Granite Hills Eagles CIFSDS Championships

2014 – df. La Costa Canyon, 3-0 (Open) 2007 – df. Torrey Pines, 3-2 (D1) 1998 – df. Grossmont, 6-2 (D1) 1994 – df. Mira Mesa, 2-0 (D1) 1977 – df. Kearny, 8-4 (2A)

ROAD TO THE 2014 TITLE (4-0) df. (7) Rancho Buena Vista, 9-2 df. (3) Cathedral Catholic, 3-2 (8 inn.) df. (3) Cathedral Catholic, 7-6 df. (4) La Costa Canyon, 3-0

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By Andrew Smith
© East County Sports.com
ALCALA PARK (6-8-14) — All season long there was just a certain type of mystique surrounding this Granite Hills team. Even though the Eagles faced one of the toughest schedules anyone has ever seen, they entered Saturday's (June 7) CIF San Diego Section CIF Open Division championship game unblemished in their playoff run.

That included beating Cathedral Catholic for the second and third time this year on walk-off home runs. The No. 1 overall pick in the MLB draft Brady Aiken started two of those games, but didn't factor in either decision.

Once they finally reached this year's title game, Eagles' starter JAYSON ROSE wasted little time turning their playoff run into a championship. He needed only 72 minutes to throw a complete-game 3-0 shutout over La Costa Canyon at USD's Fowler Park, giving Granite Hills (26-7) its first title since 2007.

“We had a bad taste in our mouth from losing to Rancho Bernardo here last year,” Rose admitted after scattering four hits. “But playing in that game definitely helped. BIG stage, BIG crowd, we knew exactly what we had to do tonight.”

The biggest threat from the Mavericks came in the top of the first after an error put the leadoff man on base. A sacrifice bunt and a ground out later put the runner on third with two down, but Rose quickly nipped it in the bud with the first of 10 strikeouts on the day.

“My game plan coming into the game was to just get ahead in the count,” added Rose. “But I had everything working today so I just used my secondary stuff to my advantage.”

La Costa Canyon (21-12) was flabbergasted at what it was seeing out of the Utah-bound senior and absolutely had no answer. The Mavericks never had two runners on base at the same time until they were down to their final out.

“By far Rose is the best pitcher we've faced all season,” said Mavericks coach Justin Machado.

MICHAEL DIFFLEY started the bottom of the first for Granite with a single and ROBERT BOSTEDT followed suit. Rose walked and Thursday's hero JUSTIN MITCHELL had an RBI ground out, giving Rose all he would eventually need to work with.

Granite Hills' Robert Bostedt slides safely into third base following a double by Jordan Verdon for the ballgame's lone extra-base hit. The Eagles won 3-0, capturing the CIF San Diego Section's Open Division crown. (Screen shot courtesy of YouTube)

“Every time he goes out there on the mound I just have a feeling like I know we're going to win,” said Bostedt after leading the Eagles' 9-hit attack by going 3-for-3 with a run scored. “After he got out of that jam and we scored the first run, that gave us all the momentum and I think he really fed off of that.”

In the third inning, Rose helped himself with a sacrifice fly, scoring Bostedt after a JORDAN VERDON double put him on third. DANIEL VASQUEZ then started the fourth inning with a leadoff single. DILLAN SHRUM and ANDY LOWRY then played copy-cat to load the bases and Bostedt laced his third single of the day for the Eagles third and final run of the game.

Rose's battery mate catcher IZZY GOMEZ is wise beyond his years and plays the position like a 20-year vet. Shrum plays the role of DH for him, but Gomez could care less about hitting.

“My main job is to know our pitchers and I think I do,” said Gomez. “I love catching and the hitting part of the game doesn't really matter to me because we are all a big group striving for the same goal. This is by far the best game Jayson (Rose) has ever pitched.”

After the final out was secured the entire Eagles' team formed a dogpiled on the infield grass in unrestrained rejoice of their first title since 2007. But no one seemed as excited as Shrum once the piled thinned out.

“After last year's loss we know exactly how they (LCC) feel right now,” he said. “It's just such an awesome feeling right now knowing we're the champs I really can't put it into words.”

For Eagles skipper JAMES DAVIS it's his second title of his 14th year coaching career at Granite Hills, but he was quick to point out how he earned his latest ring.

Granite Hills pitcher Kayson Rose celebrates with catcher Izzy Gomez after claiming thefirst Open Division championship in the CIF San Diego Section. Rose lifted his record to 8-0 following his 4-hit shutout in a 3-0 verdict over La Costa Canyon at USD. (Screen shot courtesy of YouTube)

BALLCLUB OF THE CENTURY Foothillers claim 8th CIFSDS crown since 2000; 11th overall

By Andrew Smith
© East County Sports.com
ALCALA PARK (6-7-14) — The game of baseball is notorious for some crazy superstitions. Every player has his own, whether it be kissing his bat or jumping over the chalk line on his way back to the dugout for good luck. But it doesn't stop there.

In his 14-year stint as the San Diego Padres general manager, Kevin Towers would leave his suite every time Hall-of-Fame closer Trevor Hoffman came into the game to make one of his 552 saves as a member of the Pads, never witnessing a single one.

After a 20-game losing streak ended Grossmont's season two years ago, CHAD WILLIAMS was brought in to rejuvenate the program. He not only delivered in his first go-round by winning a San Diego Section CIF Division I Championship, but he had the Foothillers back in the title game for a second straight year against rival Valhalla.

The Norsemen wore throwback jerseys from their only championship team from 2006, but the Foothillers countered by bleaching their hair blonde just like last's year team and won their second straight title, turning a stellar effort from starting pitcher BRANDON WEED and eight singles into a 6-4 victory in front of a raucous jam-packed crowd Friday (June 6) night at USD's Fowler Park.

Hunter Stratton (17) receives congratulations from ateammate after crossing the plate.. (Photo by Linda Byerline)

In the process of winning the voodoo battle between the two familiar squads, Weed also rolled his senior season record to 10-4 and went out on top.

“It was a question if Brandon was even going to be able to play today,” Williams admitted. “He's been a little bit banged up ever since the first round so we weren't sure what we would get out of him, but he battled to the very end.”

Valhalla (22-13-1) jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first after an error on a pop-up led to an unearned run when CHRIS HUDGINS singled in JEFF HOUGHTBY two pitches later.

Freddy Walker gets some air to score Cameron Henderson howls after he scores (Photos by Linda Byerline) CLICK PHOTOS FOR MORE

Grossmont's No. 9 hitter FREDDY WALKER started the top of the third with a single and later scored on a HUNTER STRATTON single to even things out.

One inning later, NICK DALEY led off with a single. A wild pitch, ground out and a walk to CAMERON HENDERSON had runners on the corners for TIGER GUERRERO to plate him with a sacrifice fly to left field. Walker then laced his second single in as many innings to right, then both ALEX MARLAY and HUNTER REED jolted run-scoring singles, giving the Hillers a 4-1 advantage.

