East County Sports
SPONSORS







Where is YOUR
Advertisement?

CONTACT US
TODAY!

SUPPORT
EAST COUNTY
SPORTS

EAST COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL —March 2014
 NAVIGATION:     FRONT  Mar'14  Apr'14  May'14  CIF'14  STATS'14  BOXES'14  PHOTOS'13
 ARCHIVES:     

 2013  12  11  10  09  08  07  06  Historical:  Awards  Standings  Stats

ELEVATE 1
TRAINING & RECRUITING
We also produce
skill and game videos
East County Sports' Game of the Week
Sat., Apr. 5
Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament Championship, at GHL pool winner, 11 a.m.
Presented By...
Granite Hills wins Boras Classic game

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

SAN CLEMENTE (4-1-14) — Granite Hills High knocked out 16 hits, including 9 of the extra base variety as the Eagles edged Aliso Niguel, 11-8, Monday (Mar. 31) in the Boras Classic Tournament.

The Eagles (4-3) rallied from deficits of 3-0 and 4-2 before pouring on the coal.

Trailing 3-0 the Eagles fought back on singles by DILLAN SHRUM, NATE NGUYEN, an RBI single by ROBERT BOSTEDT and a run-scoring single by JORDAN VERDON.

The Wolverines (6-7) tacked on 2 runs in the 4th inning to make it 5-2.

That’s when Granite Hills’ offense caught fire, scoring 6 runs in the bottom of the 4th. In the Eagles’ breakout inning JUSTIN MITCHELL led off with a triple and scored on a double by ANDY LOWRY. Shrum then doubled in Lowry. Nguyen singled and MICHAEL DIFFLEY doubled in a run. Bostedt then whacked a 2-run triple to give the Eagles the lead.

Verdon then cashed in
Bostedt with a double, giving the Eagles an 8-5 advantage.

Granite Hills continued the onslaught in the 5th inning as Lowry slugged his second double and scored on Shrum’s second 2-base hit of the game. Diffley then cashed in Shrum with a base hit.

After the Wolverines punched in 3 runs in the top of the 6th, the Eagles had to return to the offense.

JAYSON ROSE doubled and stole home on a double steal.

Everybody in the Granite Hills lineup had more than one hit, including Bostedt who was 2-for-3 with 3 RBI and Shrum who was 3-for-4 with an RBI.

Pitching was hardly exceptional for Granite Hills, although DANIEL VASQUEZ got the victory and ADRIAN ANDREWSON got the save.

The Eagles will now face Bishop Amat on Wednesday (Apr. 2) at Santa Ana Mater Dei at 6 p.m.

FRANCIS PARKER 8, CHRISTIAN 4 – It's a general rule of thumb that whenever Francis Parker and Christian get together on the diamond it’s always a close battle, usually resulting in a one-run contest.

For six innings of Monday's (Mar. 31) battle that stayed true to form, but with five straight hits in the top of the seventh, the Lancers opened up an 8-4 lead to take home the City Conference Tournament win.

“We've really been in a funk lately for the last week,” said head coach MIKE MITCHELL. “Fortunately the schedule wasn't too tough so we were able to get away with it.”

“But when you play a team that plays baseball the way it's supposed to be played and executes the way Parker did today, we implode. They're a good, solid team and we have to start playing better baseball if we want to make a name for ourselves this season.”

The Patriots plated a run in the first to take the early lead on a NICK JARVIS single, but Grant Shives buckled down and gained control, eventually exiting the game in the sixth with 4-2 lead.

“I had a shaky start to the game,” Shives admitted after improving his record to 3-0 and lowering his earned run average to 1.03. “But I was able to limit the damage and then really settle down. I just have faith in my defense behind me and let them do all the work.”

Christian (7-3) had at least one man on in every inning, but two double plays and a few base running blunders limited them to only four markers. WILLIAM HAIL paced the Patriots’ attack, going 4-for-4 with a trio of singles and a double and scored half their runs. CHRISTIAN MEZA was the only other Patriot with multiple hits, going 2-for-3.

On the other hand, the Lancers played one of the most fundamentally sound games you'll ever see at this level of competition. They moved runners along when needed with sacrifices. Were successful on their steal attempts – Jonah Davis stole second in the third and then one batter later stole home for a 2-1 lead – and Jake Wiegand went 3-for-4 with his third and fourth triple of the year to go along with a two-run single.

Christian ace KYLE STOWERS was chased after four innings due to a high pitch count, but the Patriots only trailed 5-4 headed into the seventh before the Lancers jumped on their bullpen. Freshman Nick Allen had 3 RBI for Parker and Jonathan Vizcaino went 2-for-4 with a run-scoring double in the final frame.

“That's on me,” Stowers said of the loss. “I can't walk as many guys as I did...especially at the bottom of their order. I'll get it right next time.”

— Andrew Smith

CYPRESS 7, GROSSMONT 1 – The Grossmont Foothillers self-destructed by issuing six walks and three errors in Wednesday’s (Mar. 31) lopsided loss to Cypress in the Boras Classic Tournament at Santa Ana Mater Dei.

The Foothillers’ offense was limited to a solo home run by PEYTON LINDSAY in the 6th inning after the game was all but over.

Lindsay had two hits for the Foothillers, while TIGER GUERRERO, HUNTER STRATTON and RYAN BARNES had a base hit apiece.


Bill Dickens
Grossmont Conference
Tournament
GHL
W
L
RA
Helix
3
0
7
Valhalla
3
0
10
Steele Canyon
2
1
8
West Hills
1
2
12
GVL
El Capitan
2
1
17
Santana
1
2
16
Monte Vista
0
3
8
Mount Miguel
0
3
20
El Cap stops Steele Canyon
in battle of BDGCT pool leaders

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

LAKESIDE (3-30-14) — Host El Capitan High snapped Steele Canyon’s
5-game winning streak in Saturday’s (Mar. 29) Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament.

The Vaqueros looked to sophomore DYLAN WANNAMAKER to silence the Cougars (5-3) in his first start, where he allowed only 4 hits and one earned run.

“He passed a pretty tough test,” noted El Capitan coach JORDAN ABRUZZO. “This was his first start and he proved he was up to the challenge.”

TRISTAN DUNCAN came in a closed the door in the Vaqueros’ 7-2 victory by recording the final rwo outs.

El Capitan put this game away by scoring 5 runs in the 2nd inning.

JOHNATHAN SUMMERS was 3-for-4 with 3 RBI to ignite the El Capitan attack.

Eight of the nine starters for the Vaqueros contributed to the 14 hit onslaught.

Steele Canyon avoided the shutout when WYATT LOGAN blasted solo home run in the 5th inning. He also scored on a base hit by MACKEY BOWERS in the 3rd inning.

The Vaqueros pounded out 14 hits against three Steele Canyon pitchers to post their 3rd win in 8 decisions.

VALHALLA 8, SANTANA 5 – Valhalla stretched its winning streak to 5 in a row with Saturday’s (Mar. 29) victory over Santana in the Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament.

The Norsemen, who began the season with three straight losses, had to scramble to stuff the Sultans by scoring 4 runs in the 7th inning.

Credit Santana (5-4) for making the most out of 3 hits against the Norsemen. The Santee squad was playing catch-up from the 1st inning on.

Seven Norsemen contributed to a 9-hit attack.

Four Valhalla pitchers helped silence the Sultans. FOSTER McNARY got the win and BROCK MOSIER got his 2nd save.

WEST HILLS 9, MOUNT MIGUEL 2 – West Hills scored 7 runs in the 1st inning of Saturday’s (Mar. 29) Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament action, and the Matadors never recovered.

The opening frame was a nightmare for the Matadors.

CHASE PARSONS got a base hit for the Wolf Pack and moved to second and third on wild pitches. After a pop-out HAYDEN SCHILLING walked and stole second, then BRYCE GIBSON walked to load the bases.

D.J. LEWIS walked to drive in the first run. The walk parade continued with three free passes for the Pack. JOEY KRUG hit an RBI single and DALLAS SIEGAL slugged a sacrifice fly. The inning was capped by an RBI single by catcher JOHNNY ESPINOZA.

Mount Miguel leadoff man BRAD MORENO was 2-for-3 with a run scored, and KENNY STEWART drove in the Matadors only 2 runs with a base hit in the 3rd inning.

One of the high points for Mount Miguel was the relief pitching of ENRIQUE KELLER, who surrendered only one earned run and 3 hits in six innings out of the bullpen.

HELIX 4, MONTE VISTA 1 – Making his first start of the season, LEE MUTTER turned in a complete game shutout as Helix knocked off Monte Vista in Saturday’s (Mar. 29) Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament contest.

Mutter, usually the third baseman for the Highlanders, allowed only 3 hits and no earned runs while striking out 4 in his pitching debut.

The Highlanders (5-3) made the most of 3 hits as JORGE GARCIA and MIGUEL ARMANDARIZ each picked up an RBI.

DaSHAWN KEIRSEY did not collect a hit but scored twice and stole 3 bases in the leadoff spot for Helix.

Monte Vista also were limited to 3 hits by REILLY DIAZ, ANDREW GONZALES and XAVIER CHAVOYA.

AUSTIN CAOLE scored the Monarchs’ only run in the 1st inning.

On the hill Caole allowed 2 hits and no earned runs over 4 2/3 innings.

GLENDORA 5, GRANITE HILLS 1 – Visiting Granite Hills pulled one of the greatest collapses in school history during the 7th inning in Saturday’s (Mar. 29) Boras Classic Tournament against Glendora .

With one out and leading 1-0 the Eagles booted a routine ground ball in the 7th inning. Glendora (8-2) followed with a walk but the Eagles were in position to escape as they caught a second out fly ball to center field.

With two outs and two runners on base, Kevin Watson doubled in the tying run. A hit batter loaded the bases. Then back-to-back walks brought in 2 runs, giving Glendora a 3-1 lead. Herrera slugged a 2-run double to put the game away.

Granite Hills’ only run came in the 5th inning as BILLY CUMMINGS walked and advanced to second on NATE NGUYEN’s sacrifice bunt. MICHAEL DIFFLEY singled and ROBERT BOSTEDT lined a base hit to score the Eagles’ lone run.

Granite Hills wasted the pitching of JAYSON ROSE, who allowed only 3 hits and no earned runs while striking out 8 in 6 2/3 innings.

The Eagles will play the winner of San Dimas/Alieso Miguel on Monday (Apr. 1) at Junipero field at 3 p.m.

VALENCIA 2, GROSSMONT 1 – Grossmont High wasted a sterling complete game pitching performance by BRANDON WEED in the opening round of Saturday’s (Mar. 29) prestigious Boras Classic Tournament at Mater Dei Santa Ana.

While Weed pitched a 7-hitter, the Foothillers’ offense stalled, producing only 5 hits.

After Valencia (7-5) scored 2 runs in the first three innings the Foothillers cut the lead in half in the bottom of the 3rd as FREDDY WALKER walked and was eventually cut down on a ground ball force play by HUNTER REED.

It didn’t matter though as Stratton stroked an RBI single, which cut the Valencia lead to 2-1. But then PEYTON LINDSAY banged into an inning-ending double play.

Grossmont will play Buena Cypress on Monday (Apr. 1) at Junipero Serra at 3 p.m.

CLASSICAL ACADEMY 5, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 3 – The Foothills Christian Knights hit a sour note against Classical Academy during Saturday’s (Mar. 29) Eagles Classic encounter at Barona.

