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Grossmont first baseman Brandon Weed races behind his bag to capture a popup. (Photo by Linda Byerline)

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-23-14) — Valhalla High senior southpaw MITCH COOMBS admitted he’s never pitched nine innings in a game during his career.

Until Thursday’s (May 22) Grossmont Hills League regular season finale.

Coombs, who is now 8-3, was on top of his game as he scattered 7 hits, walked one and struck out 4 in a 9 inning 2-0 victory over first-place Granite Hills, which has won 11 in a row.

“Granite Hills is always a top dog,” said Coombs. “So to beat them in the last game of the season – or any time, really – is special.”

Coombs needed only 102 pitches to deal Granite Hills (22-7, 13-2) only its fourth shutout of the season.

“My adrenalin was really pumping,” said Coombs. “I don’t know why but I felt something good was going to happen today.”

And so it did for the Norsemen (18-11-1, 8-7).

“I’m a left-hander who throws in the mid-80s so I know I’m not gonna blow fastballs by guys,” Coombs added. “I try to keep them off balance, and I think I did by throwing a lot of off-speed stuff.”

Valhalla scored all the runs it would need in the 9th inning.

SEAN CROSBY walked and ANDY VAN ANTWERP singled to left. KRIS SMITH reached base on a sac bunt that was booted in the infield, allowing Crosby to score. COREY ZIMMERMAN then hoisted a sacrifice fly to stake Valhalla to a 2-0 lead.

Despite the loss, Granite Hills should be seeded high among the San Diego CIF Open Division – perhaps No. 2 or No. 3.

Valhalla may be forced to participate in a Division 1 play-in game on Monday (May 26).

The baseball pairings will be announced on Saturday (May 24) afternoon.

HELIX 10, STEELE CANYON 9 – The Helix Highlanders survived a sloppy start with a notable recovery as they erased a 7-run Steele Canyon 1st inning on Thursday (May 22) in a Grossmont Hills League regular season finale.

This game was anything but pretty. A thing of beauty it was not as the two teams combined for 9 errors and 13 unearned runs.

But credit the Highlanders for making the biggest rebound to claim the victory and finish the regular season 16-15 (5-10 GHL).

“We felt we had to win this game to get into the playoffs,” said Helix coach COLE HOLLAND. “The kids were really fired up – and then we go out and give up seven runs in the 1st inning. It was kind of an erie feeling because I still felt that we were in the game. Even our kids weren’t pointing fingers or placing blame after we played an inning of kickball.”

KENNETH BAGDASAR was the main man in the 1st inning for Steele Canyon as he led off the 1st inning with a home run, and closed the same inning with a 2-run double. Helix chipped in with two costly errors, and MACKEY BOWERS hit an RBI single.

Helix fought back in the bottom of the opening frame as CONOR KONISHI – who was 3-for-4 in the game – singled in a run and MIGUEL ARMENDARIZ drove in 2 more in the 1st inning.

Steele Canyon came back on an RBI single by BRANDON BROWN with two outs in the 2nd inning.

Helix countered by putting together a two out rally, capped by an RBI single by Konishi.

It was pretty much all Helix after that. Two errors and three hit batters handed the Highlanders' two runs in the 4th inning.

In the 5th inning the Highlanders’ JORGE GARCIA whacked a 2-run double to tie the game at 8-8. After an RBI single hit by Konishi, a Steele Canyon miscue handed the Highlanders a 2-run lead.

Steele Canyon (17-13, 6-9) fought back with a two-out rally in the top of the 6th as BERNY ARIPEZ doubled and WYATT LOGAN singled him in to make it a 1-run game.

Nobody scored after that as Helix reliever MICHAEL VARGASON blanked the Cougars in the 7th while striking out 2 to earn his first save.

GROSSMONT 8, WEST HILLS 2 – PEYTON LINDSAY was a double threat for Grossmont as he allowed only 2 runs in six innings to earn his 1st win and helped himself get to the victory circle with 3 hits, including a home run and 2 RBI in Thursday’s (May 22) Grossmont Hills League finale.

Grossmont senior FREDDY WALKER, who has been hidden under a designated hitter most of the time this season, broke loose with a 3-for-4 effort and 4 RBI. Walker slashed a 2-run double in the 2nd inning to give the Foothillers the early lead. He added a 2-run single in the 4th inning to make it 7-1.

Steady HUNTER STRATTON finished the league season strong as he went 3-for-4 with a double and his 6th home run for 2 RBI, as the Foothillers improved to 14-14, 8-7.

ALEX MARLAY and BRANDON WEED contributed 2 hits apiece to Grossmont’s 14-hit attack.