“As a senior I knew the team was counting on me for support and I wouldn't want it any other way,” Walker said afterwards. “We came through with a complete team effort, but I really just played my heart out today to help us all win a championship.”

The Norsemen responded with a pair of runs on no hits in their half of the fourth thanks to a pair of walks, a hit batter and a couple of RBI groundouts, but were never able to get back over the hump to reclaim the lead.

“They were very aggressive today,” said Norsemen skipper MIKE WILSON. “After a couple of balls dropped early for them and they built that early lead I think MITCH (COOMBS) started pressing a little, but give them credit, they put the ball in play.”

Coombs, a senior, had already shutout the Foothillers earlier in the year beating them 4-0. On the contrary, Weed had also blanked Valhalla 1-0 in league play and felt a little more comfortable this time around.

“It's easy to win a game when your team puts up six runs,” said Hillers' starting pitcher Weed. He only allowed four hits, but uncharacteristically walked five. “I didn't have my best stuff today, but baseball is all about adjustments. I just figured out what was working and went with what I had going on.”

Holding a 4-3 lead into the final frame, Grossmont (19-14) got a huge pair of insurance runs without registering a hit and they both proved to be extremely beneficial.

Valhalla loaded the bases in the bottom of the 7th trailing 6-3 before Weed was finally pulled for PEYTON LINDSAY. After plunking the first man he faced the winning run was on first base, but a pop-up ended the game, the season and crowned Grossmont the champs.

“We had a real good opportunity there in the end but it just wasn't our day,” Valhalla's Wilson said afterwards. “With 13 seniors on your roster you want to go out on a better note, but we had a wonderful season. We’re happy to be in this game today (firstt finals appearance after 5 straight semifinals), but by no means were we content to be here. We came out to win this thing, but today they were the better team.”

Jake Haar (right) displaces the bag on his head-first slide into first base while the baseball bounces out of the glove of Valhalla's Giuseppe Castanos. However, Haar was ruled out on the controversial 7th-inning play, as the umpire ruled the ball dropped on transition. (Photos by Linda Byerline)

For his counterpart, Williams it was a time to reflect on what he had accomplished in such a short little time at the G-House.

“I've definitely enjoyed my two years here so far because winning is a lot of fun,” he said. “Since day one we've talked about developing character because it makes you a reflection of who you are. This has kinda been the perfect year for that because we've been up-and-down and up-and-down. But when the time finally came we really grinded it out and got the job done.”

Valhalla fought back, taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning by Hudgins. The Norsemen added two runs without benefit of a hit in the 4th inning to slice Grossmont’s lead to 4-3.

With the game on the line the Norsemen loaded the bases in the 7th inning, and that led to the departure of Weed (10-4) with two outs and the sacks full. Reliever PEYTON LINDSAY plunked JORDAN QSAR with a pitch to make it 6-3. That brought Hudgins, the East County home run leader, to the plate.

“I went up realizing that I’m usually 9-for-10 in those situations,” Hudgins said. “I thought I’d come through, and I did hit it hard. It’s just that I hit it straight up.”

That ended the season for Valhalla.

Grossmont second baseman Cameron Henderson secures the final out on a pop, sending the Foothillers past Valhalla, 6-4, at USD's Fowler Park, securing the 2014 CIF San Diego Section Division 1 baseball championship. (Photos by Linda Byerline)

It took eight innings before Valhalla's Giuseppe Castanos (above) ignited the celebration below when Jeff Houghtby registered the ballgame's lone run to advance the Norsemen into the CIF Division I championship game Friday night against Grossmont at USD. (Photos by Don DeMars Photography)

Second baseman Corey Zimmerman. First baseman Giuseppe Castanos (Photos by Don DeMars Photography) Scotties vs. Norsemen Recent Head-to-Head Series (Since 2009, Valhalla leads 15-13)  Year  Reg. Season   CIF Playoffs   2009 Helix 2-1 —  2010 Helix 2-1 Helix 2-1  2011 Valhalla 3-0 Helix 2-0  2012 Helix 3-0 Valhalla 2-0  2013 Valhalla 2-1 —  2014 Valhalla 4-0* Tied 1-1  TOTAL Valhalla 11-8 Helix 5-4 *includes win in Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament championship.

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (6-5-14) — One afternoon Valhalla High head coach MIKE WILSON was digging through the Norsemen’s storage cupboards looking for equipment, and came across some old uniforms.

Turns out they were the same uniforms that the Norsemen wore when they won their only section baseball championship in 2006.

“I pointed out to the kids that those were the same uniforms that we won our only CIF championship in,” said Wilson, “and they agreed that they wanted to wear them.”

Valhalla (22-12-1), which has reached the semifinals of the San Diego Section playoffs five consecutive seasons, finally reached the title bout. The Norsemen will face Grossmont Hills League rival Grossmont (18-14) on Friday (June 6) at USD’s Fowler Field at 7 p.m.

GIUSEPPE CASTANOS blasted a bases loaded single in the bottom of the 8th inning to give Valhalla the only run in the contest to eliminate Grossmont Hills League rival Helix, 1-0.

JORDAN QSAR pitched a complete game, 4-hit shutout for the Norsemen and struck out 4.

“I threw 92 pitches, which is just one short of my maximum this season,” said Qsar, who later in the evening received a Triple-A Award for Athletics, Academics and Attitude by the Valhalla student body.

The hardluck loser for the Highlanders was JEREMIAH WYLIE, who surrendered only 5 hits. He walked 4 and struck out 5.

Valhalla’s Qsar raised his record to 3-1, allowing only 4 hits and no walks.

Helix (20-17) missed scoring chances in the 4th inning, the 5th, the 7th and the 8th, while Valhalla misfired on scoring opportunities in the 4th and 5th innings.

“This was just like a Grossmont Hills League game,” said Wilson . “We’ve battled them three times and came up empty.”

Overall the Highlanders won four of five, but Valhalla won the big one.

Despite the disappointing loss, Helix coach COLE HOLLAND heaped accolades on his young Highlanders.

“I’m just extremely proud of the heart and effort that we showed in the last two weeks,” said Holland of his Highlanders. “We played all six of our playoff games on the road. We have nothing to hang our heads about. I think we’re a Top 10 team.”

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (6-4-14) — For those who are intrigued with suspense, baseball games between Cathedral Catholic and Granite Hills are worthwhile attending.

These teams have met three times and Granite Hills has come out on top with come-from-behind victories in each of the last two meetings.

The victory places the Eagles (25-7) in the San Diego CIF Open Division championship game at USD’s Fowler Field on Saturday (June 7) at 7 p.m., where they will meet No. 4 seeded La Costa Canyon (21-11).

Granite Hills’ latest two victories have been decided by walkoff home runs against Cathedral. DILLAN SHRUM delivered a game-winning knockout in the 8th inning to provide the Eagles with a 3-2 win in the third round of the playoffs.