Classical Academy (7-2) did all of its scoring in the 1st inning, leaving the Knights (5-3) to play catch-up the remainder of the afternoon.

After falling behind Foothills Christian punched across a run in the 2nd inning on a sacrifice fly by TIM GRAY.

The Knights added another run in the 4th inning as RYAN QUINN tripled and scored on a wild pitch.

In the 5th inning TAYLOR BANKHEAD tripled and scored on a single by CALEB HOFFMAN.

“We had a couple of base running mistakes that cost us,” noted Knights coach DAVE LEWIS. “And we also had seven called 3rd strikes.”


Two-out rally propels Christian

© East County Sports.com
SKYLINE (3-29-14) — A 6-run second inning helped propel the Christian High Patriots to an 11-2 City Conference Tournament over host Morse Friday (Mar. 28) on the Tigers’ field.

Christian, which is 7-2 overall and 3-0 in the City Conference Tournament, scored all 6 runs after two outs.

NATE JARVIS’ RBI double tied the game 1-1. ZACH HOGUEISSON doubled in Jarvis, giving Christian a lead it would not lose.

After NATHAN JARVIS was hit by a pitch to keep the inning alive, KYLE STOWERS singled home Hougueisson.

TREVOR HOWELL singled to load the bases, and then WILL HAIL slashed a 2-run single.

An RBI single by CHRISTIAN MEZA capped the big inning.

Stowers paced the Patriots with a single, a triple and 3 RBI.

Nick Jarvis scattered 5 hits and allowed one earned run over four innings to pick up his 2nd win without a loss. JOE ROSS blanked the Tigers on 2 hits over the final three frames to pick up his first save.

It was the second time Christian had beaten Morse as they blanked the Tigers 7-0 in the 19th Annual Patriots Invitational.

Christian will face one of its toughest opponents of the season on Monday (Mar. 31) when the Patriots host Francis Parker in a City Conference Tournament game.


Bill Dickens
Grossmont Conference
Tournament
GHL
W
L
RA
Steele Canyon
2
0
1
Valhalla
2
0
5
Helix
2
0
6
West Hills
0
2
10
GVL
Santana
1
1
8
El Capitan
1
1
15
Monte Vista
0
2
4
Mount Miguel
0
2
11

Rebounding Cougars nip Monte Vista

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

RANCHO SAN DIEGO (3-28-14) — After a sluggish start of consecutive losses, the Steele Canyon Cougars have finally dug their claws into the regular season.

Their latest conquest was a 2-1 victory over visiting Monte Vista in the 3rd Annual Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament on Thursday (Mar. 27).

This one came to one swing – a long ball poke by shortstop TANNER PERRY with MACKEY BOWERS aboard in the 3rd inning that gave Steele Canyon a 2-0 lead.

These Cougars (5-2) are playing pretty good ball right now.

In their latest victory over Monte Vista TREVOR ROW came out of the bullpen to pitch 5 powerful innings and earn the pitching nod for Steele Canyon . Row allowed only one hit and struck out 6.

The Cougars’ bullpen finished the job as WILL SULLIVAN and CHRIS BARKEY protected the narrow lead. Barkey was awarded the save as he retired the last 4 batters.

The Cougars stole 5 bases, three by COLE FLINT and two by Bowers.

SANTANA 1, WEST HILLS 0 – Senior ALAN STRONG continued to live up to his namesake as he mowed down host West Hills on 5 hits in Thursday’s (Mar. 27) Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament action.

The 6-foot-2 right-hander walked one and struck out 6 as he registered a complete game in his 2nd game in three decisions.

“He got in several jams but always managed to get out of trouble,” said Sultans coach RIGO LEDEZMA.

Strong was bolstered by a nifty Santana double play in the opening frame.

West Hills’ JOHNNY ESPINOZA, who was 2-for-3 in the game, was cut down in the 1st inning double play that definitely had momentum in the game. HAYDEN SCHILLING ripped a shot at Santana first baseman DAULTON BARRY, who fired to shortstop TOMMY LOGAN for the second out. Logan then unleashed a perfect throw to pitcher Strong covering first base to erase a possible big 1st inning for the Wolf Pack.

“That was a major league caliber play,” Ledezma said.

West Hills returned the favor in the bottom of the 1st. Santana put runners at the corners with nobody out. Barry then walked to load the bases. West Hills pitcher WILLIE BENNET struck out the next batter then served up a double play ball to shut down the Sultans in the opening frame.

The pitchers kept the handcuffs on until the 5th inning when Santana (5-3) finally broke through. RYAN BROWNING was hit by a pitch (for the second time in the game). He moved up 90 feet on a sacrifice bunt by REECE HERNANDEZ and scurried to third on a ground out by NOAH NUNEZ.

That set the stage for Logan ’s game-winning single to left.

HELIX 7, MOUNT MIGUEL 2 – Helix’s JORGE GARCIA drove in 3 runs with 3 hits as the Highlanders toppled visiting Mount Miguel in Thursday’s (Mar. 27) Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament contest.

In his last two games Garcia has 5 hits and 5 RBI.

“No doubt we need his bat,” said Helix coach COLE HOLLAND.

Holland noted that the Highlanders collected 30 hits in their last three games “against good pitching.”

In their latest conquest of Mount Miguel , the Highlanders teed off against Matador ace BRAD MORENO for 7 runs and 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings.

DaSHAWN KEIRSEY and NICO ALCOSER each had 2 hits to support the complete game pitching of JEREMIAH WYLIE, who needed only 78 pitches to post his 3rd win without a loss.

ISBELL had a triple and scored a run for Helix.

VALHALLA 9, EL CAPITAN 5 – JORDAN QSAR was 2-for-4 with a home run and 4 RBI to catapult Valhalla past visiting El Capitan at Eric Turgeon Field in Thursday’s (Mar. 27) Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament action.

The Norsemen (4-3) battled their way to a 7-0 lead after four innings.

That was more than enough for Valhalla senior left-handed ace MITCH COOMBS, who surrendered 7 hits and 3 earned runs in five innings while striking out 6.

COREY ZIMMERMAN was 3-for-3 with 2 runs scored and an RBI for Valhalla , while COLE HENDERSON was 3-for-4 with 2 RBI.

El Capitan, which raked three Valhalla pitchers for 11 hits, was led by JOHNATHAN SUMMERS, who went 2-for-4 with 2 RBI. CLAY CROMWELL also had 2 RBI for the Vaqueros.


What a difference a year makes

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-27-14) — A year ago, SAM GERSHOW spent most of the season in the Christian High bullpen. His chances to pitch were few to none.

It’s been a different story this season.

The 6-foot-5, 200-pound senior has been next to perfect. He’s made three starts and boasts a 3-0 record, including a 7-1 victory over visiting Kearny in a City Conference Tournament game on Wednesday (Mar. 26). He allowed only two hits in the complete game effort while walking only one and striking out nine.

“The best thing about it is the kid throws strikes,” said Patriots coach MIKE MITCHELL. “It took him only 72 pitches to go all the way.”

The Patriots (6-2) jumped in front of the Komets in the 3rd inning on an RBI single by CHRISTIAN MEZA and a Kearny error.

Leading 2-1 Christian broke the game open with four runs in the 5th inning. Meza provided the strike with a triple that dropped between two outfielders and wound up in the right field corner.

KYLE STOWERS got hit by a pitch and stole second. TREVOR HOWELL followed with a base hit to score Meza and Stowers. The left fielder booted the ball on the play and Howell eventually scored on a wild pitch.

Next up for Christian is a City Conference Tournament visit to Morse on Friday (Mar. 28) at 3:30.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 12, TRI-CITY CHRISTIAN 3 – Foothills Christian raced to a 10-0 lead after four innings then cruised to the finish line in a Wednesday (Mar. 26) Eagle Classic contest contest at MiraCosta College.

CALEB HOFFMAN opened the game with a walk, stole second and scored on a triple by JOSH LEWIS. DANIEL LUCKETT was hit by a pitch and RYAN QUINN walked to load the bases. NOAH GULA then followed with a 2-run double.

Foothills Christian broke the game open in the 2nd inning as Quinn doubled in two.

All nine Foothills Christian starters contributed to the 13-hit attack.

MARK PROFETA was 3-for-4 with 3 RBI.

“We hit the ball really, really well,” said Knights coach DAVE LEWIS. “Profeta was the hitting star and Caleb Hoffman in leadoff scored 3 runs. When he’s in leadoff he ignites the offense. He makes us go. We’re averaging 12-13 runs a game.”

Lewis pitched the first 4 innings to notch his 2nd win in as many decisions for the Knights (5-1).

Next up for Foothills Christian is a meeting with Classical Academy on Saturday (Mar. 29) at Barona at 3 p.m.


It was a day for defense in Spring Valley. Top:
Monte Vista first baseman Jose Arroyo applies
the tag for the pickoff of a Valhalla runner.
Later, a rundown eliminates another Norsemen.
(Photos by Don DeMars Photography)
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE
Valhalla third baseman Cole Henderson
with the back-hand grab off the wide hop.
(Photos by Don DeMars Photography)
Keaton's Price is Right

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

SPRING VALLEY (3-26-14) — Valhalla High pitcher BRENT KEATON turned in an economical pitching performance as the Norsemen opened the Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament on Tuesday (Mar. 25).

It took Keaton only 70 pitches to blank the Monarchs over six innings as Valhalla claimed a 2-0 victory and Keaton raised his personal record to 2-1, walking two and striking out six.

“There are two ways of pitching,” said Keaton, a 6-foot, 270-pound right-hander. “If I get out in front of somebody 0-2 I’ll go for the punch out. But honestly, I’d rather get guys out on either the first or second pitch.”

MATT GREEN pitched the final shutout inning in the bottom of the 7th to earn the save for Valhalla (3-3), which posted its 3rd straight win.

Keaton said he wasn’t afraid
to go for strikeouts if that’s what it took to win.

“It’s strictly an evaluation of the team you’re pitching against,” he said. “I got a lot of quick outs in this game and it certainly helped me.”

The Norsemen took the lead 1-0 in the 3rd inning as CHRIS HUDGINS singled to left and advanced to second on a wild pitch. He kept on running after that, and moved to third on a wild pitch. He eventually scored on a ground out by FOSTER McNARY.

Valhalla added a second run in the 6th inning when JEFF HOUGHTBY grounded out with the bases loaded.

Victory didn’t come easily for Keaton, as Monte Vista put five runners on base in the first two innings. Four of them were in scoring position, but Keaton was able to escape the jam.

\ HELIX 8, SANTANA 4 – The Helix Highlanders pounded out 10 hits, giving them 20 in their last two games. The latest rally was a first round game of the Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament on Tuesday (Mar. 25) in Santee when the Highlanders triumphed over the Sultans.

“We had only three guys strike out and six walks,” Helix coach COLE HOLLAND said. “We stressed putting the ball in play, and I think we did a pretty good job of it.”

The Highlanders scored in 5 of their 7 turns at-bat, but even so they had to rally as Santana led 4-1 after three innings.

“The thing about this game I liked is we never stopped,” Holland said. “We kept pounding away.”

Helix picked up a run in the 4th inning on an RBI single by HERNANDEZ and a double by JORGE GARCIA, which tied the game at 4-4.

Helix took the lead in the 6th as NICO ALCOSER singled and skated to third on sacrifice bunts by AUSTIN and ISBELL. He scored on a base hit by KINOSHI.