The big stick for West Hills was COLE PENDLETON, as he slugged a solo home run in the 3rd inning and drove in the Wolf Pack’s final run with a sacrifice fly in the 7th.

EL CAPITAN 17, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 (6 inn.) – CHANCE COLSON, JORDAN FRANTZ and ALEX HELMS combined to twirl a 6-inning no-hitter against host El Cajon Valley in Thursday’s (May 22) Grossmont Valley League regular season finale.

The trio combined for 11 strikeouts while walking only one.

Eighteen Vaqueros participated in the onslaught that included a 9-run 4th inning and a 6-run 5th inning.

MYLES EMMERSON led the attack by going 2-for-3 with a double and 4 RBI.

SAM MELERO was 2-for-2 with 3 runs scored and 2 RBI for the Vaqueros, who finished the regular season 16-12, 8-4.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 5, LINCOLN 1 – NATHAN YEAGER pitched a complete game 5-hitter as the Knights closed the season Thursday (May 22) with a 5-1 win at Lincoln .

The Knights scored 4 runs in the 1st inning and that would be all they would need. Foothills Christian finished the regular season 18-7 and was 4-2 in the Citrus League to take second place behind Vista Calvary Christian.

No other information was reported.

Patriots flip for championship...
without needing a coin toss

By Andrew Smith
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-22-14) — It came down to the season finale to decide a winner in the Central League between Serra and Christian High. If the Q's had won, the fate of the Patriots would have rested on a coin flip between three teams for CIF playoff seeding purposes. But if Christian won, it was to be the Patriots’ title outright.

Good news – Christian defeated Serra for the second time this week, taking the pivotal 6-3 victory on Wednesday (May 21), earning the crown outright.

“By beating them on Monday (15-3) I really think we put all the pressure on them today,” said Patriots' starter SAM GERSHOW. “Since we won this one, it’s huge for us because a Division 3 first round bye is on the line. If someone has to waste their ace in a play-in game, that helps us immensely.”

This final billing was supposed to be a battle royale of aces squaring off. Each team had their workhorse on the mound for all the marbles.

Wrong!!

At the end of the day...both pitchers admittedly didn't have their best stuff, so it all boiled down to a pair of big defensive plays that decided the ball game, and the Patriots came out on top as league champions with a 6-3 victory.

“We really came into this game relaxed because we had nothing to lose,” Pats shortstop TREVOR HOWELL admitted. “We started at the bottom, but now we're here (at the top).”

The game didn't start exactly as planned when the Conquistadors scored a run just three batters into the contest. However, Christian countered in the 2nd after KYLE STOWERS singled and eventually scored a couple of batters later. He was also the instigator of a 4-run rally an inning later.

JOE ROSS led off the 3rd with a double and BRYCE JURRIES sacrificed him to second as the Patriots looked to break a 1-1 tie. BRANDON TARDIFF was then hit by a pitch, CHRISTIAN MEZA and Howell both singled for a 2-1 lead, leaving the bases loaded.

Serra only made one error on the day, but it was a huge one as Stowers laced a line drive to the second baseman that should've been an inning-ending double play, but he booted it and two more runners touched home. Another tally in the fourth made it 6-1 and the Q's were forced to scramble to play catch-up.

The Q’s lone threat against Gershow came in the 6th as four straight singles cut the deficit to three runs and the bases were still loaded with one gone. After registering his 7th strikeout of the game for the second out, Gershow inner channeled his best Sgt. Pepper and definitely “got a little help from his friends.”

A misplaced fastball was roped up the middle, for what looked like a 2-run single, until Howell dove to his left and made a leaping stab inches off the ground to end the inning in Sportscenter Top 10 fashion.

“I kinda felt responsible for starting their rally by over-running a grounder earlier that inning,” Howell admitted. “I kept telling myself if anything else comes my way it's not getting past me no matter what.”

“I was a little nervous when it was bases loaded,” Gershow said afterwards. “When I saw that he (Howell) caught it I think I probably exhaled the deepest breath of my life.”

Now the waiting game begins for the Patriots as it's up to the CIF seeding committee on Saturday to determine their fate for the playoffs. They are now tied with Serra for best overall record in Division 3, but the Patriots are league champions over the Q’s and have to cross their fingers for a first round bye.

The primary challenger for that position is Mt. Carmel . Santana also figures in the battle for a top four spot.

As many faithful Patriots fans know from earlier this school year when their football team was robbed at a chance of going to the state playoffs, anything is possible.