In the semifinals, the Eagles, who trailed the Dons 5-0 after five innings, came from behind to register a 7-6 victory decided by a 2-run walkoff homer delivered by JUSTIN MITCHELL that capped a 4-run 7th inning

“It was the second time I’ve hit a game-winning walkoff home run. This one was really special,” said Mitchell. “I hit the first one in the Boras Classic.”

Obviously Mitchell was the big stick in the clutch.

“I knew when I hit it by the contact, it was going out,” he said.

Not to be overlooked was the relief pitching of NATE NGUYEN, who allowed only one run, one hit and struck out 6 in a powerful relief performance.

“Nate was our unsung hero,” said Granite Hills coach JAMES DAVIS.

JAYSON ROSE, the team’s leader, was 2-for-4. He sparked the Eagles’ comeback with in the 4th inning with a solo home run when it looked like Granite Hills was dead in the water.

ROBERT BOSTEDT was 3-for-4 to lead the Eagles’ 9-hit assault.

Helix pitcher Dashawn Kiersey tosses a complete-game shutout at Valhalla. (Photo by Tony Bordine) Scotties vs. Norsemen Recent Head-to-Head Series (Since 2009, Valhalla leads 14-13)  Year  Reg. Season   CIF Playoffs   2009 Helix 2-1 —  2010 Helix 2-1 Helix 2-1  2011 Valhalla 3-0 Helix 2-0  2012 Helix 3-0 Valhalla 2-0  2013 Valhalla 2-1 —  2014 Valhalla 4-0* Helix 1-0  TOTAL Valhalla 11-8 Helix 5-3 *includes win in Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament championship.

Sitting on a 20-16 record Helix is only one victory shy of posting its second San Diego CIF championship in 25 years. The last time the Highlanders captured the SDCIF crown was in 2011 at the Division II level.

This year they’re shooting for the Division I crown.

Helix, which finished the regular season with a record of 16-15 and 5-10 in league, were in 5th place in the six team loop.

But there’s something about these Highlanders that seems to come to life when post-season honors are available.

Helix blanked Valhalla, 8-0, in Tuesday’s (June 3) SDCIF Division I fourth round of the playoffs. It was the first time have beaten the Norsemen in five meetings this season.

Valhalla won earlier matchups 6-4, 7-3, 12-0 and 3-1. All that doesn’t matter now because the bid to the championships will be on the line in Wednesday’s meeting.

The winner will face Grossmont on Friday (June 6) at USD’s Fowler Field at 7 p.m. for the Division I gold.

In Wednesday’s semifinals, DaSHAWN KEIRSEY pitched a complete game 3-hit shutout.

Helix took the early lead on a sacrifice fly by JACK STRONACH. In the 3rd inning Stronach singled in another run. Later in the frame an RBI single by CONNER KONISHI stretched the Highlanders’ lead to 3-0.

Even though Valhalla suffered this setback, the Norsemen still have a chance to make it to the championship game if they can beat Helix on Wednesday.

Grosmsont catcher Hunter Reed fights the sun to corral a foul popup by Ramona. (Photo by Linda Byerline)

GROSSMONT 3, RAMONA 1 – The Foothillers of Grossmont (18-14) erased host Ramona (26-7) on Tuesday (June 3) to advance to the championship round of the San Diego Section Division I playoffs on Friday (June 6) at USD’s Fowler Field at 7 p.m.

Grossmont will play the winner of Thursday’s (June 5) Helix-Valhalla semifinal at the Norsemen’s Eric Turgeon Field at 3:30.

Pitcher PEYTON LINDSAY posted his 3rd straight win, including victories over No. 2 Ramona and No. 3 Poway in his last two outings to put the Foothillers in position to grab a championship berth.

In his latest performance Lindsay - who started the season 0-4 - pitched a 4-hitter, allowing only one run as Grossmont shut down a Ramona team that belted seven home runs in its previous outing.

Nonetheless Ramona took the early lead over the Foothillers on an RBI single by CJ Broussard in the 1st inning.

After that, Lindsay (3-4) slammed the door.

Grossmont pieced together a 3-run inning in the 5th frame. BRAEDEN BARR slashed a leadoff single and RYAN BARNES followed with a basehit to put runners at the corners. FREDDY WALKER followed with a single to tie the game at 1-1, and then stole second. ALEX MARLAY drew a walk to load the bases.

HUNTER REED hit a high chopper, allowing CAMERON HENDERSON (pinch running for Barr) to score. HUNTER STRATTON drew a walk but the fourth ball was a wild pitch, allowing Walker to score.

“I can’t say enough about the pitching of Peyton Lindsay,” said Foothillers coach CHAD WILLIAMS. “This is the time to come up big and he’s certainly done that.”

Obviously disappointed, the Matadors and their coach JASON BABINEAU were proud to point out that Mount Miguel had registered a school record 20 victories this season.

The Matadors (20-13) started fast, taking a 1-0 lead in the 2nd inning on a single by KENNY STEWART, a ground out by ANDRES GONZALEZ and a run-scoring single by DANIEL RONK.

It was a short-lived lead for Mount Miguel as Mt. Carmel snapped a 1-1 tie with a pair of runs in the 6th inning to advance to the Division III championship game against Francis Parker on Friday (June 6) at USD’s Fowler Field. First pitch is 3:30 p.m.

Mount Miguel senior right-hander BRAD MORENO pitched his East County-leading 10th complete game. He scattered 5 hits and allowed only 2 earned runs as he suffered his 5th loss in 14 decisions.

“We’re really proud of our 20-win season,” said Babineau. “I’m proud of our men because they established a lot of ‘firsts.’”

In addition to the team victory total, Moreno logged 105 strikeouts, which led East County pitchers.

Mount Miguel finishes with a 20-13 overall record. It's the school's first winning season since going 10-10-2 in 1991, and 13-12 in 1987. Plus, the 20 victories were also the most by the program since sharing the Grossmont Conference crown with Santana in 1980, posting a 15-5 mark that year.

That was a major challenge, as the Lancers (21-8) never go quietly.

With their ace ALAN STRONG on the mound in Tuesday's (June 3) matchup with the Lancers, it seemed like they had a clear advantage, but 3 errors in Parker's half of the fourth inning ultimately led to their demise, as they faltered 6-1, bouncing them out of the playoffs.

“I was kinda shocked that half inning,” admitted Parker head coach David Glassey. “We got the first guy on and then it was just mistake-after-mistake-after-mistake, and before you knew it we were up 5-0 and our guys on the mound never looked back.”

Strong threw a complete game – his 8th – and was the hard-luck loser for the Sultans, as only 1 of the 6 runs charged against him was earned, but Parker's only game-plan coming into the game was to put the ball in play.

So was it a brilliant plan or just bad luck for Santana on an off day?

Strong finished the season 10-3 with 93 strikeouts and an ERA of 1.51. No question, he was the backbone on the ballclub.

Parker scored 5 unearned runs in the 4th inning to take the lead, while Santana scored its only run on an RBI single by RYAN BROWNING in the bottom of the 4th.