The Highlanders put the game on ice with 3 runs in the 7th. Garcia and LEE MUTTER singled, Alcoser then slashed a 2-run double and scored on a base hit by Austin .

More stellar defense from Soring Valley finds Mount Miguel outfielders
Daniel Saavedra (left) in center field and Eric De La Rosa crashing into
the right-field fence making solid grabs for the Matadors.
(Photos by Frank Price)
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

STEELE CANYON 4, MOUNT MIGUEL 0 – In an airtight pitching duel, visiting Steele Canyon claimed the edge in Tuesday’s (Mar. 25) opening round of the Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament in Spring Valley .

JOSH MEDERIOS pitched a complete game 3-hit shutout for the Cougars (4-2). He walked two and struck out seven.

The Cougars took command when junior AUSTIN ELLERY slashed a 3-run homer in the 2nd inning.

The hardluck loser was Mount Miguel ’s DANIEL RONK, who turned in a complete game 5-hitter. He walked 4 and struck out 3.

“The game was decided on a couple of pitches,” said Matadors coach JASON BABINEAU. “However, you can’t win if you don’t score, and our approach to the ball was not effective today.”

El Cap second baseman Dawson McClanahan
turns the double play against West Hills.
(Photo by Ruth Mims)
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE
EL CAPITAN 9, WEST HILLS 6 – Junior SAM MELERO belted a grand slam home run in the 4th inning to catapult host El Capitan past West Hills in Tuesday’s (Mar. 25) opening round of the Bill Dickens Grossmont Conference Tournament.

That blast was enough to support the pitching of TRISTAN DUNCAN and CHANCE COLSON. Duncan pitched 6 2/3 innings and posted his first win in three decisions. Colson got the final out for his first save.

The Vaqueros (2-4) made it look easy early on as they claimed an 8-1 lead after four innings.

“That was more than enough for Duncan ,” said El Capitan pitching coach STEVE VICKERY. “It seemed like it took us forever for us to get that final out, but we finally got it after giving up 4 runs.”

Melero finished the evening 3-for-3 with 3 runs and 4 RBI.

West Hills, which scored 4 runs in the final frame in a belated comeback, was led by HAYDEN SCHILLING and BRYCE GIBSON, who each scored 2 runs and drove in a pair apiece. But it was much too little, too late.


Patriots belong to the City

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

SAN DIEGO (3-25-14) – The Christian High Patriots pelted host San Diego High with a hail of extra base hits in Monday’s (Mar. 24) first round of the City Conference Tournament.

WILL HAIL, the Patriots’ junior catcher, riddled the Cavers for 3 doubles, driving in 4 runs in Christian’s 5-4 victory over the Cavers.

It was Hail’s third double of the contest that drove in pinch runner MATT HOPKINS in the 7th inning for what proved to be the winning run.

In the 5th inning Hail laced a 2-run double to tie the contest at 4-4.

He also plated a run with a 2-bag shot, scoring TREVOR HOWELL in the 3rd inning to give Christian a brief 2-1 lead. Howell also had an RBI single in the frame.

Howell finished the contest 3-for-3 with a double.

NATHAN JARVIS retired 9 of the 10 batters he faced in three innings of relief to earn the victory.

“This was a very emotional victory for us, coming off our 10-inning loss to Madison (in the Patriots’ Invitational),” said Patriots coach MIKE MITCHELL. “It also had a major impact considering both teams play in Division III.”


Matadors march to
Bully's championship

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

OTAY MESA (3-23-14) — Few can figure out just how good the Mount Miguel Matadors are in the early going this season.

Fact is, they mowed down Mar Vista 8-1 to capture the Bully’s East/Andy Sanchez Memorial championship on Saturday (Mar. 22) at Otay Ranch while running their record to 5-1.

Mount Miguel jumped out to a quick start, scoring three runs in the opening frame.

Winning pitcher BRAD MORENO provided the spark with a triple. JOEL SANDOVAL walked and the next two Matadors struck out.

No problem, DANIEL RONK tripled in 2 runs and scored on a single by CONNOR WHITE.

The Matadors tacked on 2 more runs in the 3rd inning. ENRIQUE KELLER led off with a double and advanced to third on a base hit by Ronk. White then slashed a double to score both runners.

The Mount Miguel onslaught continued in the 4th. Sanders and Moreno hit back-to-back singles and advanced on a wild pitch. Keller then laced a 2-run double and eventually scored on a base hit by KENNY STEWART.

That was more than enough offense for senior Moreno , who allowed only one earned run, scattered 6 hits and struck out 12 in six innings.

Keller blanked the Mariners in the final inning.

Mount Miguel pounded out 12 hits, including 3 by Keller, who raised his average to .591 (13-for-22). He also raised his RBI count to 10 and has 4 doubles and a home run on the season.

“Keller is really coming along,” said Matadors coach JASON BABINEAU. “He has seven two strike RBI.”

MADISON 4, CHRISTIAN 3 (10 inn.) – If Christian High coach MIKE MITCHELL had his druthers, he’d like to keep the Madison Warhawks off his schedule.

These two teams have met twice in the 19th Annual Christian Patriots Invitational with Madison winning both times.

Credit the Patriots (4-2) for taking the Warhawks 10 innings before succumbing in Saturday’s (Mar. 22) championship game. In the first meeting between the two, Madison rolled 8-2.

In the championship bout Christian wasted an overpowering pitching performance by sophomore KYLE STOWERS. In an 8-inning stint he surrendered just 2 runs, 6 hits and struck out 5.

“Stowers is really going to be something in the future,” Mitchell observed. “Since last season he’s put on 20 pounds of muscle and grew an inch, and now measures 6-foot-2, 195 pounds.”

The game slipped away from the Patriots in the bottom of the 10th when the Warhawks pushed across the winning run with one out.

Christian took the early lead. With two outs in the 1st inning the Patriots scored on a ground rule double by BRYCE JURRIES.

“If the ball hadn’t bounced over the fence we would have had 2 runs on Jurries’ hit,” Mitchell said.

Christian scored again in the 2nd inning on a double by TREVOR HOWELL.

Madison (7-0) tied the game with 2 runs in the bottom of the 2nd.

The Patriots took the lead in the top of the 9th. WILL HAIL singled and JASON LYON pinch ran for him. JOE ROSS singled and Lyon galloped to second. Stowers then hit a ground ball right through the shortstop’s legs and Lyon raced to the plate to give Christian the lead.

Madison refused to fold, however, scoring single runs in the bottom of the 9th and 10th against reliever NATHAN JARVIS.

The Patriots pounded out 7 hits, including 2 each by Hail, Ross and Howell. BRANDON TARDIFF had the other.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 12, BORREGO SPRINGS 10 – Foothills Christian scored 2 runs in the 7th inning to bounce Borrego Springs in Saturday’s (Mar. 22)
Eagles Classic in the desert.

The victory gave Foothills Christian its 4th win in 5 decisions, while the Rams fell to 3-2.

No other information was available.


Championship Saturday to feature Mount Miguel

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

CHULA VISTA (3-21-14) — Playing for baseball championships has not exactly been a rule of thumb for Mount Migue . But the Matadors will meet Mar Vista in Saturday’s (Mar 22) Bully’s East/Andy Sanchez Memorial Tournament title game at Otay Ranch at 2 p.m.

Despite losing to Castle Park 5-4 in Thursday’s (Mar. 20) final round of the same tournament, Mount Miguel earned a berth in tournament finals.

The Matadors (4-1) suffered their first loss of the season when DANIEL RONK allowed 3 earned runs in six innings.

Trailing 2-0, Mount Miguel took the lead in the 3rd inning when JOEL SANDOVAL scored on an error and ENRIQUE KELLER drove in 2 runs with a single.

The Matadors added a 4th run in the 6th but surrendered 3 in the bottom of the 6th to suffer their first loss of the season.

Keller was 2-for-4 with 2 RBI for Mount Miguel.

The Matadors wasted the complete game pitching of Ronk.

GRANITE HILLS 3, LA COSTA CANYON 0 – DANIEL VASQUEZ, who threw a no-hitter in the championship game of last year’s Hilltop Lolita’s Tournament against Rancho Bernardo, proved on Thursday (Mar. 20) that he hasn’t lost his touch for big-time pitching.

The junior right-hander scattered 6 hits against La Costa Canyon while walking none and striking out 9.

The Eagles (3-2) took a 1st inning lead as MICHAEL DIFFLEY led off with a single and ROBERT BOSTEDT followed with a double. JORDAN VERDON slashed a single to score Diffley, and JAYSON ROSE plated Bostedt on an infield grounder.

Granite Hills added an insurance run in the 3rd inning.

Diffley and Bostedt hit back-to-back singles, and Verdon followed with a 3rd base hit to drive in Diffley. Granite Hills had the bases loaded with nobody out at that point, but the rally stalled there with two strikeouts and a ground out.

Granite Hills, along with Grossmont, won’t play again until they compete in the Boras Classic Tournament on Saturday (Mar. 29) at Santa Ana Mater Dei.

VALHALLA 10, HILLTOP 0 – CHRIS HUDGINS, who is bound for Cal State Fullerton, slugged 2 homers and drove in 4 runs in Thursday’s (Mar. 20) Hilltop Lolita’s Tournament as the Norsemen buried visiting Hilltop.

MITCH COOMBS pitched a complete game 2-hit shutout for Valhalla (2-3), which rebounded from losing its first three games of the season.

Valhalla pounded out 11 hits, including a single and a double by JUSTIN JAIME-GARCIA.

It was a pitchers’ duel for the first three innings as Valhalla led 1-0. After that the Norsemen turned the game into a blowout.

COREY ZIMMERMAN was 2-for-3 with a pair of singles, a run and an RBI.

SANTANA 2, MT. CARMEL 1 – Led by pitcher RYAN BROWNING, Santana won a pitching duel over Mt. Carmel in the final round of Thursday’s (Mar. 20)

Bully’s East/Andy Sanchez Memorial Tournament.

The senior right-hander went the distance, scattering 5 hits and allowing one earned run while striking out 6, running his record to 2-0.

The Sultans took a 1-0 lead in the 3rd inning as JACOB ODENKIRK led off with a line drive double, scooted to third on a bunt single by Browning and scored on a sacrifice fly by NOAH NUNEZ.

Santana doubled its advantage in the 4th inning.

TOMMY LOGAN got a single on a 2-strike pitch and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by REECE HERNANDEZ. With two outs CALEB STUFFLE slashed an RBI single to make it 2-0.

That would be more than enough for Santana to improve its record to 4-2.

OTAY RANCH 4, MONTE VISTA 1 – Otay Ranch’s Adrian Tovalin pitched a complete game 3-hitter against visiting Monte Vista in Thursday’s (Mar. 20) Bully’s East/Andy Sanchez Memorial Tournament.

Two of the Monarchs’ 3 hits came in the 6th inning.

ANDREW GONZALES got a base hit, advanced to second when JOSE ARROYO’s bunt was booted. XAVIER CHAVOYA reached base on a fielder’s choice. With two outs Chavoya scored on a base hit by AUSTIN CAOLE.

The only other base hit was a single by Chavoya.

Monte Vista wasted strong pitching by REILLY DIAZ and Caole, who each surrendered 5 hits and 2 runs. Diaz was tagged with his second setback in three decisions.

POWAY 11, EL CAPITAN 2 – TRISTAN DUNCAN’s 2-run double in the 7th inning helped El Capitan avoid a shutout loss in Thursday’s (Mar. 20) Hilltop Lolita’s Tournament action.