“I wish someone could explain to me how this new system works and MaxPreps does their rankings,” Christian skipper MIKE MITCHELL stated. “If we don't get the bye then that proves the new playoff system is absolutely, totally screwed up.”

MOUNT MIGUEL11 , MONTE VISTA 5 – Mount Miguel hammered out 11 runs on 13 hits in Wednesday’s (May 21) Grossmont Valley League victory over Spring Valley rival Monte Vista.

The victory gave the Matadors (17-11, 8-4) a chance at finishing second in the Grossmont Valley League behind Santana (20-10, 10-2).

The Matadors made it look easy against the Monarchs (8-19, 4-8) in the latest contest. RBI singles by BRAD MORENO and ALEX ESTRADA gave the Matadors a 2-0 lead in the 1st inning.

Mount Miguel broke the game open with 4 runs in the 3rd inning. The key blow was an RBI triple by DANIEL RONK.

In the 4th inning the Matadors pushed across 5 markers with a clutch 2-run double by KENNY STEWART. Ronk then stroked an RBI single, as did ENRIQUE KELLER. A Monte Vista miscue handed the Matadors an additional run.

AUSTIN CAOLE stroked a 2-RBI single to key Monte Vista’s 5th inning, and RICKY DUPREE also had a run-scoring single in the same frame.

Moreno pitched the first five innings for Mount Miguel to post his 8th win in 12 decisions.

SANTANA 1, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 – Grossmont Valley League champion Santana plucked an easy win without throwing a pitch Wednesday (May 21) after the Sultans accepted a forfeit victory over last place El Cajon Valley.

Thus, the Sultans finished the regular season with an overall record of 20-10 and a league mark of 10-2.

It was Santana’s first league title in 10 years.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 20, LUTHERAN 5 – Foothills Christian (17-7, 4-2) defeated Lutheran in a Citrus League game at Sweetwater Little League field on Wednesday (May 21). No details were reported, except that the visitors scored 11 times in the 7th inning to break open a 9-5 ballgame.

What's more interesting: The reaction from Grossmont second baseman Cameron Henderson after not getting an out call from the umpire, or the calm, laissez-faire attitude of the baserunner from Steele Canyon as he re-affixes the base? (Photo by Linda Byerline)

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (5-21-14) — ALAN STRONG and three victories over El CapitanHigh handed Santana its first baseball league championship in 10 years.

Strong scattered 7 hits and did not allow an earned run while striking out 6 as he beat the Vaqueros for the third time in as many meetings. It was his 9th win in 11 decisions as well as his 7th complete game.

“Alan doesn’t do anything wrong,” said Santana assistant coach MARK NOBLE. “He just goes out there and gets the job done – no flash, no errors, just does his job.”

Santana capitalized on five El Capitan errors to support the pitching of Strong. The Vaqueros’ miscues upended the pitching of TRISTAN DUNCAN and DYLAN WANNAMAKER.

Santana broke a 1-1 tie in the 5th inning with 2 runs on only 2 singles. The Vaqueros (15-11, 7-3) unintentionally chipped in with 2 costly errors.

The Sultans added a fourth run in the 6th inning as BRIAN PARKER singled and MITCHELL MILLER was a pinch runner for him. Two outs later Miller scored on a base hit by TRISTEN SALINAS.

Salinas finished 2-for-4 with an RBI.

El Capitan’s five errors destroyed the Vaqueros’ chances for a co-championship.

GRANITE HILLS 4, HELIX 3 – Grossmont Hills League champion Granite Hills posted its 11th straight victory by erasing a 3-1 deficit to defeat Helix in Tuesday’s (May 20) encounter.

JUSTIN MITCHELL and ADRIAN ANDREWSON combined to limit the Highlanders to 6 hits and 2 earned runs as the No. 3 ranked Eagles improved their overall record to 22-6 and league mark to 13-1.

“Our focus right now is just to move on to the playoffs,” said Granite Hills coach JAMES DAVIS. “What makes this a good team is our kids can perform under pressure. They always keep their calm.”

The Eagles extended their winning streak to 11. Better yet, Granite Hills has been involved in 11 one-run games, winning nine of them.

Helix (15-15, 4-10) scored 3 runs in the 1st inning to take an early lead on an RBI single by MIGUEL ARMENDARIZ and a 2-run base hit by CLIFFORD SMITH for a 3-1 lead.

Granite Hills, which scored in the 1st frame on an RBI double by JAYSON ROSE, had to wait until the 3rd inning to take command. In the 3rd ANDY LOWRY singled and MICHAEL DIFFLEY and ROBERT BOSTEDT drew back-to-back walks to load the bases. JORDAN VERDON and Rose each singled in a run to tie it at 3-3.