In the end the Sultans' faithful went home feeling disappointed with a really bad taste in their mouth.

On the high side, Santana finished 22-12.

CIF SAN DIEGO SECTION CHAMPIONSHIPS – Third Round

Scotties eliminate No. 1 Saints
Next: not the Norsemen, again!

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (6-1-14) — Only two days earlier, Helix High was shutout 3-0 by the St. Augustine Saints in the first round of the San Diego CIF Division I playoffs.

The Highlanders flipped the coin in the rematch on Saturday (May 31) at Hickman Field as they edged the Saints 8-7 to eliminate St. Augustine and continue on to the semifinals on Tuesday (June 3) where they will (again) meet rival Valhalla on the Norsemen’s field.

It will be the 5th meeting between the two teams. Ironically, both Helix and Valhalla had to defeat St. Augustine to move into position of facing off once again.

The Highlanders erased a 6-run deficit to come from behind to claim the victory.

JORGE GARCIA, who struck out three times in an earlier meeting against the Saints, slashed a 2-run homer in the 6th to give Helix the win.

The Helix offense also featured 2 RBI each by MIGUEL ARMENDARIZ and NICO ALCOSER.

Three Highlander pitchers contributed to the victory, including JEREMIAH WYLIE who allowed only one earned run and 2 hits as he posted his 6th win in 10 decisions.

MOUNT MIGUEL 8, CANYON CREST 6 – Mount Miguel came from behind to eliminate Canyon Crest in Saturday’s (May 31) San Diego CIF Division III third round game at Torrey Pines.

The Matadors produced home runs by ENRIQUE KELLER, a 3-run shot in the 6th inning that proved to be the winning blow, and a solo shot by DANIEL RONK in the 7th to stretch the lead to 2 runs.

The Matadors, who had hit only 2 home runs during the regular season, but these two blows made history as Mount Miguel baseball raised its victory total to 20, which is a school record.

Mount Miguel (20-12) came from behind for the third time in the playoffs to defeat Canyon Crest (14-1).

The Matadors took the lead on a two-out rally in the 6th inning as ESTEBAN LIERAS reached base on an error, BRAD MORENO singled and Keller hit a 3-run homer.

“This is our third comeback in the last four games,” noted Matadors coach JASON BABINEAU. “It just shows what kind of character we have.”

SANTANA 6, VISTA-CALVARY CHRISTIAN 1 – Senior right-hander RYAN BROWNING pitched a complete game 2-hitter and did not allow an earned run Saturday (May 31) as the Sultans eliminated Vista-Calvary Christian to advance to Tuesday’s (June 3) Division III semifinals in San Diego Section playoff action.

Top-seeded Santana (22-11) took the early lead as JACOB ODENKIRK reached base on an error and scored on a double by TRISTEN SALINAS in the 1st inning. TOMMY LOGAN followed with a base hit to make it 2-0.

Santana extended its lead to 4-1 in the 5th inning on a double by Browning. The Sultans added another run on an error in the 6th.

“The pressure was on us but I kept telling my kids ‘It’s all about playing in June,’” said Sultans coach RIGO LEDEZMA.

RAMONA 18, STEELE CANYON 6 – Ramona hammered seven home runs in Saturday’s (May 31) Division I encounter to eliminate Steele Canyon from the San Diego Section semifinals.

The Cougars (19-15), trailed only 3-2 after three innings before the Bulldogs turned the game into a blowout, scoring 13 runs in the next two frames.

TANNER PERRY was 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI for the Cougars. BERNY ARIPEZ was 2-for-4 with a pair of singles and an RBI in four at-bats.

Seven Steele Canyon pitchers could not shut down Ramona’s 23 hit attack.

CIF SAN DIEGO SECTION CHAMPIONSHIPS – Second Round

Grossmont's Freddy Walker with the head-first slide to score, helping the Foothillers take down Steele Canyon, 7-6 in 8 innings. (Photo by Linda Byerline)

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-31-14) — Known to be short of pitching depth, Grossmont High head coach CHAD WILLIAMS keeps coming up with winning combinations as he proved in Tuesday’s (May 30) 7-6 victory over Steele Canyon in the 2nd round of the Division I San Diego Section playoffs.

This game was all about clutch plays for the Foothillers (17-14), who received solid pitching from CALVIN FARRIS and BRAEDEN BARR against Steele Canyon .

The pivotal play of the performance was a sinking line drive in the 7th inning that Steele Canyon centerfielder MACKEY BOWERS appeared to catch. The base umpire made no signal, thus the exhilarated Cougars figured it was a game-winning out, and burst out of the dugout in celebration.

Bowers scrambled and picked up the ball and fired it toward the plate, inadvertently hitting a bunch of his teammates who were celebrating between the pitchers’ mound and home plate resulting in an interference call.

Grosmsont's Hunter Reed (left) skies to gain the force out at second base on Steele Canyon's Will Sullivan. (Photo by Linda Byerline)

“I didn’t think he caught it,” said Williams. “It was certainly not a routine play. From what I saw he lost the ball when he hit the ground.”

The Foothillers forced the extra innings on consecutive singles by NICK DALEY, MICHAEL BYERLINE and FREDDY WALKER.

Grossmont, which received a 2-run homer by TIGER GUERRERO in the 2nd inning, eventually melded a 13-hit attack into the victory.

Not to be overlooked were Steele Canyon home runs by TANNER PERRY, who hit a grand slam in the 7th inning. BERNY ARIPEZ hit a 2-run homer in the 6th inning.

GRANITE HILLS 3, CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC 2 (8 inn.) – For the second time this season Granite Hills knocked off visiting Cathedral Canyon ace Brady Aiken – most likely one of the top five draft picks in the nation – in Friday’s (May 30) Open Division contest of the San Diego Section playoffs. But it took extra innings to do it.

Aiken has struck out 24 batters this season against Granite Hills, including 13 in six innings of Friday’s second round CIF play. Nonetheless, Aiken has come out without a victory against Granite Hills in two appearances.

The Eagles (24-7) pulled this victory out on a walkoff homer by sophomore DILLAN SHRUM with two outs in the bottom of the 7th inning and the game tied at 6 apiece. It was his second home run in two playoff games.

“Honestly, when the count was 1-2 I wasn’t thinking about a home run,” said Shrum. “I was just thinking about getting the ball in the air.”

JAYSON ROSE pitched a complete game for the Eagles, allowing only 8 hits, one earned run and 7 strikeouts as he improved his record to 7-0.

VALHALLA 3, ST. AUGUSTINE 2 – Never play Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON in a game of tic-tac-toe. The man knows how to stack his lineup.

Wilson saved his ace for Game 3 of the Division I San Diego Section playoffs on Friday (May 30), and MITCH COOMBS delivered, as he shut down top-seeded St. Augustine with a complete game 5-hitter.

The Norsemen (21-11-1) scored all the runs they needed in the 3rd inning.