The youthful Vaqueros (1-4) started one senior, one junior and the rest sophomores against powerhouse Poway (4-1).

Poway put scored 11 runs in the middle three frames to turn the game into a blowout.

Joey Fiske hit a 3-run homer in the 4th and Kyle Dean hit a grand slam in the 6th for Poway .

Tommy Brunansky pitched a complete game 4-hitter for the Titans.

MATT STROMAN pitched 3 2/3 strong innings for the Vaqueros, then the wheels fell off. After that the rout was on.


Cougars crown the Crusaders

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

RANCHO SAN DIEGO (3-19-14) — Steele Canyon High seems to be picking up steam as the Cougars steamrollered Mater Dei Cathoic, 18-4, for their third consecutive victory in Wednesday’s (Mar. 19) Foothiller-Aztec Classic contest.

The Cougars slashed four Mater Dei pitchers for 17 hits, including three by AUSTIN ELLERY, who plated 4 runs on a pair of doubles and a single.

Leadoff man MACKEY BOWERS also blasted a pair of doubles to drive in 4 runs for the Cougars (3-2), who scored in all six innings.

“We batted around in the 4th,” said Cougars assistant coach SEAN TUCKER, as the Cougars extended their lopsided lead to 13-0.

KENNETH BAGDASAR banged in 2 runs with a pair of doubles, while WYATT LOGAN chased home 2 more with a base hit.

The batting merry-go-round also included JOEY GIRARDI, who drove in a pair of runs for the Cougars.

Hillers catcher Hunter Stratton makes the tag and show the ball to the umpire,
but the baserunner from Vista was rules safe for the Panthers' lone run.
(Photos by Linda Byerline)

GROSSMONT 12, VISTA 1 – Visiting Vista won its first four games but was merely cannon fodder for host Grossmont in Wednesday’s (Mar. 19) Foothiller-Aztec Classic encounter.

The Foothillers put this one on ice when they scored 10 runs in the 1st inning.

HUNTER STRATTON blasted his 2nd home run of the season with a man aboard to lead the charge and also doubled in a run later in the contest. HUNTER REED had a bases-loaded double in the 1st that included 5 hits, 3 walks, 2 errors and one hit batter.

PEYTON LINDSAY was 3-for-3 with 3 doubles and 2 RBI.

MATT LUJAN was 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored, while CAMERON HENDERSON also drove in a run for Grossmont.

Starting pitcher Weed picked up the win as he allowed one run on 3 hits in five innings. Lindsay and MATT WINET each pitched a scoreless inning of relief.

“It was nice to see us swing the bats together,” said Foothillers coach CHAD WILLIAMS. “I mean, the whole lineup.”

It was the 3rd straight win for Grossmont but the Foothillers fell one win short of playing in their own championship game.

CHRISTIAN 7, MORSE 0 – On Wednesday (Mar. 19) SAM GERSHOW pitched a 3-hit shutout to hurl Christian High into the championship round of the 19th Annual Christian Patriots Invitational slated for Saturday (Mar. 22) at 2 p.m. The Patriots will face Madison High.

Christian took an early lead on a passed ball and burst into a 4-0 lead on a 2-run triple by KYLE STOWERS. The Patriots pushed across 3 more runs in the 5th inning as NICK JARVIS hoisted a sacrifice fly, CHRISTIAN MEZA laced a 2-run double down the left field line and WILL HAIL singled to left to drive in a run.

“Gershow threw 77 total pitches, of which 62 were strikes,” said Patriots coach MIKE MITCHELL. “He never had a 2-ball count on any hitter as he walked none and fanned 5 in a complete game effort.”

TREVOR HOWELL was 3-for-4 for the Patriots, while Meza was 2-for-3 as was Hail, and they each had an RBI.

HELIX 3, CORONADO 1 – JEREMIAH WYLIE scattered 9 hits as he posted his 2nd win as Helix stretched its winning streak to three in a row as part of Wednesday’s (Mar. 19) Foothiller-Aztec Classic action.

The Highlanders hammered out 10 hits, including 2 apiece by DASHAWN KEIRSEY, MATTHEW HENDERSON, NICO ALCOSER and LEE MUTTER.

The key hit of the game was Mutter’s 2-run single in the 3rd to give the Highlanders a 2-0 lead.

Freshman MATTHEW RICHARDSON singled in freshman KONNOR KONISHI in the 6th inning.

“Our freshmen are really standing out,” noted Helix coach COLE HOLLAND. “Obviously that’s gonna help us in the future.”

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 9, MARANATHA CHRISTIAN 3 – DANIEL LUCKETT slugged a 3-run homer in the 3rd inning of Wednesday’s (Mar. 19) Eagles Classic contest to give Foothills Christian a 3-run lead it would not lose.

Luckett finished the game 2-for-2 with a double and 4 RBI.

Junior JOSH LEWIS pitched 4 1/3 innings and allowed only one earned run to earn the victory. He also had 3 hits in 4 at-bats as he scored 3 runs. He also stole 2 bases.

RYAN QUINN was 2-for-4 with 3 runs scored and 2 RBI, including a pair of doubles and 2 stolen bases.

MONTGOMERY 10, WEST HILLS 5 – An 8-run third inning spelled doom for visiting West Hills (2-3) in Wednesday’s (Mar. 19) Foothiller-Aztec Classic contest at Montgomery.

West Hills’ HAYDEN SCHILLING was 3-for-4 and just missed the cycle with a double and a triple to go with a stolen base. He also had one RBI as did COLE PENDLETON.

Overall West Hills had 12 hits.

BRYCE GIBSON was 2-for-4 with a double, while DONOVON McCRYSTAL was 2-for-2.

“We just didn’t have any pitching, and played like a bunch of newcomers,” said Wolf Pack coach MIKE HARWELL.

SERRA df. EL CAJON VALLEY – No report on this 19th Christian Patriots Invitational game. El Cajon Valley record (1-4).


Norsemen corral the Longhorns

© East County Sports.com
VISTA (3-19-14) — The Valhalla Norsemen banged out 7 extra base hits as they upended host Rancho Buena Vista,, 19-6, in Tuesday’s (Mar. 18) Hilltop Lolita’s Tournament action.

It was the first win for Valhalla in four starts, while RBV fell to 2-2.

“It’s been frustrating because we have played some of the best teams in San Diego – Poway, Cathedral and Bonita Vista,” noted Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON. “Today everybody relaxed and did what we needed to do.:

“Today I was really proud of the kids. We just hit – we just hit with guys in scoring position. “

“It’s easy to hang your head when you start the season 0-3. We’ve had the toughest schedule in San Diego .”

“We just weren’t playing well. Today we played well – in all three phases: we pitched, we hit and we played defense. It was just a good day.”

The Norsemen knocked out 15 hits and turned the game into a runaway when they scored 9 runs in the 5th inning.

The key blow was the grand slam home run by JUSTIN JAIME-GARCIA in the 5th inning.

The Norsemen took the early lead on a bases-loaded triple by FOSTER McNARY in the 1st inning.

After that Valhalla played pile on.

JORDAN QSAR was 1-for-3, a double, 3 RBI and 3 walks.

COLE HENDERSON was 3-for-5 with 3 runs scored and 3 RBI.

That was plenty of firepower for Norsemen pitchers BRENT KEATON, MATT GREEN and GARRETT McPIKE.

GRANITE HILLS 6, BONITA VISTA 3 (8 inn.) – Granite Hills pulled off a victory at Bonita Vista by scoring 3 runs in the top of the 8th inning of Tuesday’s (Mar. 18) Hilltop Lolita’s Tournament contest.

The Eagles took the lead on a single by MICHAEL DIFFLEY, a single by JORDAN VERDON and a 2-run double by JAYSON ROSE. JUSTIN MITCHELL brought in a third run on a base hit.

Rose led the Granite Hills offense with 2 hits in 4 at-bats and 4 RBI. DANIEL VASQUEZ also had 2 RBI.

Rose struck out 11 batters in 5 2/3 innings while allowing only one earned run.

ADRIAN ANDREWSON held the Barons hitless over the final 2 1\3 innings for the Eagles (2-2).

MOUNT MIGUEL 21, SD-SOUTHWEST 3 – The Matadors scored 7 runs in the 3rd inning to take a 10-0 lead over the Raiders of San Diego-Southwest in Tuesday’s (Mar. 18) Bully’s East/Andy Sanchez Memorial Tournament encounter.

Overall Mount Miguel (4-0) totaled 21 hits, led by DANIEL RONK, who was 4-for-5 with 3 runs scored and 3 RBI.

Mount Miguel also slammed 2 home runs, including a solo shot by winning pitcher BRAD MORENO and a 2-run shot by ENRIQUE KELLER.

“We hit more home runs in the 1st inning (2) than we hit in my first two seasons as coach,” said Matadors mentor JASON BABINEAU.

Moreno, who posted his 2nd win in as many decisions, was 3-for-4 with 3 hits, 2 runs and 2 RBI.

JACOB CASTILLO was 2-for-5 with 3 RBI, while ERIC DE LA ROSA was 2-for-3 with 5 RBI.

KENNY STEWART hit 2 doubles, as did De La Rosa.

PATRICK HENRY 7, MONTE VISTA 5 (10 inn.) – Monte Vista gained a 4-4 tie in the 7th inning and then fell in the 10th inning to Patrick Henry of Tuesday’s (Mar. 18) Bully’s East/Andy Sanchez Memorial Tournament.

The Monarchs attempted to rally as REILLY DIAZ doubled in the bottom of the 10th and ANDREW GONZALES singled to score Diaz as Monte Vista fell to 1-4.

“In the 7th we had AUSTIN CAOLE at third and JUAN DAVALOS hit a line drive to first, that the baseman make a diving play to catch it. If that thing squeezed through, we win it,” said Monarchs coach MATT ATKINSON.

“Our freshman CONNOR WHITE threw 8 innings of really good baseball,” added the coach.

Caole was 3-for-4 and Diaz was 3-for-5.

LA JOLLA 3, SANTANA 2 – Santana wasted the overpowering pitching of ALAN STRONG and NOAH NUNEZ as the Sultans fell to the visiting Vikings in Tuesday’s (Mar. 18) Bully’s East/Andy Sanchez Memorial Tournament action.

Poor base running killed Santana. The Sultans left two runners on in the 7th inning, which led to Santana’s second loss in five decisions.

Strong pitched 5 powerful innings, allowing only 2 earned runs while striking out 6. Nunez did not allow a hit or a run and struck out 2 in the final two frames.

The Sultans missed three scoring opportunities.

“Our situation hitting was very poor,” said Sultans coach RIGO LEDEZMA.

CHRISTIAN MENDEZ crashed a home run in the 5th inning, which cut La Jolla ’s lead to 3-1.

RANCHO BERNARDO 16, EL CAPITAN 1 (8 inn.) – Rancho Bernardo steamrollered El Capitan in Tuesday’s (Mar. 18) Hilltop Lolita’s Tournament contest.

The Vaqueros were limited to 4 hits and the game was decided after two innings when Rancho Bernardo led 6-0.

SAM MELERO, TRISTAN DUNCAN, MYLES EMMERSON and DAWSON McCLANAHAN each had a hit for the Vaqueros.