Then DANIEL VASQUEZ hoisted a sacrifice fly to give Granite Hills a 4-3 lead it would not lose.

Mitchell allowed 2 earned runs in 6 1/3 innings to earn his 3rd win in 4 decisions. Andrewson got the final 2 outs to earn his 7th save.

WEST HILLS 12, VALHALLA 11 – In probably one of the oddest games of the Grossmont Hills League season the Wolf Pack nipped the Norsemen in one of the highest scoring games of the year.

After two innings West Hills led 10-0. Valhalla countered quickly with 9 runs in the 3rd frame and added single tallies in the 4th and 5th innings.

But this game was decided in the bottom of the 7th as West Hills pushed across 2 runs to claim a victory that appeared to be easily theirs.

CHASE PARSONS sparked the winning rally with a walk. JOHNNY ESPINOZA also drew a base on balls and HAYDEN SCHILLING was hit by a pitch to load the bases. NATHAN LEDFORD reached base on an error to score Parsons. KRIS AGUILAR followed with a base hit to left field, giving the Wolf Pack the walkoff win as Espinoza scored.

“It was good day today,” said Wolf Pack coach MIKE HARWELL. “Stressful giving up a 10 run lead, but in the end, all good.

“These dudes worked till the last pitch,” he added. “I’m glad they brought their hammers, cause we had to tap down a ton of nails today. A ton of Character, for sure!”

At first it looked like West Hills was going to win in a blowout, taking a 3-0 lead after one inning. But the Pack scored 7 times in the 2nd frame, led by D.J. LEWIS’s grand slam. Lewis finished the day 3-for-4 with 5 RBI.

Valhalla’s FOSTER McNARY was injured on a pickoff rundown, suffering a severe ankle injury that required him to leave the field in an ambulance. The delay lasted close to an hour.

“Lewis, DALLAS SIEGAL and shortstop HAYDEN SCHILLING showed tremendous leadership, keeping the team focused after the injury time out and the 9-run inning by Valhalla,” Harwell noted.

JEFF HOUGHTBY and SEAN CROSBY led Valhalla ’s 14 hit onslaught with 3 hits apiece.

STEELE CANYON 4, GROSSMONT 3 – In a battle between two teams scrambling for a playoff berth, host Steele Canyon squeezed out the narrow Grossmont Hills League victory.

CHRIS BARKLEY, who has been the Cougars’ closer for most of the season – holding the East County lead in saves with 8 – proved that he’s a double threat as he turned in 5 2/3 innings as a starter against Grossmont to show his versatility.

He was rewarded with his first win in three decisions.

Steele Canyon (17-12, 6-8) rallied from a 2-1 deficit with a pair of runs in the 3rd inning. TANNER PERRY hit his 7th home run of the season to tie the game at 2-apiece.

After Perry’s homer the Foothillers (13-14, 7-7) became very generous. COLE FLINT singled and Grossmont committed back-to-back throwing errors to allow him to score, for a 3-2 Steele Canyon lead.

The Cougars added another run in the 4th inning on an RBI single by Perry, who also had 2 stolen bases in this contest.

Grossmont took a 2-0 lead in the 2nd inning as NICK DALEY singled and PEYTON LINDSAY hit his 4th home run of the season.

The Foothillers made it close in the 6th inning on a pair of walks by RYAN BARNES and TIGER GUERRERO and a sacrifice fly by Daley.

MONTE VISTA 11, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 (5 inn.) – Monte Vista scored a season-high runs in Tuesday’s (May 20) Grossmont Valley League triumph against visiting El Cajon Valley.

Equally impressive was SEAN WHTE, who pitched a 2-hit shutout and struck out 6 in a game that was halted after five innings. White was also 2-for-3 at the plate with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI. He keyed Monte Vista’s 8-run 4th inning with a 2-run single.

MATT GONZALES also drove in a pair of runs in that inning.

The Monarchs (8-18, 4-7) will close the regular season against Mount Miguel on Wednesday (May 21) in hopes of enhancing their playoff chances.

“It was good to get another win,” said Monarchs coach MATT ATKINSON.
“And hopefully we can beat Mount Miguel tomorrow and sneak into the playoffs,”.

The Monarchs hammered out 11 hits against the Braves, including 2 each by AUSTIN CAOLE, TYLER WILLIAMS, as well as White.

HIGH TECH-SD 9, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 6 – No information provided for this non-league game.)