JEFF HOUGHTBY singled to center and JORDAN QSAR doubled to right in the 3rd inning to put two Norsemen in scoring position. A St . Augustine error allowed the Norsemen to score their first run as GIUSEPPE CASTANOS was safe on a sacrifice bunt. Qsar scored on a throwing error by the pitcher.

ANDY VAN ANTWERP then stroked an RBI single in the same frame to make it 3-0 for Valhalla .

St. Augustine fought back in the 4th inning as Ariel Kenney doubled and scored on a sacrifice fly by JoeJoe Hudson.

The Saints made their final charge in the bottom of the 7th as Kiko Garcia tripled to center and scored on a ground out by Sean Coyne.

Coombs pitched his 7th complete game victory for the Norsemen, who advance to Tuesday’s (June 3) semifinals.

Lewis & Clark-bound JORGE GARCIA blasted a grand slam to key the big inning for the Highlanders.

DaSHAWN KEIRSEY also chipped in with an RBI and JACK STRONACH tripled and scored on a base hit by CONNOR KONISHI, who was 3-for-3 in the contest.

Konoshi pitched 5 1/3 innings to log his 5th win in 9 decisions, while MICHAEL VARGASON got the final five outs to earn his 2nd save.

Helix coach COLE HOLLAND wanted to talk about defense.

In the 1st inning the Highlanders cut down an Otay Ranch runner trying to stretch a double into a triple on a throw from right-fielder NICO ALCOSER to second baseman MATTHEW RICHARDSON to third baseman Stronach.

That was the first of the major league relays by the Helix defense.

In the 5th inning the Highlanders cut down Alex Tovalin, attempting to stretch a double into a triple on a throw from Alcoser to shortstop MIGUEL ARMENDARIZ to Stronach for the out.

Otay Ranch had a third runner cut down at the plate on perfect pegs initiated by Alcoser.

“When we have execution like that it really inspires our team,” Holland said.

MOUNT MIGUEL 5, CORONADO 3 – The Matadors proved that they have a little deeper pitching depth than most of their rivals realize, as ENRIQUE KELLER turned in a sterling performance at Coronado in Friday’s (May 30) Division III action of the San Diego Section playoffs.

“Keller is our No. 3 and he was in command all day,” said Mount Miguel coach JASON BABINEAU. “I have to commend him for putting his team on his back and keeping us in position to win the game.”

Mount Miguel (19-12) pulled out the victory and kept its playoff hopes alive by scoring 3 runs in the top of the 7th, erasing a 3-2 deficit at Coronado .

In the pivotal final frame the Matadors loaded the bases on back-to-back walks to ESTEBAN LIERAS and BRAD MORENO and a single by Keller. ALEX ESTRADA hit into a force play, allowing Lieras to score. Consecutive RBI singles by KENNY STEWART and ANDRES GONZALEZ expanded Mount Miguel ’s lead 2 runs going into the bottom of the final frame.

Moreno pitched a hitless 7th inning and struck out one to protect the victory for Keller, who raised his record to 2-1.

FRANCIS PARKER 6, SANTANA 1 – Host Santana did not look like a No. 1 seeded team in Friday’s (May 30) encounter with the Lancers in Santee .

The Sultans surrendered 4 runs in the 1st inning to visiting Francis Parker (20-9) in the second round of Division III San Diego Section play, and never recovered.

The Sultans wasted 6 2/3 innings of sparkling relief by DAULTON BARRY, who allowed only one earned run.

Santana avoided a shutout in the 7th inning as JACOB ODENKIRK laced an RBI single in the bottom of the frame.

EASTLAKE 6, WEST HILLS 5 – The Titans broke a 5-5 tie in the bottom of the 6th inning on a pair of West Hills miscue that decided the issue in Friday’s (May 30) second round of the San Diego Section Division II playoffs.

A throwing error by the Wolf Pack catcher, followed by a back-up errant launching by the centerfielder into the Eastlake dugout gave the Titans the winning marker.

“Well, it’s like we gave up,” stated West Hills coach MIKE HARWELL. “We went into cruise control after we gained a 4-1 lead. We did not play like winners today.”

West Hills (13-19) broke a 1-1 tie in the 3rd inning on an RBI single by D.J. LEWIS and a 2-run homer by NATE LEDFORD.

In the 4th inning the Pack added an additional marker when JOHNNY ESPINOZA’s sacrifice fly scored CHASE PARSONS who had tripled earlier in the inning.

The Pack defense committed five errors and basically handed the victory over to the Titans (23-8), eliminating West Hills from the playoffs.

West Hills gave up three unearned runs to allow Eastlake to advance.

VISTA-CALVARY CHRISTIAN 3, CHRISTIAN 0 – Oregon Tech-bound left-hander John Schulz spun a one-hitter as Calvary Christian eliminated the Patriots of Christian High in Friday’s (May 30) Division III second round of the San Diego Section playoffs.

“Their kid threw a great game today,” said Patriots coach MIKE MITCHELL. “He threw strikes, changed speeds.”

BRANDON TARDIFF singled to enable Christian to avoid a no-hitter.

The Patriots wasted a sparkling complete game pitching performance by BRYCE JURRIES, who scattered 6 hits over seven innings and allowed only one earned run.

“We had a great year – 20 wins and won the league title,” Mitchell added. “Unfortunately we didn’t have it today. We’re going to miss our seniors but we’re really excited about our future and our younger players."

CIF SAN DIEGO SECTION CHAMPIONSHIPS – First Round

Grossmont second baseman Brandon Weed (left) jumps for joy, while Hillers first baseman Michael Byerline (right) raises the ball high after registering the final out in Wednesday's 7-4 upset triumph at Poway after once trailing 3-0. (Photos by Linda Byerline)

