 1 (from May 15)
Steele Canyon 4, Valhalla 0 (from May 15)
Grossmont Valley League
Mount Miguel 8, El Cajon Valley 0
Citrus League
Vista-Calvary Chr. 7, Classical Academy 0
Non-League
CV-High Tech 10, Lutheran 9

Tue., May 20
Grossmont Hills League
Steele Canyon 4, Grossmont 3
Granite Hills 4, Helix 3
West Hills 12, Valhalla 11
Grossmont Valley League
Monte Vista 11, El Cajon Valley 0
Santana 4, El Capitan 1
Non-League
High Tech-SD 9, Foothills Christian 6

Wed., May 21
Grossmont Valley League
Mount Miguel 11, Monte Vista 5
Santana df. El Cajon Valley, forfeit (from May 16)
Central League
Christian 6, Serra 3
Coronado 3. Lincoln 0
Citrus League
Foothills Christian 20, Lutheran 5 (from May 16)

Thurs., May 22
Grossmont Hills League
Helix 10, Steele Canyon 9
Valhalla 2, Granite Hills 0 (9 inn.)
Grossmont 8, West Hills 2
Grossmont Valley League
El Capitan 17, El Cajon Valley 0
Non-League
Foothills Christian 5, Lincoln 1
END REGULAR SEASON