Fourth-ranked Madison goes four-leaf on Christian

By Andrew Smith
© East County Sports.com

EL CAJON (3-18-14) — Despite the minor setback the Christian High Patriots were handed on Monday (Mar. 17), plenty of good came out it in the long run. It looked like the luck of the Irish was on their side as they built an early 2-0 lead over 4th-ranked Madison, but eight straight men reached base for the Warhawks in a 6-run inning, leading to an 8-2 decision over the Patriots in their 19th annual Christian Patriots Invitational.

Of course Christian wanted to win the game, but in the end it was an overall lesson to be learned for a Patriots' squad that has the potential to be great. Madison was chirpy, no doubt. Scouts sat behind home plate with radar guns pointed right at the mound and the pressure of it all could be a little overwhelming, especially facing off with a team that's physically much bigger than you.

“Intimidation is a big factor for our team,” Madison head coach Robert Lovato admitted. “We're big in stature and for a lot of young kids that can get into their heads trying to make them over-throw pitches or swing a little harder than necessary.”

TREVOR HOWELL had a strong game for Christian as the only Patriot to collect two hits against Madison 's ace Carson Hermosillo, but was just as equally impressive at his shortstop position with 11 assists. In the top of the first he and KYLE STOWERS pulled off a double steal for the Patriots’ first run and then he scored again in the third following his second swiped bag of the game.

“With all the hoopla going on outside of the field I think we came out a little timid,” said Patriots' skipper MIKE MITCHELL. “We took way too many first strikes as a team and BRYCE (JURRIES) fell behind a lot of hitters when usually all he does is throw strikes.”

The good news is that if both teams take care of business – like they're expected to – the rest of the week the two teams will lock up once again on Saturday (Mar. 22) for the 19th Christian Patriot Invitational tournament championship and the Pats shouldn't be bothered by the size or smack talk headed in their direction. Being such a young team the only real way to show you belong with the best is to learn from your mistakes, put them behind you and prove all the doubters wrong.


Grossmont rallied for tournament win

© East County Sports.com
| LA JOLLA (3-16-14) — It's probably a little early in the season to label this Grossmont High baseball team the “Comeback Kids,” yet with two victories in as many days in such fashion it's hard not to float that label about them without recognizing the late-inning heroics this team seems to possess.

On Saturday (Mar. 15). Grossmont faced off against La Jolla Country Day's southpaw ace Alfonso Rivas, running away with a 4-2 victory in the Foothiller/Aztec Classic thanks to timely hitting down the stretch.

“It was really a well pitched game on both sides,” said Hillers coach CHAD WILLIAMS. “Rivas is a beast, but we did a great job of battling against him to keep ourselves in it.”

The Torreys jumped in front 2-0 thanks to a home run by Brandon Wachs that measured close to 420' but HUNTER STRATTON responded in the next frame with an RBI-triple to cut that lead in half.

Center fielder FREDDY WALKER drew a walk to start a 6th inning rally, but before that he saved a run by gunning down a man trying to score from second on a base hit with a laser point throw to home.

“This really is just the starting point for the rest of our season, “said Walker afterward. “Our team has passion and we love to play the game so we will never give up until the final strike. We're only going to build off these last two games.”

DAVID "Tiger" GUERRERO followed with a single. CAMERON HENDERSON laid down a sacrifice bunt, but was safe on fielder's indifference and then PEYTON LINDSAY drove in the eventual game-winning run on a laser to left field for a single.

Rivas had to exit stage left for the Torreys after four dominant innings – due to a minor injury – and that's when Grossmont took the game over, scoring 3 runs in the final two innings. Just for good measure they sent their closer BRADEN BARR out on the mound to seal the victory.

“He gives us an extra amount of energy when he gets on the mound. It's indescribable,” said Guerrero. “We really get juiced up and excited to see him out there because we know we have the best closer around and we all feed off of the energy...it's like a second wind when you're not expecting it.”

— Andrew Smith

STEELE CANYON 5, POINT LOMA 2 – Steele Canyon rode an overpowering pitching performance by ALEX VESIA and JOSH MEDERIOS to a 5-2 victory over Point Loma in Saturday’s (Mar. 15) Foothiller-Aztec Classic action.

Vesia allowed only one hit in five shutout innings while striking out 5 and earning his first win of the season.

The Cougars (2-2) took a 2-0 lead in the 3rd inning as JOEY GIRARDI walked with the bases loaded.

In the 4th inning Steele Canyon tacked on another run as BRANDON PEARCE scored on a wild pitch to make it 4-0.

Steele Canyon put the game away in the 6th inning on an RBI single by BRANDON BROWN and a double by TANNER PERRY.

MACKEY BOWERS was 2-for-3 with 2 runs scored and 2 stolen bases.

BRANDON BROWN was 2-for-4 with a run scored, one RBI and a double.

MOUNT MIGUEL 9, HOOVER 6 – Head coach JASON BABINEAU is not one to brag about numbers, but he’s pretty darn proud of his Matadors who have begun the season 3-0.

“We’re not making any wild predictions, we’re just trying to win ballgames,” he said.

After falling behind 5-1 after two innings of Saturday’s (Mar. 15) Bully’s East/Andy Sanchez Memorial Tournament game, the Matadors rallied from the deficit with 3 runs in the 3rd, 4 runs in the 5th and another in the 6th.

The Matadors made the most of 5 hits as winning pitcher KENNY STEWART drove in 3 runs and ENRIQUE KELLER drove in 2 more.

“It wasn’t our best game of the year, that’s for sure,” said Babineau.

Stewart slashed a sacrifice fly and drove in 2 runs with a base hit in the 5th inning.

Keller and DANIEL RONK also had RBI singles for Mount Miguel .

EASTLAKE 6, HELIX 3 – The Helix Highlanders issued 9 walks and one hit batter on Saturday (Mar. 15) as they lost to Eastlake in a Foothiller-Aztec Classic contest.

Junior Isaac Vargas hand-cuffed the Highlanders on a 4-hitter.

But the Highlanders were their own worst enemies with the free passes.

Helix avoided a shutout as MATTHEW RICHARDSON hit a sacrifice fly and LEE MUTTER drove in 2 more with a base hit.

“I have to really say good things about MICHAEL VARGASON,” said Helix coach COLE HOLLAND. “He came in and threw strikes and kept us in the game.”

Too little, too late.

VISTA 4, WEST HILLS 1 (8 inn.) – West Hills starter WILLIE BENNETT blanked Vista over 7 2/3 innings but eventually gave up 10 hits and 3 earned runs that cost the Wolf Pack the victory in Saturday’s (Mar. 15) Foothiller-Aztec Classic encounter.

The Wolf Pack was limited to 4 singles by COLE PENDLETON, JOHNNY ESPINOZA, DALLAS SIEGAL and ALEC SCALCO, but was it was not nearly enough as the Panthers pulled out a 4-1 win in 8 innings.

DEL NORTE 5, MONTE VISTA 3 (9 inn.) – The Monte Vista Monarchs wasted 9 innings of superior pitching as they fell to the Nighthawks of Del Norte in
Saturday’s (Mar. 15) Bully’s East/Andy Sanchez Memorial Tournament.

Monte Vista took the lead in the 4th inning on a single by REILLY DIAZ, a double by JUAN DAVALOS and a single by SEAN WHITE, which drove in both runs.

In the 5th inning AUSTIN CAOLE singled and scored on a double by Diaz, giving Monte Vista a 3-1 lead.

Del Norte tied the game in the bottom of the 7th on a sacrifice fly by Dillon Kidwell.

In the bottom of the 9th the Nighthawks put the game away as Kidwell doubled and scored on a 2-run homer by Tyler Plantier.

PATRICK HENRY 10, SANTANA 7 – The Sultans rallied from an 8-0 deficit in Saturday’s (Mar. 15) Bully’s East/Andy Sanchez Memorial Tournament, battling back with 3 runs in the 5th and 4 in the 6th to make it a 2-run game.

NOAH NUNEZ was 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles, one run scored and one RBI.

TOMMY LOGAN was 2-for-3 with an RBI, a run scored and a stolen base.

RYAN BROWNING was 1-for-3 with 2 RBI for Santana (3-1).

BONITA VISTA 8, VALHALLA 5 – Senior JEFF HOUGHTBY, a heavily recruited Division I pick, had a double and a home run for the Norsemen but it wasn’t enough to allow Valhalla to keep pace with Bonita Vista in Saturday’s (Mar. 15) Hilltop Lolita’s Tournament.

Houghtby is being recruited by Tennessee , Oregon , UCLA, USD, Cal State Fullerton and UC Irvine among others.

FOSTER McNARY was 2-for-3 with a double for Valhalla .

Those who would be watching this game might think it was a bean-ball battle. Four Norsemen were hit by pitches and 3 Barons were plunked by enemy serves.

RANCHO BERNARDO 5, GRANITE HILLS 2 – Rancho Bernardo scored 4 runs in the first inning and Granite Hills could not recover in Saturday’s (Mar. 15) Hilltop Lolita’s Tournament contest at Poway .

JAYSON ROSE doubled in a run and DANIEL VASQUEZ drove in another for The Eagles, who otherwise were blanked for the rest of the afternoon.

Granite Hills used four pitchers to hold the Broncos to 4 earned runs.

“You can’t get away with four walks and an error in the 1st inning,” noted Eagles coach JAMES DAVIS.

LA COSTA CANYON 11, EL CAPITAN 1 – El Capitan couldn’t find home plate until the 7th inning when the Vaqueros scored 1 run in Saturday’s (Mar. 15) Hilltop Lolita’s Tournament action.

(Due to ECS computer problems no further information was available.)

HIGH TECH CV 11, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 10 – No further information reported for this non-league game.


Grossmont pitcher Brandon Weed with
the final pitch in the Foothillers' 4-3
come-from-behind win over Coronado.
(Photo by Linda Byerline)
Patriots have the look of a contender

By Andrew Smith
© East County Sports.com

EL CAJON (3-15-14) — Two weeks into the baseball season, it's hard to separate the good teams from the bad, the good from the great or even the great from the elite. All you really have to go off of besides scores is the eye test. How does that team look to you in person?

The Christian Patriots had rumors swirling around them that they were quietly going to have a fantastic season. Albeit their competition was sub-par through two games and they won by a combined 45-0, but they faced their first true test of the season – in their 19th annual Christian Patriots Invitational tournament – on Friday (Mar. 14) against Horizon and passed with flying colors, as the Patriots beat down the visiting Panthers (2-2) rather easily, 10-1.

“We got embarrassed by them last year,” sophomore southpaw KYLE STOWERS said of the 18-2 loss in the Lions Tournament championship game. “It felt really good to come back and get revenge on them today.”

Everyone knew the Patriots (3-0) could hit...the real question was can they pitch?

After allowing a leadoff double to begin the game Stowers was nearly perfect, allowing only two hits in six innings, while fanning nine to earn the victory.

Out of the seven spot in the lineup BRYCE JURRIES got the Pats on the board in the second with an RBI-single. After three errors and a wild pitch he added another run-scoring single in the bottom half of the third and it was quickly 4-0.

“Our offense is definitely better than last year,” boasted clean-up hitter NICK JARVIS after finishing the day 3-for-4 with three runs scored and 2 RBI. “We had a lot of older kids that moved on from that team and the bottom of our lineup is really a force to be reckoned with.”

Batting 9th senior JOE ROSS went 2-for-3 and started a fourth inning rally with a single to right. TREVOR HOWELL and BRANDON TARDIFF each had two hits on the day and each scored along with Ross in that frame to make it 7-1 before they added three more runs in the sixth.