East County Sports' Game of the Week  Presented By...             ...Celebrating our First Anniversary! Non-pitcher slams door on No. 4 Ramona Steele Canyon's Brown gains save for Barkley By Nick Pellegrino © East County Sports.com RAMONA (5-29-14) — Following six solid innings, the starting pitcher for Steele Canyon High showed wear and tear – it was time to make the call to the bullpen. Who do you call? Why, the closer, of course. "But our starting pitcher, CHRIS BARKLEY, is our closer," said Cougars reserve catcher-first baseman BRANDON BROWN. "So before the game, coach told me to be ready and that I'd probably be going in if we had the lead." Sure enough, Barkley was out and Brown made his entrance for his first action on the mound all season – in a CIF playoff game, no less, against Ramona, the 4th-ranked ballclub in the entire San Diego Section. "No, I really didn't have any butterflies," noted Brown. "I just went out there and coach said to go get 'em – and I did." Two outs on two batters later, including a called strike three to end the contest, Brown saved the victory for Barkley in a 5-4 upset triumph over the Bulldogs. For the 10th-seeded Cougars, they gain a meeting Friday (May 30) with 6th-seeded Grossmont, which secured another road upset win by an East County school after rallying past Poway, 7-4. Leading 5-2, Barkley yielded a pair of runs in the 6th. Then running on fumes, Cougars sophomore left fielder MATTHEW BAGDASAR registered a diving catch on a sinking liner for the first out. Then Ramona collected a double on a shot to left-center to end Barkley's afternoon. However, Brown stranded the runner on a high pop to center field, then painted the inside of the strike zone for a called third strike, handing Ramona just its sixth loss in 30 starts. Steele Canyon is now 19-13. The offense was fueled by East County 's hottest hitter in third baseman BERNY ARIPEZ. After homering in his playoff opening victory over Patrick Henry (2-for-5 with four RBI), he also feasted on Ramona pitching, slugging three doubles and driving in two additional runs. "There really isn't much difference between how I'm hitting the ball and how I was earlier in the season," noted Aripez. "The only thing I can think of is that I was trying to hit homers, while now I'm just trying to make solid contact." Aripez' first double moved shortstop TANNER PERRY (one-out walk) to third base, scoring when catcher WYATT LOGAN grounded out to the right side for a 1-0 lead in the 1st inning. Ramona tied it in the 2nd, but Steele Canyon took the lead for keeps in the 4th. Following consecutive basehits by MACKEY BOWERS and KENNETH BAGDASAR, the older brother hit double No. 2 for the go-ahead run. A sacrifice fly by Logan made it 3-1. Aripez’ third double came against the Dawgs bullpen for an RBI in the 6th, pushing the advantage to 5-2. The top three members of the Cougars batting order went a composite 7-for-11 with four runs and a pair of RBI, then Logan, the clean-up batter, also knocked in two runs. Shortstop Tanner Williams, the leadoff batter for Ramona, went 4-fror-4, but only scored once. CIFSDS SCOREBOARD 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   CIFSDS Brackets   Open Division Division 3 Division 1 Division 4 Division 2 Division 5 CIF Bracket UPDATE: The San Diego Section announced: The CIF Division 2 championship will be played at 3:30 p.m. at USDs Fowler Park, on Sat., June 7, followed by the Open Division championship at 7 p.m. Please make a note of this.

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (5-29-14) — The Valhalla Norsemen, who, according to their coach MIKE WILSON, have been shorted in the seedings over the last five years, figure they have to dig out of a hole from the beginning.

So far, so good.

The Norsemen (20-11-1), stabled in Division I of the San Diego Section second round playoffs, knocked off Otay Ranch, 5-3, Wednesday (May 28) behind the pitching of JORDAN QSAR.

The Pepperdine-bound Qsar surrendered only three hits and one earned run while striking out 4 as the Norsemen upended the Cougars.

Qsar posted Valhalla’s second consecutive playoff game effort, following the complete performance by BRENT KEATON against Madison.

“I have to give my pitching coach, BILL REED, a lot of credit,” said Wilson. “He’s kept our pitchers in line for the right game at the right time.”

So the Norsemen now have their ace MITCH COOMBS poised to face St. Augustine in Friday’s (May 30) encounter at Hickman Field at 3:30.

In knocking off Otay Ranch, Valhalla did all its scoring in the opening frame. JEFF HOUGHTBY walked and Qsar singled to left. Both runners advanced on a balk. ANDY VAN ANTWERP singled in a run, as did KRIS SMITH.

The key hit was a 3-run double by COLE HENDERSON in the opening inning.

FRANCIS PARKER 5, CHRISTIAN 2 – There are some things in life that just are unexplainable. Gravity, Easter Island, the Bermuda triangle and UFO's all fall into the category of life's greatest mysteries.

Unfortunately for Christian High, the same type of conundrum seems to rear its ugly head every time they have to play Francis Parker.

Many local baseball aficionados could argue that the Patriots have the better team, but for some reason the Lancers just have their number, and for the third time this year they took down Christian 5-2 in Wednesday's (May 28) first round of the San Diego Section Division III playoffs.

“I have no idea what it is,” said a mystified Pats skipper MIKE MITCHELL afterwards. “For some reason we have this thing about playing Parker and we look like two totally different teams when we play them.”

After falling behind 1-0 early, Christian (21-9) responded when TREVOR HOWELL blasted a solo home run to left in the second inning for his first of the year and only the Patriots' 3rd of the season.

“It was a good feeling,” Howell admitted. “But I'd rather have a sacrifice fly to win the game over hitting a home run in a loss any day of the week.”

DAVID SUDA then tripled to right to leadoff the third, and later scored on a sacrifice fly by CHRISTIAN MEZA to give the Patriots a 2-1 lead, but they failed to notch anymore tallies the rest of the way.

Parker (19-9) sent 8 men to the plate in the fourth and plated two on a Johnathan Vizcaino single. They left the bases loaded in that frame, but added two insurance runs in the sixth to seal the deal.

“We had zero hits with guys in scoring position,” added Mitchell. “I don't care who you are, if that's the case you have a good shot at getting beat.”

The Patriots' backs are now against the wall as they are now going to have to do the almost impossible and reach the championship game by fighting their way out of the loser's bracket. One more slip-up and their season is over.

However, if they do get one more shot at Parker though in these playoffs, the Lancers' Jake Wiegand definitely provided them some bulletin board material.

“Since my freshman year we've beat them every time,” said the winning pitcher. “At this point it almost feels kinda automatic when we step onto the field with these guys that we're gonna win so we don't even really get that excited when we do.”

— Andrew Smith

GRANITE HILLS 9, RANCHO BUENA VISTA 2 – On the first day of the San Diego Section’s newly formed Open Division baseball playoffs, upsets dominated the ticker tape Wednesday (May 28). However the No. 2 seeded Granite Hills Eagles weren’t one of the upsets as they broke out of the gate with a decisive 9-2 win over visiting Rancho Buena Vista.

Granite Hills (24-7) came out swinging early and didn't stop until RBV was stowing their gear. They pounded out 14 hits, including 5 for extra bases.

Eagles pitcher DANIEL VASQUEZ scattered 11 hits over 6 innings for the win to improve his record to 8-0 on the season.

“We like to swing the bat," said coach JAMES DAVIS whose club laced 14 hits while winning for the 12th time in their last 13 starts. “We were aggressive as usual, but this might have been the best we've hit as a team all year.”

The Eagles scored in the first inning on a MICHAEL DIFFLEY lead single. After later being wild pitched to 3rd base, JAYSON ROSE plated Diffley with a sacrifice fly to centerfield.

Rancho Buena Vista (12-19) looked to make it a game with a single run in the top of the 3rd to knot the score at 1-1.

The sign of a good team is how it responds after either getting or giving up the lead. With the score now tied at 1-1, the Eagles responded indeed.

After 2 harmless flyouts to centerfield, the Eagles would turn up the heat on the Longhorns pitching. JORDAN VERDON doubled down the right field line and reached third base on a fielding error.

Rose (2-for-3 with 2 runs scored) drove in his second run with a single. Next JUSTIN MITCHELL doubled to the right field corner, enabling Rose to score from first.

The two runs were a huge response to the Longhorns tally in the top of the inning. But the biggest blow of the inning was yet to come.