Steele Canyon's Cole Flint (22, far left) surprises everyone by successfully stealing home without a play from visiting Valhalla in Monday's 4-0 GHL blanking of the Norsemen. (Photos by Don DeMars Photography)

East County Sports' Game of the Week

Presented By...                 ...Celebrating its First Anniversary!

Patriots excuse the Q's, assume Central lead By Andrew Smith © East County Sports.com EL CAJON (5-20-14) — A few weeks ago, Christian High couldn’t even fathom winning the Central League championship. The Patriots were stuck in a mid-season rut and were no better than a longshot, let alone think about a chance at the league crown. Suddenly Christian shifted into high gear, winning six of its last seven games. For Patriots head coach MIKE MITCHELL the formula for getting back on track was as easy as a kindergarten math problem. “We” minus “me” = victories,” the skipper scholarly explained. “Our guys were too worried about their own at-bats instead of each others’ and since we've refocused as a team the results have been obvious.” On Monday (May 19) afternoon against Serra, they played their longest game of the year – 2 hours and 24 minutes – but it was for a good cause as they smacked the Q's around for 15 singles leading to a 15-3 victory. “If you had to watch this game...it was a bad day to sit on a brick,” Mitchell added. “It's amazing what you can do when you stop over-swinging and have an overall plan in place.” No one wants to have their own destiny left up to the chance of a coin flip and that's exactly what Christian (19-8, 9-2) can now avoid as the Patriots have a chance to clinch the league title outright in Wednesday’s (May 21) regular season finale behind their ace SAM GERSHOW. The Patriots have already secured a co-championship, no matter the outcome on Wednesday. If they falter they will end up in a 3-way tie with Serra and Coronado for the Central League championship. "If I have one game with it all on the line I want Sammy G on the mound," added Mitchell. As soon as the game ended Christian players were yelling “I'm going to Disneyland !” Even though they didn't win the Super Bowl it's still true as some players on the squad will be taking their senior class trip to the “ Happiest Place on Earth,” but Gershow respectfully declined that offer to focus on one last Spanish final and his big outing on the mound. “It's gonna be one heck of a battle on Wednesday...I can't wait!” said his catcher WILL HAIL who led the Pats going 4-for-5 with 4 RBI. “I came into this one really focused with a shot at winning league on the line and I saw the ball really well today. I kinda got into a zone, not trying to do too much and just hit line drives and it worked.” After jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the third – sending nine men to the plate – Serra (20-7, 8-3) responded right back with three runs of their own in the bottom half of the frame, but they couldn't recover from the 4th inning haymaker that hit them squarely on the jaw. The first two Pats singled and TREVOR HOWELL beat out a bunt for another hit. KYLE STOWERS and Hail followed with RBI base knocks of their own. A pair of errors, a hit batter and a walk all contributed to the Patriots' entire lineup reaching base without a single out recorded. CHRISTIAN MEZA, Howell and Hail finished off the inning, each connecting on a second hit of the frame. Howell even placed a miraculous bunt down the third base line that stayed fair all the way to the bag with only centimeters to spare. “We actually got on this run as a team a few weeks ago when we started huddling up in a small group before games and said a short prayer and ever since then we're been playing really well,” Howell said after laying down his third base hit bunt of the day which is now being called the “Immaculate Salutation.” When the dust from the infield had finally settled it was a 15-3 game before anyone knew what happened and the stage was set for an epic showdown to end the regular season with a league title on the line, but perhaps even more importantly...a first round bye in the Division 3 playoffs at stake.

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (5-20-14) — It was a typical Grossmont Hills League battle when Steele Canyon hosted Valhalla Monday (May 19) in the Snake Pit.

This game belonged to ALEX VESIA, who dealt Valhalla its second shutout of the season, scattering five hits and striking out seven in the process.

“When it’s my turn to pitch, I’m serious and I want the ball,” said Vesia, who hoisted his record to 7-5. “I knew we had to win this game and that’s all I had on my mind. We’re talking about the playoffs here, where every win counts.

“My pitches were all “on” today,” he said. “I used my cutter on the lefties, my changeup on the righties and spotted my fastball.”

Steele Canyon took a 1-0 lead in the 1st inning as KENNETH BAGDASAR doubled to right and TANNER PERRY singled. BERNY ARIPEZ hit a high chopper that allowed Bagdasar to score.

In the 5th inning Aripez slashed a double off the right field wall to drive in two runs, stretching the Cougars’ lead to 3-0.

Steele Canyon scored its final run when COLE FLINT stole home.

“Nobody said a word,” recalled Cougars assistant coach SEAN TUCKER. “It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

“Vesia got stronger as the game went along,” Tucker added. “He retired the last 9 of the 10 batters he faced.”