“This lineup we have can really swing the bat,” skipper MIKE MITCHELL said afterwards. “We pressure teams all the way through the lineup because 1-9 we can hit."

So just how good are this year's Patriots? Are they in the upper echelon within the likes of the 1997 squad that went 31-2 and won a CIF championship in extra innings at Qualcomm Stadium or are they simply just beneficiaries of an early season schedule.

More will be known after they face off with fourth-ranked Madison on Monday. Mitchell has seen it all throughout his 20-year career and has a theory of where they stand...

“Right now we're San Diego 's best kept secret.”

GROSSMONT 4, CORONADO 3 – The staggering Foothillers of Grossmont could not find their offense until the final two frames as they pulled out their first victory against Coronado in Friday’s (Mar. 14) Foothiller-Aztec Classic game at Coronado .

Grossmont jumped in front on a 2-run double by BRADEN BARR that broke a scoreless tie in the top of the 6th inning.

But that still wasn’t good enough as the Islanders bounced back with 3 runs in the bottom of the 6th.

Grossmont pulled out the victory in the top of the 7th as DAVID "Tiger" GUERRERO singled, moved up a bag on a sacrifice bunt by HUNTER REED and scored when the Coronado center fielder dropped a fly ball laced by PEYTON LINDSAY.

With two outs, junior RYAN BARNES ripped a single to drive in Guerrero with the go-ahead run, and the Foothillers’ bullpen made it stand up.

BRANDON WEED worked the final two innings, allowing only one earned run as he picked up the victory.

Starter DANIEL ROLF allowed only one run and 4 hits over five innings.

WEST HILLS 7, MATER DEI CATHOLIC 6 – West Hills barged in front of visiting Mater Dei Catholic, 6-1, after six innings of Friday’s (Mar. 14) Foothiller-Aztec Classic contest.

TRENT TOPLIKER worked the first four innings and was tagged with 3 unearned runs.

JOEY KRUG came out of the bullpen surrendered just 3 hits and one unearned run as he picked up the victory.

JOHNNY ESPINOZA was 1-for-3 with a 2-run double to ignite the West Hills offense.

D.J. LEWIS was 1-for-2 with 2 runs scored and 3 stolen bases for the Wolf Pack (2-1).

STEELE CANYON 6, LA JOLLA COUNTRYDAY 5 – After back-to-back losses Steele Canyon broke into the win column in Friday’s (Mar. 14) Foothiller-Aztec Classic encounter.

It appeared that the Cougars were going to cruise to an easy victory as they led 6-1 after six innings.

But in the top of the 6th the wheels came off as La Jolla Country Day scored 4 runs before CHRIS BARKLEY came on to get the final out and save the victory for the Cougars.

TANNER PERRY slashed his second home run of the season and scored 3 runs for the Cougars.

KENNETH BAGDASAR was 2-for-4 with a double for Steele Canyon , while JOEY GERARDI was 2-for-2 with 3 RBI.

MONTGOMERY 5, HELIX 0 – The Helix Highlanders continue to struggle offensively, especially in the middle of their batting order where DASHAWN KEIRSEY, GEORGE GARCIA and LEE MUTTER were a combined 3-for-26 in the Highlanders’ first three games.

“It’s pretty hard to win games when the meat of your order produces nothing,” said Helix coach COLE HOLLAND.

Once again Helix wasted a fine pitching performance by Mutter and RYAN CROSSLEY in a loss to Montgomery in Friday’s (Mar. 14) Foothiller-Aztec Classic contest.

The Highlanders have allowed only 5 earned runs in three games, resulting in a 1-2 record for their ballclub.

Of the five Helix hits, MATTHEW RICHARDSON collected 2.

LINCOLN df. EL CAJON VALLEY – No report received for this 19th Christian Patriots Invitational game.


Vaqueros go overtime to stop Granite Hills

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

LAKESIDE (3-14-14) — Host El Capitan High pulled off one of the early-season upsets by edging Granite Hills, 5-4 in 8 innings, in the Hilltop Lolita’s Tournament on Wednesday (Mar. 13).

The game-winning knock was delivered by MYLES EMMERSON, who hit a 2-out walk-off line drive to left field to give the Vaqueros (1-1) the victory.

Granite Hills (1-1) took a 2-1 lead into the 5th inning. That’s where the Vaqueros burned them on JOHNATHAN SUMMERS’ 3-run home run, making it 4-2.

Granite Hills tied the game an inning later with a pair of runs, but succumbed in the 8th inning.

El Capitan was led by leadoff man Summers who 2-for-4 with 4 RBI.

Granite Hills pounded 5 doubles with MICHAEL LEDESMA going 3-for-4.

SANTANA 7, OTAY RANCH 2 – RYAN BROWNING pitched a complete game victory, allowing only one earned run while striking out 6 as Santana cut down host Otay Ranch in Wednesday’s (Mar. 13) Bully’s East/Andy Sanchez Memorial Tournament contest.

Browning was a double threat as he was also 3-for-4 at the plate with a double, a run scored, an RBI and a stolen base.

The Sultans took a 2-1 lead in the 2nd inning but the game wasn’t decided until the 7th when Santana scored 5 runs to snap a 2-2 tie.

The key hit in the inning was delivered by NOAH NUNEZ, who slashed a 2-run double. JACOB OEDEKIRK ripped an RBI double to spark the 7th inning comeback.

“The thing about this game is our kids did a really good job hitting with two strikes,” said Sultans coach RIGO LEDEZMA.

MOUNT MIGUEL 6, KEARNY 2 – The Matadors shored up their defense by committing only a single error in Wednesday’s (Mar. 13) Bully’s East/Andy Sanchez Memorial Tournament encounter in Spring Valley, and it definitely made a difference.

Mount Miguel scored all the runs it needed in the 2nd inning.

KENNY STEWART had an RBI single, BRAD MORENO had a run-scoring single, ADAM McCLANAHAN had a sacrifice fly and ERIC DE LA ROSA singled in a run.

The Matadors picked up a single run in the 5th when ENRIQUE KELLER doubled, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on a sacrifice fly by Stewart.

In the 6th the Matadors loaded the bases on an error, a walk and a base hit by Keller. McClanahan then walked to force in another run.

DANIEL RONK pitched 6 innings and scattered 8 hits while walking one and striking out 7.

Keller finished the job by striking out the side in the 7th.

MONTE VISTA 2, WESTVIEW 1 – Left-hander REILLY DIAZ pitched a 4-hitter and did not allow an earned run in a complete game effort on Wednesday (Mar. 13) in a Bully’s East/Andy Sanchez Memorial Tournament game against Westview.

The Monarchs did all their scoring in the 4th inning. AUSTIN CAOLE lined a single to left to lead off the 4th, Diaz was hit by a pitch and SEAN WHITE walked to load the bases.

JUAN DAVALOS singled in Caole. ANDREW GONZALES then hit into a double play that scored Diaz to give the Monarchs a 2-1 lead they would not lose.

Davalos was 3-for-3 with a double, an RBI and a stolen base. Caole was 2-for-3, but he did his best work on the defensive side.

In the 5th inning center fielder Caole threw out a Westview runner at the plate as he attempted to score from second base.

In the bottom of the 7th Caole put his arm on display again as he scooped up a base hit and fired it to RICKY DUPREE at second base. Dupree whirled and fired to third baseman Gonzales for the out.

CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC 4, VALHALLA 2 – The Valhalla Norsemen wasted a strong pitching performance by MITCH COOMBS in Wednesday’s (Mar. 13) Hilltop Lolita’s Tournament contest at Valhalla .

The senior left-hander allowed only 2 earned runs in six innings while striking out 4.

Trailing 4-0, Valhalla (0-2) took a bite out of the Cathedral lead, scoring twice in the bottom of the 6th.

CHRIS HUDGINS singled to left and GIUSEPPE CASTANOS was hit by a pitch. Two ground outs permitted Hudgins to score. ANDY VAN ANTWERP singled to left to score Castanos.

JUSTIN GARCIA-JAIME was 3-for-3 and Hudgins was 2-for-3 as the Norsemen totaled 7 hits against the pitching of the Dons.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 10, MARANATHA CHRISTIAN 7 (8 inn.) – Foothills Christian scored 4 runs in the 8th inning of Thursday’s (Mar. 13) non-league game in North County to knock off Maranatha Christian in 8 innings.

Catcher DANIEL LUCKETT sliced a triple and a solo home run as he scored four times while going 2-for-2 with an RBI. He also ripped a sacrifice fly for the game-winning RBI.

RYAN QUINN was 1-for-4 with a key 2-run double in the 8th inning.

CALEB HOFFMAN was 2-for-4 with 2 runs scored, a double and 2 stolen bases for the Knights (2-0).


Grossmont's Freddy Walker
(Photo by Linda Byerline)
Escape from the Island
Wolf Pack blank Coronado

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

CORONADO (3-13-14) — East County better look out for the West Hills Wolf Pack, which posted its second straight win by blanking Coronado, 9-0, in Wednesday’s (Mar. 12) Foothiller-Aztec Classic.

LUKE PETERSON was 3-for-3 with an RBI to pace the Pack.

West Hills jumped in front 4-0 in the 2nd inning and turned the game into a blowout with 5 in the 4th.

The Pack finished with 10 hits.

BRYCE GIBSON allowed only 2 hits and struck out 7 in six innings as he picked up the victory.

STEVEN TILLEY pitched the final frame, striking out one to complete the job.

Other standouts for West Hills included CHASE PARSONS, who was 1-for-2 with 2 RBI.

Catcher JOHNNY ESPINOZA was 1-for-2 with 2 runs scored.

CHRISTIAN 17, MOUNTAIN EMPIRE 0 – Including their scrimmage, Christian has played 19 innings and has scored in all 19 (totaling 55 runs in two games and a scrimmage).

In Wednesday’s (Mar. 12) 19th Annual Christian Patriots Invitational encounter, the Patriots had 12 of their 13 batters get a hit. The only one who didn’t was hit by a pitch and is injured so he only pinch hits. MATTHEW HOPKINS, in three at bats this year has been hit all three times.

“We call him our ‘team target,” said Patriots coach MIKE MITCHELL.

“We had 18 singles today,” Mitchell continued. “We just kind of bled them to death. It was slow, methodical pressure in every inning.”

Christian has outscored its opponents 35-0, and that doesn’t count the 20 runs they scored in their scrimmage.

Against Mountain Empire the Patriots pounded out 24 hits, including a 4-for-6 effort by BRANDON TARDIFF that punched in 3 earned runs.

Eight of the Patriots had multiple hit games against the Redhawks.

MITCHELL GRIFFIN drove in 3 runs, while KYLE STOWERS plated 2 and BRYCE JURRIES drove in 2.

Christian will have a challenging game against Horizon on Friday (Mar. 14) at home at 3:30.

MATER DEI CATHOLIC 3, HELIX 2 – Helix let a Foothiller-Aztec Classic game slip through their fingers on Wednesday (Mar. 12) when Mater Dei put together a double by Amaya and a single by Valle in the bottom of the 7th with one out to steal the victory from the Highlanders.

Helix wasted a powerful pitching performance by freshman left-hander CONNOR KONISHI, who allowed only 3 hits and no earned runs in a six inning stint.

The Highlanders produced only 4 hits, which further put pressure on their pitchers.

“Konishi – I’m so proud of him because he did what it takes to win the game at Helix,” said Helix coach COLE HOLLAND.