Vasquez (3-for-3, 2 runs, 2 RBI) kept the inning alive when he was hit by a pitch. Enter DILLAN SHRUM. With runners at first and second, Shrum wasn't waiting around for something to happen.

On the first pitch he saw, he spun on a high inside fastball and smoked it over the leftfield fence for a 3-run homer.

It was Shrum's first high school homer.

“I didn't find out until I was putting on my cleats that I was in the starting lineup," he said. “I was just trying to keep the momentum going and I got one inside that I could handle."

Granite Hills added two insurance runs in the 6th inning on a Rose single and a Vasquez RBI double. Shrum (2-for-4, 4 RBI) added his 4th RBI of the day on a single, plating Vasquez and giving Granite Hills the victory.

Speaking of Vasquez, although he didn't have his best stuff, he allowed only two runs in six innings of pitching for the win.

“I just wasn't on my game today, but I battled through it,” said Vasquez. “When we got those runs back in the 3rd inning, that was huge.”

Closer ADRIAN ANDREWSON threw a perfect 7th inning, striking out two and finishing the Longhorns.

Granite Hills is now set for a showdown with Cathedral Catholic on Friday (May 30) on the Eagles diamond at 3:30.

— Mark Meadows

Grossmont's Freddy Walker (4, top) scores the opening run of the ballgame, but after Poway moved ahead, Nick Daley (28, bottom) beats the throw home for the go-ahead run. (Photos by Linda Byerline)  got pix?  email them to us HERE

GROSSMONT 7, POWAY 4 – PEYTON LINDSAY proved that Grossmont has more depth than just one pitcher in Wednesday’s (May 28) so-called upset of Poway in San Diego Section Division I first round action in North County.

The Foothillers (16-14) overcame a 3-0 deficit against No. 3 seeded Poway and continued on to knock out 14 hits to support the pitching of Lindsay.

Lindsay went the distance to earn his 2nd win in 6 decisions as he scattered 7 hits and allowed 4 earned runs.

Grossmont staged a comeback with 2 runs in the 3rd inning on RBI singles by HUNTER STRATTON and Lindsay.

Trailing 4-2 entering the 5th inning Grossmont fought back on a run-scoring base hit by RYAN BARNES.

The Foothillers took command in the 6th with 3 markers. FREDDY WALKER had a sacrifice fly, ALEX MARLAY doubled in a run and HUNTER REED singled in another to help Grossmont erase a 6-4 deficit.

Reed paced the Foothillers by going 3-for-4 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI.

SANTANA 13, VISTA-CALVARY CHRISTIAN 3 – The top-seeded host Santana Sultans hammered out 15 hits and put together a 10-run 2nd inning as they destroyed Vista-Calvary Christian in Wednesday’s (May 28) opening round of the San Diego Section Division III playoffs.

The key blow in the big inning was a bases loaded triple by RYAN BROWNING. It was his second hit in the inning.

JACOB ODENKIRK was 2-for-2 in the big frame, and BRIAN PARKER blasted a 2-run double. Odenkirk finished with 3 hits as did TRISTEN SALINAS.

Santana ace ALAN STRONG boosted his record to 10-2 with a five inning stint that was capped by DAULTON BARRY, who pitched two innings of hitless relief.

ST. AUGUSTINE 3, HELIX 0 – The Helix Highlanders found out why St. Augustine is the No. 1 seeded team in the San Diego CIF playoffs, as they fell to the Saints at Hickman Field in a Division I game on Wednesday (May 28).

The Highlanders (17-16) never had more than one runner on base throughout the game.

“You have to tip your cap to their pitcher,” Helix coach COLE HOLLAND said.

That would be Kiko Garcia (9-3), who handcuffed the Highlanders on a 3-hitter with 7 strikeouts.

“We didn’t make plays, and they did,” Holland noted.

Losing pitcher DaSHAWN KEIRSEY allowed only one earned run in seven innings as he scattered 7 hits and struck out 5.

Reliever MICHAEL VARGASON struck out the side in the 6th inning.

EL CAMINO 1, WEST HILLS 0 – Upset-minded West Hills came eyelashes short of knocking off No. 1 seeded El Camino in Wednesday’s (May 28) first round of the San Diego Section Division II playoffs.

A fielding miscue by the Pack permitted the Wildcats to escape with an opening round victory.

West Hills pitcher WILLIE BENNETT was the tough luck loser as he permitted only 4 hits and one unearned run in a six-inning complete effort.

West Hills was penalized by leaving seven runners on base, which paralyzed the Wolf Pack offense.

It was a bitter defeat for the Pack, which had a chance to knock of the top seed.

NATE LEDFORD was 2-for-2 in a losing cause for West Hills (13-18).

“We hit the ball well, just couldn’t get that clutch hit,” said Wolf Pack coach MIKE HARWELL. “This was varsity baseball at its finest.”

MT. CARMEL 3, MOUNT MIGUEL 1 – The Matadors went for their second straight playoff victory in Wednesday’s (May 28) San Diego Section Division III first round at No. 2 seed Mt. Carmel.

Mount Miguel (18-12) received a powerful pitching performance from DANIEL RONK, who turned in a complete game 6-hitter. Trouble is, the Matadors couldn’t provide enough offense to sideline the Sundevils (19-13).

It was touch and go all day. The Matadors cut a 2-0 deficit in half on an RBI single in the 5th inning by ENRIQUE KELLER, who finished the day 3-for-4.

ALEX ESTRADA contributed two hits to Mount Miguel’s 7-hit attack.