Vesia had suffered lack of support more often than not.

“I don’t worry about stuff like that,” he said. “I just try to give my team a chance to win.”

And so they did.

GRANITE HILLS 3, WEST HILLS 2 – No. 3 ranked Granite Hills posted its 10th straight victory with a 7th-inning rally in Monday’s (May 19) Grossmont Hills League contest in El Cajon.

The Eagles knocked off the Wolf Pack with two outs in the bottom of the 7th. ROBERT BOSTEDT walked, advanced to second on a groundout and scored on a double by JAYSON ROSE.

West Hills had tied the game on a walk to NATHAN LEDFORD and a 2-run homer by KRIS AGUILAR, which at the time tied the game 2-2 in the 6th inning.

The Eagles scored runs in the 1st and 2nd innings. The opening inning marker came across on an error and the 2nd inning run scored on a double by NATE NGUYEN.

DANIEL VASQUEZ and ADRIAN ANDREWSON limited the Wolf Pack to two runs and five hits while combining for eight strikeouts. Andrewson got the final five outs to earn his 3rd win in six innings.

TRENT TOPLIKAR was the hardluck loser, surrendering two earned runs in 6 2/3 innings.

GROSSMONT 6, HELIX 1 – When senior right-hander BRANDON WEED is on the mound the Grossmont Foothillers are darn near unbeatable. The 6-foot, 190-pounder proved that again in Monday’s (May 19) Grossmont Hills League victory over Helix at Joe Gizoni Field.

Weed, who is 8-4 overall posted his 5th consecutive victory. He scattered five hits and did not allow an earned run against the Highlanders (15-14, 4-9).

Grossmont’s offense, which has sputtered more often than not, put three runs up on the board in the 1st inning. HUNTER REED doubled and scored on a double by RYAN BARNES.

TIGER GUERRERO then singled in Barnes and eventually scored on a double by BRAEDEN BARR.

PEYTON LINDSAY slashed a 2-run single in the 5th inning to make it 5-1 for the Foothillers (13-13, 7-6).

HUNTER STRATTON capped the scoring in the 6th inning with his 5th home run of the season.

MOUNT MIGUEL 8, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 – JACOB CASTILLO, BRAD MORENO and KENNY STEWART had a perfect game going for Mount Miguel with two outs in the bottom of the 7th in Monday’s (May 19) Grossmont Valley League encounter.

Then El Cajon Valley ’s ELMER RAMIREZ cracked a single up the middle, ruining the no-hitter.

Castillo pitched 5 perfect innings with 6 strikeouts. Moreno struck out the side in his only inning in the 6th, and Stewart logged 2 strikeouts before surrendering the key hit.

The Matadors received multiple hits from ESTEBAN LIERAS, Moreno , ENRIQUE KELLER, ANDRES GONZALEZ and Stewart en route to their 16th win in 27 starts.

Mount Miguel is 7-4 in league play.

The Matadors took the lead in the 1st inning on consecutive singles by Lieras, Moreno and Keller. A groundout by ALEX ESTRADA brought in a second run. Stewart followed a double by Gonzalez with a single to make it 3-0. Stewart then scored on a groundout by DANIEL RONK.

Mount Miguel broke the game open with 4 runs in the 6th inning. Castillo supplied the key blow with a 2-run single.

Grossmont pitcher Brandon Weed delivers the pitch against Helix, then covers first base to retire a Highlanders batter in Monday's 6-1 triumph in Grossmont Hills League action. (Photos by Linda Byerline)

Hillers first baseball Nick Daley needs to cross the bag, yet registers the out vs. Granite Hills. (Photo by Linda Byerline)

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-18-14) — Granite HillsHigh wasted little time in assuring itself of winning the Grossmont Hills League championship outright on Saturday (May 17), as the Eagles came out of the smoke to torch Grossmont 10-1 at Joe Gizoni Field.

JAYSON ROSE provided the spark as he limited the Foothillers (12-13, 6-6 GHL) to three hits and no earned runs over six innings. The senior right-hander, who is bound for the University of Utah, walked none and struck out 10 as he rolled his season record to 6-0.

ADRIAN ANDREWSON pitched a shutout 7th inning without allowing a hit and striking out two.

“We did a lot of positive things,” said Granite Hills coach JAMES DAVIS. “Rose was outstanding, as usual. He has a lot of movement on his ball and was in total control.”

It was the 3rd year in a row that Granite Hills has captured the league championship. The Eagles own nine league pennants over the last 19 seasons.

“We swung the bat a lot better than we have recently,” said Davis , whose No. 3 ranked Eagles (20-6, 11-1 GHL) have won nine in a row.