EASTLAKE 7, GROSSMONT 6 – Visiting Grossmont High appeared on its way to an easy victory in Wednesday’s (Mar. 12) Foothiller-Aztec Classic encounter with host Eastlake, as the Hillers took a 6-0 lead in the top of the 1st inning.

It was all downhill after that for the Foothillers (0-2), as the Titans eventually won the game on a walkoff home run by Tucker Torano with two outs in the bottom of the 7th.

The Foothillers scored all their 6 runs in the first frames, buoyed by five consecutive walks.

MATT LUJAN had a base hit to drive in a run, NICK DALEY did as well and so did FREDDY WALKER to capitalize on all the walks.

SAN YSIDRO 10, STEELE CANYON 6 – Steele Canyon fell behind San Ysidro 7-0 after two innings of Wednesday’s (Mar. 12) Foothiller-Aztec Classic.

Ironically the Cougars outhit San Ysidro 9-to-8 but their timeliness was not on track.

Steele Canyon attempted a comeback when TANNER PERRY blasted a solo homer in the 4th inning. The Cougars went on to load the bases but did not score again in that frame.

In the 5th inning the Cougars punched in 3 runs, thanks to the wild pitching of San Ysidro.

Steele Canyon added 2 more runs in the 7th but it was too little, too late.

BRANDON BROWN finished 2-for-4 with one run and one RBI.

MADISON 24, EL CAJON VALLEY 1 – No report received for this 19th annual Christian Patriots Invitational game.


Norsemen go deep into the night

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

POWAY (3-12-14) — Visiting Valhalla High let one slip through their hands on a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the 15th inning as host Poway knocked off the Norsemen in Tuesday’s (Mar. 11) first round of the Hilltop Lolita’s Tournament.

“This has happened to us three years in a row,” said Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON.

The latest game between these two teams lasted more than 4½ hours before Poway claimed a 5-4 victory in the 15 frame.

In their two previous meetings Valhalla lost in the final inning.

“It seems like we always find a way to come up short in the opener of this tournament,” Wilson said. “I’ve never been involved in a 15-inning game before – as a player or as a coach. I’m sure this is a game that our kids will never forget. It was that close.”

SANTANA 3, MISSION HILLS 1 – Senior ALAN STRONG delivered an overpowering pitching performance as the Sultans stunned No. 7 ranked Mission Hills in Tuesday’s (Mar. 11) Bully’s East/Andy Sanchez Memorial Tournament encounter.

Strong walked one and struck out 12 while scattering 4 hits in a complete game effort for the Sultans’ victory.

Santana took a 3-1 lead, scoring single runs in the 4th and 5th on an RBI double by NOAH NUNEZ and a single by REESE HERNANDEZ.

MOUNT MIGUEL 4, SWEETWATER 2 – Mount Miguel opened the season behind the pitching of BRAD MORENO, who pitched a complete game 3-hitter while allowing only one earned run and struck out 12 in Tuesday’s (Mar. 11) Bully’s East/Andy Sanchez Memorial Tournament action.

The Matadors took the lead 2-0 in the 1st inning on a RBI groundout by ENRIQUE KELLER and a double by KENNY STEWART.

In the 3rd inning the Matadors extended their lead on an RBI single by Stewart.

Mount Miguel put the game away in the 7th inning on an RBI single by Keller.

GRANITE HILLS 4, RANCHO BUENA VISTA 1 – JAYSON ROSE pitched 5 innings of shutout ball and struck out 8 against visiting Rancho Buena Vista in Tuesday’s (Mar. 11) Hilltop Lolita’s Tournament contest.

But the Eagles wound up scrambling for the victory.

Junior DANIEL VASQUEZ keyed the go-ahead rally in the 4th inning as he singled and stole second base. He scored on a base hit by ROBBIE AGERBEEK, which at the time tied the game 1-1.

In the 5th inning Granite Hills took control. MICHAEL DIFFLEY was hit by a pitch, advanced to second on a base hit by JORDAN VERDON. Diffley scored on a double by Rose to put the Eagles on top to break the tie.

Vasquez then singled to score Verdon to make it 3-1 for Granite Hills.

Verdon finished the game 3-for-3 with one run scored and one RBI, while Agerbeek was 2-for-3 with an RBI and a double.

BONITA VISTA 1, EL CAPITAN 0 – Sophomore TRISTAN DUNCAN pitched a complete game 5-hitter, walked none and stuck out 6 but was denied the victory in Tuesday’s (Mar. 11) Hilltop Lolita’s Tournament game against Bonita Vista.

The Vaqueros (0-1) were limited to 5 singles, and 2 stolen bases by SAM MELERO.

“We had runners in scoring position in 5 of the 7 innings,” said Vaqueros coach JORDAN ABRUZZO.

With the Vaqueros trailing 1-0 in the final frame, JAKE MEDFORD was hit by a pitch. DAWSON McCLANAHAN sacrificed him to third. SAM MELERO got a base hit and stole second, but the game ended on a strikeout.

LA JOLLA 7, MONTE VISTA 2 – Host Monte Vista could not generate any offense to back up its pitching Tuesday (Mar. 11) as the Monarchs tumbled for the second time in the Bully’s East/Andy Sanchez Memorial Tournament.

The Monarchs surrendered 14 hits and could not recover.

They wasted the pitching of RICKY DUPREE and AUSTIN CAOLE. Caole was the only Monarch to muster a multiple hit game as he was 2-for-3.


Patriots place football numbers on ECVHS

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-11-14) — WILL HAIL and JOE ROSS collected 4 hits and 4 RBI apiece as visiting Christian High crushed El Cajon Valley 28-0 in Monday’s (Mar. 10) opening round of the 19th Christian Patriots Invitational. The game was called after five innings.

KYLE STOWERS laced a 2-run homer in the Patriots’ 11-run first inning.

BRYCE JURRIES and TREVOR HOWELL scored 4 runs each as Christian scored in every inning and pounded out 24 hits in the process.

SAM GERSHOW, Ross and Stowers combined on a 2-hit shutout.

“Not much to say about it,” said Patriots coach MIKE MITCHELL. “They are improved , but we swing the bats really well and are just not a good match-up for them to start the year.”


Helix goes High in the Fifth

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (3-9-14) — Helix High did all their scoring in the 5th inning as they knocked off visiting Point Loma, 4-2, in Saturday’s (Mar. 8) opening round of the Foothiller-Aztec Classic.

JEREMIAH WYLIE blanked the Pointers on 2 hits through the first six innings before LEE MUTTER closed out the 7th inning.

The Highlanders’ offensive assault came in the 5th when KONNOR KONISHI singled to lead off the pivotal inning. MIGUEL ARMENDARIZ followed with a single and MATTHEW RICHARDSON tapped into a fielder’s choice, scoring Konishi.

DASHAWN KEIRSEY singled in a run to make it 2-0. Then Mutter slashed a two-out single to drive in Richardson and Keirsey to make it 4-0.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 20, MOUNTAIN EMPIRE 7 – Visiting Foothills Christian pounded Mountain Empire on 15 hits in a lop-sided non-league victory Saturday (Mar. 8) in the mountains.

MARK PROFETA set the tone for the Knights with 4 runs scored and 2 RBI. DANIEL LUCKETT was 3-for-4 with 4 RBI, including two stolen bases.

RYAN QUINN was 3-for-3 with 4 RBI, including two doubles. NOAH GULA was 3-for-5 with 4 RBI, a double and a triple.

EASTLAKE 7, WEST HILLS 6 – The Wolf Pack let a victory slip away by surrendering runs to Eastlake in the 5th and 6th innings in Saturday’s (Mar. 8) opening round of the Foothiller-Aztec Classic at Grossmont High.

It was a bitter defeat for West Hills, as DALLAS SIEGAL drove in 2 runs as did BRYCE GIBSON.

CHASE PARSONS was 2-for-4 for the Wolf Pack.

SAN YSIDRO 9, GROSSMONT 4 – The Grossmont Foothillers blew a 4-4 tie in the final frame of Saturday’s (Mar. 8) opening round of the Foothiller-Aztec Classic at Joe Gizoni Field.

San Ysidro scored 5 runs in the top of the 7th to pull out a victory. The key hit was a grand slam by Daniel Tellez in the final frame.

Grossmont wasted the pitching of BRANDON WEED, who allowed 3 earned runs in four innings while striking out five for the Foothillers.

CALVIN FARRIS allowed only one run and one hit in 2 1/3 innings of relief for Grossmont.

HUNTER STRATTON slugged a solo home run in the 3rd inning for the Foothillers, who went hitless after the final four innings.

VISTA 5, STEELE CANYON 1 – Steele Canyon received a sparkling pitching performance from left-handed pitcher ALEX VESIA, who allowed only two earned runs in 5 2/3 innings on the hill in Saturdays’ (Mar. 8) non-league season opener.

Although he pitched well enough to win his offense was meager, to say the least.

The Cougars created only 4 hits, including an RBI single by WYATT LOGAN, which tied the game 1-1 in the 2nd inning. After that the Steele Canyon offense stalled, spoiling the pitching of Vesia.

OLYMPIAN 15, MONTE VISTA 4 – The visiting Olympian Eagles scored 13 runs in the 5th and 6th innings to submarine host Monte Vista in Saturday’s (Mar. 8) non-league game in Spring Valley .

Six errors helped lead to the Monarchs’ demise.

XAVIER CHAVOYA, RICKY DUPREE and REILLY DIAZ each had 2 hits apiece for Monte Vista.

Dupree, SEAN WHITE and ANDREW GONZALES each had an RBI.

SANTANA df. KING CHAVEZ – non-league forfeit.


Preseason State Rankings
by Cal-Hi Sports
Rk.
School
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Harvard-Westlake
L.A.-Loyola
Clovis North
Clovis
Rancho Bernardo
  
13.
HM
HM
Others
Cathedral Catholic
Grossmont
Madison
Vickery returns to coaching, but as Vaqueros assistant

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

LAKESIDE (02-16-14) — Hall of Fame baseball coach STEVE VICKERY will return to the diamond this spring as an assistant coach on JORDAN ABRUZZO’s staff at El Capitan High.

Vickery is replacing JARED ABRUZZO as the Vaqueros’ pitching coach following a 33-year stint – 28 of them at El Capitan – in which he compiled a 647-345-5 record as a head coach.

“I have never had, nor will I have, a desire to be a head coach again,” Vickery said. “That’s Jordan ’s job. I’m just going to help him any way I can.”

Former pitching coach CHRIS WHITMORE will also join the Abruzzo staff.

Vickery coached both Abruzzos and Whitmore during his lengthy stint as El Capitan ’s mentor.

“It should be a lot of fun because all I have to worry about is baseball and coaching kids,” Vickery said.

Naturally Abruzzo is pleased to have Vickery on his staff.


 

 

Patriots' Tardiff commits to Biola

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (1-16-14) — Christian High senior outfielder BRANDON TARDIFF has committed to La Mirada’s Biola University, a member of the NAIA Golden State Athletic Conference.

As a junior, Tardiff batted .369 (31-for-84) with a home run and 16 RBI. He was a second team All-East County pick and a first team All-Central League choice.

Roses are red in Utah

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

EL CAJON (1-2-14) — Granite Hills High brothers, JOSH and JAYSON ROSE are headed to the University of Utah on baseball scholarships.

Outfielder Josh Rose will begin his career at Utah this season, while his junior brother Jayson will finish his high school career this spring before moving on to the Salt Lake City university in 2015.