With a dusty slide, Grossmont's Alex Marlay beats the throw to third base, despite the effort from El Capitan defender Tristan Duncan. (Photo by Linda Byerline) Hillers welcome second season, top El Cap By Mark Meadows © East County Sports.com EL CAJON (5-28-14) — Two years ago, the Grossmont High Foothillers posted an embarrassing 8-22 record – finishing with 20 straight losses – leading to changes at the top of the food chain. Head coach CHAD WILLIAMS was brought in to restore order to a proud program. The result: an CIFSDS championship banner draped on their backs as they rolled on the grass at USD''s Fowler Field. However, life in the tortuous Grossmont Hills League will certainly snap you back into reality. On Tuesday (May 27), Grossmont, following a mediocre regular season, had a chance to start a new playoff run in theCIF play-in round against El Capitan Vaqueros, posting a 4-3 victory in Division I play at Joe Gizoni Field. Through four innings, the teams exchanged nothing but zeros. In the 5th inning, PEYTON LINDSAY had seen enough. The 6-foor-3, 200-pound senior found a 3-1 fastball to his liking and deposited it over the left-centerfield fence for a 1-0 Grossmont lead. "He (the pitcher) was painting the corners all day," Lindsay said. "I was just looking for something to start a rally, but he missed inside." With Foothillers ace BRANDON WEED spinning doughnuts, it seemed one run just might be enough. But when Williams opted to pinch hit with RYAN BARNES three hitters later, Barnes made his 2nd year head coach look like a genius. Sitting dead red at 2-0, he hooked an outside fastball over the right-centerfield fence to put Grossmont up 3-0. "When you pinch hit you have to keep calm and look for your pitch," he said. "I knew it was at least a gapper, but it just kept going." With Weed on the mound and 3 runs to work with, the Foothillers could start packing their bags for a playoff date with Poway. Not so fast. After a 22 pitch 6th inning, and with a high pitch count, Weed's return to the mound looked in question. "I felt a little soreness after the 6th and told coach that would be my last inning," said Weed. "I wasn't at my best early and the high pitch count got to me." " Brandon had too many 3-ball counts today," Williams stated. "But his experience and composure carried him today. Brandon did what Brandon does today." After a seemingly benign insurance run scored on a botched El Cap double play in the 6th, the Vaqueros showed their heart with a 7th inning rally that had the hometown fans wearing out the edges of their collective seats. Pinch hitter MARSHALL CHAMPLIN was aboard on an infield single and VICTOR CARLINO followed with a blooper to right. After a fielder's choice put runners at the corners, SAM MELERO drove the first pitch he saw down the left field line for a run-scoring double. The score was now 4-1. After a strikeout, cleanup hitter TRAVIS BAKER did just that. Baker's 2-run single had whittled Grossmont's lead to one run at 4-3. Lindsay started the offense on the day, now he had an opportunity to close the game. Lindsay came on to get the final out and the save. El Capitan coach JORDAN ABRUZZO liked the way his kids fought back. "We battled back like we have all year," he said. "We didn't have enough timely hits, but overall we had a good year." Now, the Foothillers (15-14) can pack their bags for Poway in the start of double elimination play. El Capitan ends its season with a 16-13 overall record.

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
SAN CARLOS (5-28-14) — Steele Canyon High, which was probably seeded too low as No. 10 in the San Diego Division I CIF playoffs, dominated host Patrick Henry with a 10-2 victory in Tuesday’s (May 27) Play-in round.

The Cougars (18-13) scored in five of the seven innings as they registered a 10-2 blowout of the Patriots.

It was a model effort by the Cougars as catcher WYATT LOGAN slugged a 2-run homer in the 5th and BERNY ARIPEZ hammered a 3-run homer in the 7th to spearhead a Steele Canyon 10-hit attack.

Cougar ace ALEX VESIA surrendered only four hits and one earned run in a six inning stint as he raised his record to 8-5.

WILL SULLIVAN pitched a shutout 7th to complete the victory, which will send the Cougars to Ramona in Wednesday’s (May 28) second round.

VALHALLA 7, MADISON 1 – BRENT KEATON turned in his 2nd complete game performance, and did not allow an earned run while striking out 7 as he hoisted his record to 8-1 on Tuesday (May 27) as Valhalla eliminated Madison in a San Diego CIF Division I Play-in game.

Norsemen catcher CHRIS HUDGINS was 2-for-3 with 4 RBI, including his 12th home run of the season. He also whacked a double.

JORDAN QSAR was 3-for-4 with a double and 2 RBI as the Norsemen knocked out 11 hits against the Warhawks.

Although Valhalla won this game going-away, they were not without turning a few tricks. The highlight of the day was when shortstop JEFF HOUGHTBY got an out with a hidden ball trick in the 5th inning.

HELIX 1, MONTGOMERY 0 – JEREMIAH WYLIE pitched a 4-hit shutout as the Highlanders blanked host Montgomery in Tuesday’s (May 27) San Diego CIF Division I Play-in game in South Bay.

“I was really proud of Jeremiah Wylie,” Helix coach COLE HOLLAND said. “He had a complete game shutout. He’s had a couple of rough outings recently but came back strong on the road in a playoff atmosphere.”

With two outs in the 6th inning, freshman HUNTER ISBELL got on base on a two-base error, and ELIJAH VARELA pinch ran for him. MICHAEL AUSTIN followed with a double over the left fielder’s head to score Varela.

“It was an extremely well played game,” said Holland. “Going into Montgomery you know it’s going to be a low-scoring game. The wind blows in and they are used to it. Montgomery plays really well at home.”

“Sophomore Michael Austin has struggled offensively a little bit this year, but came through with the biggest hit of our season so far,” Holland added.

WEST HILLS 10, SAN YSIDRO 2 – The Wolf Pack made it look easy as they chewed up San Ysidro in Tuesday’s (May 27) San Diego CIF Division II Play-in game.

West Hills (13-17) was led by JOEY KRUG was 3-for-4 with a double and 3 RBI.

Krug stroked a 2-out double to score DJ LEWIS in the 2nd inning for a 1-0 lead from which San Ysidro would never recover.

West Hills added two more runs in the 4th inning with a one-out, 2-run double by Krug.

KRIS AGUILAR made it 5-0 with an RBI single in the 5th.

The Wolf Pack played flawless defense anchored by senior catcher JOHNNY ESPINOZA, who threw out two Cougar baserunners.

TRENT TOPLIKAR (4-3) pitched a complete game 3-hitter for West Hills.

“These guys continue to swing the hammer and it’s really great to see them slam some more nails down,” said West Hills coach MIKE “Cougar” HARWELL.

MOUNT MIGUEL 7, SERRA 6 – Ironman BRAD MORENO produced a complete game effort Tuesday (May 27) as the Matadors advanced in the San Diego CIF Division III Play-in round. The Matadors now moved into the double elimination tournament.

Mount Miguel was trailing 6-0 after two innings but fought back to advance.

The Matadors clawed back but still trailed 6-5 entering the 7th inning.

A Serra error allowed the Matadors to score the tying run in the final frame, but Mount Miguel scored the winning marker on a squeeze bunt by JACOB CASTILLO.

ESTEBAN LIERAS was 2-for-5 with 3 RBI to lead the Matadors. ERIC DE LA ROSA was 3-for-4 with a double, a triple, 2 runs scored and 2 RBI.

CHRISTIAN 6, SAN DIEGO 2 – Christian put together a 6-run 4th inning and then held on to club the visiting Cavers in a San Diego CIF Division III Play-in game on Tuesday (May 27) in El Cajon.

The key blows in the big inning were provided by pinch hitter DAVID SUDA, who drove in a pair, as did BRANDON TARDIFF.

SAM GERSHOW toiled five innings and allowed only 2 earned runs as he earned his 8th win against two losses.

The JARVIS brothers – NATE and NICK – each pitched a scoreless inning to protect the victory.

MISSION VISTA 14, EL CAJON VALLEY 7 – No. 2 seeded Mission Vista (6-21) bowled over El Cajon Valley (6-19) in the First Round of the Division V San Diego CIF playoffs held in north-eastern Oceanside.

No other information was reported.

You Make The Call!

It's going to be close, but did El Capitan shortstop Johnathan Summers catch a tough, short-hop throw in order to nail Jake Haar on a stolen base attempt? You Make The Call! CLICK PHOTO FOR ANSWER (Photos by Linda Byerline)