In other East County baseball moves, Monte Vista pitcher-infielder PAUL O’CONNOR has signed with Azusa Pacific and will begin his career this season at the collegiate level.

Christian High catcher ANDREW GREGOROVIC has signed with Cal Lutheran and will play for the Kingsmen this spring.

Six-foot-3 right-handed pitcher TRENTOR TOPLIKER of West Hills has committed to UC Riverside where he’ll begin his career with the Highlanders in 2015.

Josh Rose, who can also play in the infield, batted at a .400 clip (38-for-95) with 4 home runs, 15 doubles and 28 RBI, should challenge for a starting berth in his freshman season.

His younger brother Jayson Rose is coming off a junior season where he batted .337 (35-for-104), and posted a 5-3 pitching mark with a 3.48 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 46.1 innings.

O’Connor, who was dogged by injuries most of the year, batted .465 (33-for-71), could wind up being a pitcher for the Cougars, but was limited in his mound appearances for the Monarchs due to injuries.

Topliker figures to increase his pitching appearances on a regular basis in this, his senior season for the Wolf Pack.


Recently signing NLI papers for scholarships are
Helix pitcher Jeremiah Wylie (to San Jose State)
and Grossmont's Peyton Lindsay (to Metro State)
(Courtesy photo)

La Mesa residents earn scholarships

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (12-23-13) — Helix High pitcher JEREMIAH WYLIE and Grossmont High’s PEYTON LINDSAY have committed to four-year colleges for the 2015 season.

Wylie, a 6-foot-2, 165-pound right-hander, has cast his fate with San Jose State.

Lindsay, a 6-foot-2, 191-pound utility man who specializes in first base and the outfield, will attend Metro State University in Denver.

As a junior Wylie posted a 4-4 record with one save, and a 2.36 ERA. He struck out 28 in 56.1 innings. He also pitched for the Mad Dogs baseball club in the off-season where he was clocked in the mid-80s.

Lindsay batted at a .367 clip (36-for-98) with 3 home runs and 25 RBI for the Foothillers as a junior. Although he didn’t pitch last season, his repertoire says he’s capable of throwing and likely will this season.


Valhalla saw three members of its
Class of '14 sign college scholarship
papers, including (top-to-bottom)
Mitchell Coombs to Sonoma State,
Chris Hudgins to Cal State Fullerton,
and Jordan Qsar with Papperdine.
(Courtesy photos)

Norsemen commitment list grows

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (12-18-13) — The Valhalla High baseball scholarship commitment list grew by two more recently as senior catcher CHRIS HUDGINS has committed to national perennial power Cal State Fullerton, and pitcher MITCHELL COOMBS has signed a letter of intent to Sonoma State.

Hudgins, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound backstop, batted .321 with 10 doubles, 3 home runs and 22 RBI as a junior.

Coombs, a crafty 6-foot-1, 170-pound left-hander, was a very deceiving 3-6 last season as a junior. Nonetheless he posted a 2.75 ERA with five complete games. He struck out 47 batters in 56 innings.

Earlier JORDAN QSAR signed his national letter of intent to play baseball at Pepperdine University.

These guys are three of the reasons why the Norsemen finished 20-16 last season, including 3-2 in Division I of the San Diego Section playoffs, with their two losses coming to eventual champion Grossmont.

Thus, with their experience things look even brighter because they have one more year of high school competition.

At Sonoma State, Coombs will join a Seawolves roster which includes former Grossmont College and San Diego Stars semipro ballclub outfielder WESLEY WALLACE.


Lewis signs with K-State

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

MANHATTAN, Kan. (11-11-13) — Versatile West Hills High senior D.J. LEWIS, who was an all-leaguer in three different sports, has accepted a baseball scholarship to Kansas State University.

Lewis, who is currently a standout in football, is also a mainstay in basketball and a golden glove centerfielder for the Wolf Pack baseball team.

On the basketball court Lewis was also a playmaker as a junior, and put the charge in the Wolf Pack attack.

Now as he finishes his football career Lewis proves he is a talented athlete across the board.

The K-State Wildcats are the defending Big 12 champions and are coming off a season in which they reached the NCAA Super Regionals for the first time in school history.


Helix's Jorge Garcia
Helix' Garcia displays the Power

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (10-30-13) — Helix High senior first baseman-catcher JORGE GARCIA has been named to the 2013 Power Showcase All-America Baseball Team.

Garcia will represent California during the Home Run Derby featuring 130 of the most prolific amateur prospects from around the country. He will also play in the All-American Classic game featuring the top 40 2014 graduates in an East vs. West match-up on January 2-5, 2014 in Miami, FL at the Marlins Stadium.

Garcia is a member of coach COLE HOLLAND’s Helix Highlanders as well as a member of coach Damian Jackson’s Travel Team, San Diego GameFace.

Jorge’s Athletic awards and honors include: Union Tribune’s H.S. Players to Watch list, All East County First Team, All-Grossmont Hills League Team, MVP Under Armour Team One National Teams, Silver Medalist in 14u Junior Olympics, and Bronze Medalist with Mexican National Team in the boys World Tournament.

“It is a distinct pleasure to talk and refer to a great young man that I have coached for 3 years,” said Jackson . “Jorge Garcia is a great young man that would be a benefit to anyone’s program/ball club! He’s a good respectful kid on and off the field. Jorge is a person that goes about his business the right way. This gentleman is being raised with great morals and always takes his actions into consideration.

“Jorge, the ball player, is very unique in many ways. He being a “bigger kid,” has always had to hurdle obstacles… Which I think is the reason he is the way he is. I personally have grown to know a great player, student, and worker of the game of baseball. I like the fact that he listens and is easily coachable. He learns from his mistakes on offense, defense, and on the bases. He hits for average and power… Which is a quality that’s hard to find.”

To learn more about Garcia and the POWER SHOWCASE All-World & All-American Classic, dates and the official selection process, visit www.powershowcase.com. The event is streamed lived worldwide.


Nerat seeks to be 'perfect' fit at Steele Canyon

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (9-12-13) — DAN NERAT, the only Granite Hills High pitcher to pitch a perfect game, has been named baseball coach at Steele Canyon High.

The left-handed pitcher who authored his perfecto in 1986 under Eagles coach GORDY THOMPSON, went on to pitch two seasons at Grossmont College for legendary coach EDDIE OLSEN, and then continued his career at William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa, for his final two seasons.

Nerat was drafted out of Grossmont College by the Oakland A’s and pitched two seasons with the Oakland A’s organization at Southern Oregon and Modesto in 1992.

“I did a lot of other jobs, like working for Home Depot and Best Buy, but my passion for baseball has never stopped,” said Nerat. “I figured I wouldn’t probably get another chance. I was teaching private pitching and hitting lessons at the San Diego School of Baseball, and that intensified my fire for returning to the diamond.”

Nerat inherits a senior laden team in the Cougars.

“I want these kids to have a positive experience,” he said. “That’s my job.”


Qsar rides wave to Pepperdine

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (9-6-13) — Valhalla High senior outfielder-right handed pitcher JORDAN QSAR has committed to play baseball at Pepperdine University.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound outfielder batted .333 (39-117) with 12 doubles, 3 home runs and 21 RBI this past year for the Norsemen.

  
West Hills hires a Cougar

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

SANTEE (8-16-13) — MIKE HARWELL, a San Diego native, has been hired as coach of the West Hills baseball team, Wolf Pack athletic director DON RUTLEDGE announced.

A graduate of Morse High, Harwell has been playing baseball for 25-plus years and currently plays for several teams in the adult baseball league. Harwell was given his first high school coaching job at Serra as an assistant football coach. He was given an opportunity to join the Conquistadors baseball program. When the dust settled he was nicknamed “Cougar” since he was once a “T-Town Cougars” football coach in Tierrasanta, and that seemed to stick.

Harwell has coached at the semipro baseball level, which has only heightened his coaching knowledge.

Building character and leadership, Harwell said he and his coaching staff hammer players with six simple core principles, “Trustworthiness, respect, caring, fairness, responsibility and good citizenship.”


All-State Baseball Team Announced

Granite Hills finishes 17th, Grossmont 18th
in final CalHiSports state rankings

Brooks, Stratton receive Cal-Hi honors

By Mark Meadows
© East County Sports.com

EL CAJON (7-9-13) — Granite Hills High's TRENTON BROOKS can now stack a first team All-State award atop his East County Player of the Year and San Diego CIF All-County trophies.

Cal-Hi Sports has named the Eagles’ two-way star to its all-state first team. Brooks hit .435 at the plate and posted a 7-2 record with 96 strikeouts on the mound. The lefty is headed for the University of Nevada to continue his career.

Grossmont catcher HUNTER STRATTON also received accolades. Stratton was tabbed as a second team all-state catcher for underclassmen. Stratton hit .371 with 4 homers and 32 RBI's as a junior for the Division I CIF champion Foothillers.

San Diego County players dotted the map in the Cal-Hi rankings, including five of the 30 first team selections.

In addition to Brooks, first team all-state selections included San Diego CIF player of the year Ian Clarkin of Madison, Alex Jackson and Gosuke Katoh of Rancho Bernardo and Brett Seeburger of Vista.

Ian Clarkin, the San Diego Section Player of the Year, was selected 33rd overall by the New York Yankees in the MLB draft, and has signed with the club. Clarkin won 9 games for Madison High, striking out 133 batters while posting a 0.95 ERA.

As a junior catcher, Rancho Bernardo's Alex Jackson pounded 14 homers and led the Broncos to a 30-5 season and the inaugural San Diego Section CIF Open Division Championship.

Gasuke Katoh hit .429 with 10 homers as a senior at Rancho Bernardo. He was selected 66th overall by the New York Yankees and has signed with the club. Katoh had signed a letter of intent to attend UCLA.

Seeburger was 9-4 with a 1.40 ERA and 93 K's for Vista as a senior. Seeburger has committed to San Diego State University .

Clarkin and Katoh were chosen All-Americans by Baseball America magazine.


 
Orange Nation tabbed for CBCA Showcase

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (6-14-13) — Valhalla High catcher CHRIS HUDGINS and Norsemen left-handed pitcher MITCH COOMBS have been selected to play in the prestigious CBCA North/South series showcase this weekend at Santa Clara University.

This is one of the premier junior class showcases in the nation. Among those to have played in this event in the past include Boston ’s Dustin Pedroia, Jim Edmonds, Shawn Green, Ricky Henderson, Randy Johnson, Phil Nevin and CC Sabathia.

A double-header will be played on Saturday (June 15) and a single game on Sunday (Jun 16) afternoon.
Vaqueros' Rust signs with Orioles

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

BALTIMORE (6-19-13) — TANNER RUST, one of the most versatile athletes ever to attend El Capitan High, has signed with the Baltimore Orioles as a catcher.

Rust, who was a two-sport standout for the Vaqueros as a football quarterback –kicker, accepted a football scholarship to New Mexico State out of high school.

Rust challenged for the quarterback job but was too far down the line for his liking and became the Aggies’ all-Western Athletic Conference punter. He quickly shifted his athletic interests to baseball, where he was originally a shortstop but became a catcher. It didn’t take long for him to realize his future was behind the plate, as scout LEW GRAHAM (Granite Hills graduate) noted.

Rust continued his baseball career in the Alaska Baseball League in 2011-12, playing for the Alaska Oilers and the Anchorage Bucs.


© 2014 East County Sports
Email us: ramon@eastcountysports.com
Best view with the desktop resolution set to 1024 x 768

Hit Counter:

 



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