Granite Hills took a 2-0 lead in the opening frame on a walk to ROBERT BOSTEDT, a double by JORDAN VERDON, a single by Rose and the first of two sacrifice flies by JUSTIN MITCHELL.

The Eagles extended their advantage in the 3rd inning on a solo home run by Bostedt.

Granite Hills added another marker in the 4th as DILLAN SHRUM tripled and scored on a base hit by NATE NGUYEN.

The game turned into a blowout in the 6th inning as the Eagles punched in 6 runs. MICHAEL DIFFLEY had a bases-loaded RBI and Bostedt drove in 2 more with a double. Verdon joined the hit parade with a run-scoring single before Rose and Mitchell supplied scoring fly balls.

CHRISTIAN 8, CLAIREMONT 4 – A 7-run 3rd inning propelled Christian to a victory over host Clairemont in Saturday’s (May 17) Central League action.

This was a key victory for the Patriots (18-8, 8-2 CL), who have now positioned themselves into a legitimate shot at winning the Central League championship in the final week of the regular season.

Here’s the deal... Christian and Serra are tied for first place at 8-2, and they close the season with games against each other on Monday (May 19 – at Serra) and Wednesday (May 21 – at Christian). Coronado , meanwhile, which knocked off Serra 4-1 on Saturday, has set the stage for a possible 3-way tie for the title.

If the Patriots sweep Serra, they will win the Central League crown, no questions asked. Same is true for Serra – if they sweep Christian. Now comes the interesting part. If the two teams split and Coronado sweeps Lincoln , the league championship would end in a 3-way tie.

Coronado is all but assured of finishing 9-3, so if the Patriots can beat the Conquistadors twice, they would claim the crown regardless. The same is true for Serra. A sweep takes it all.

If there is a tie of any kind, the tie-breaker – which is a weak one, to say the least – will be a coin flip.

“The bottom line is we have to win both of our last two games,” said Christian coach MIKE MITCHELL. “If we lose both of our last two games we’ll end up third. The idea here is not only to win the league title but to get a first round bye (in the playoffs), and we can’t get that unless we beat Serra twice.

“We can’t complain about anything because we control our own destiny,” he added.

In their latest win over Clairemont CHRISTIAN MEZA set the tone by going 3-for-3 with 3 RBI, and SAM GERSHOW pitched four innings of one hit shutout ball to earn his 7th win in 9 decisions.

SANTANA 3, MONTE VISTA 2 – Freshman NOAH NUNEZ’s 2-run double in the 3rd inning gave the Sultans a come-from-behind 3-2 lead in Saturday’s (May 17) Grossmont Valley League victory over Monte Vista.

The win set the stage for a GVL championship showdown at El Capitan on Tuesday (May 20) against the Vaqueros at 4 p.m. Bottom line is the winner of this encounter will probably walk out as the league champions.

There’s even a greater possibility, if the Vaqueros win, that the two teams will end up in a tie. That will lead to the dramatic coin flip to decide which team is No. 1.

To play all season and have the championship decided on a coin flip is a joke.

The Sultans (18-10, 8-2 GVL) pulled a narrow escape against Monte Vista as they did all their scoring in the 3rd inning. JACOB ODENKIRK singled, stole second and TRISTEN SALINAS doubled him home, setting the stage for Nunez' game-winning blow.

ALAN STRONG proved he’s as good a reliever as he is a starter as he blanked the Monarchs on 2 hits and struck out 5 over three innings to earn his 8th win in 10 decisions.

Odenkirk came on to get the final out and earn his 2nd save.

Monte Vista took a 2-0 lead in the 1st inning as RICKY DUPREE doubled and eventually scored on a wild pitch.

The Monarchs doubled their advantage in the 3rd inning as XAVIER CHAVOYA walked, advanced to second on a base hit by Dupree and scored on a single by AUSTIN CAOLE.

That wasn’t good enough to save the strong-arm pitching of REILLY DIAZ, who went the distance, scattered 6 hits, allowed 3 earned runs and struck out 7 for the Monarchs.

VALHALLA 3, HELIX 1 – Without a doubt one of the darkhorse teams in the San Diego CIF playoff race will be the Valhalla Norsemen, who will most likely finish 2nd in the Grossmont Hills League pennant race.

Valhalla senior left-hander MITCH COOMBS spun a complete game 3-hitter as the Norsemen knocked off the visiting Highlanders on Saturday (May 17) at Eric Turgeon Field.

Coombs was smooth as glass against the Highlanders as he served up his 5th complete game while raising his record to 7-3.

Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON credits pitching coach BILL REED (a former power pitcher at Santana High) for helping design the Norsemen’s pitching staff.

“He’s done such a great job for us I think he deserves a little ink,” said Wilson of Reed.

Valhalla snapped a 1-1 tie in the 5th inning. CHRIS HUDGINS slashed a double to left field and advanced to third on a groundout by GIUSEPPE CASTANOS. COLE HENDERSON then followed with a base hit to left field, scoring Hudgins and breaking the tie.

In the 6th inning Valhalla added an insurance run as FOSTER McNARY singled to left. One out later COREY ZIMMERMAN reached base on an error by the shortstop, and McNary scooted to third. JEFF HOUGHTBY then singled to score McNary.

Helix (15-13, 4-8) saw its 3-game winning streak come to an end. The Highlanders avoided the shutout on a double by JORGE GARCIA in the 4th inning. JEREMIAH WYLIE pinch ran for him and scored on a wild pitch.

WEST HILLS 13, STEELE CANYON 6 – West Hills sent 12 batters up in the 1st inning with the first 8 reaching base safely, putting up 7 runs with key hits by LUKE PETERSON’s 2-RBI single as well as RBI singles by KRIS AGUILAR and COLE PENDLETON in Saturday’s (May 17) Grossmont Hills League encounter at Steele Canyon.

West Hills (11-15, 4-8) finished the game with all 9 starters generating a base hit as the Wolf Pack totaled 18 hits as a team.

The Wolf Pack continued to apply the hammer in the 3rd inning with 4 more runs.

CHASE PARSONS was 3-for-4, while Aguilar was 2-for-3 with 3 RBI for the Pack.

On the flip side TANNER PERRY was 2-for-4 with his 6th home run of the season for Steele Canyon. Leadoff man COLE FLINT was 2-for-4 with 2 RBI. MACKEY BOWERS chipped in with 2-for-3 including a double and 2 RBI.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 13, CLASSICAL ACADEMY 3 – A 2-run double by DANIEL HOFFMAN broke a 1-1 tie in the 2nd inning and helped propel Foothills Christian to the lopsided victory over Citrus League rival Classical Academy at Sweetwater Senior Little League field.

Leadoff man CALEB HOFFMAN was 2-for-4 with a triple, 4 runs scored and 3 stolen bases for the Knights (16-6, 3-2).

Foothills Christian scored 9 runs over the final three frames to turn the game into a blowout.

A notable in this game was East County batting leader RYAN QUINN struck out for the first time this season.

Nevertheless Quinn was 3-for-5 with 2 doubles, 2 RBI and 2 stolen bases. Included in his totals was an RBI double that tied the game at 1-1.

“We’re in the 23rd game of the season, and he has played every inning of every game,” said Knights coach DAVE LEWIS. “That’s pretty remarkable. Everybody played today and everybody contributed so it was a very good day.”

CASTLE PARK at EL CAPITAN – This non-league game is in limbo. It could be played next week or not at all. If the Trojans decide not to play, El Capitan is seeking a forfeit win.

The game was originally slated for Saturday (May 17), but the Castle Park administration elected to keep its athletic teams off the field until Monday (May 19) due to the widespread wildfires.

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (5-15-14) — El Capitan High moved to within a half game of the Grossmont Valley League lead behind front-running Santana by knocking off Mount Miguel, 7-2, in scalding hot temperatures on Wednesday (May 14).

The Matadors (15-11, 6-4 GVL), behind ace BRAD MORENO, appeared in control as they led 2-0 after four innings. Moreno needed only 39 pitches to tame the Vaqueros (15-11, 7-3 GVL) at that point.

Moreno got the first 2 outs in the 5th inning but then the roof caved in as El Capitan had eight consecutive runners reach base.

In the pivotal 5th frame, a two-out single by MARSHALL CHAMPLIN sparked the key rally. VICTOR CARLINO doubled to score Champlin, which cut Mount Miguel ’s lead to 2-1. Walks to SAM MELERO and JOHNATHAN SUMMERS loaded the bases.

That set the stage for TRAVIS BAKER’s 2-run single to left field, giving the Vaqueros a 4-2 lead. But the onslaught continued as CLAY CROMWELL slashed an RBI single. MYLES EMMERSON got hit by a pitch, but TRISTAN DUNCAN knocked a 2-run single to give the Vaqueros a commanding 6-2 lead.

El Capitan added a 7th run in the 6th inning as Summers doubled and scored on a base hit by Baker, who finished the game 3-for-3 with 3 RBI.

While the Vaqueros were turning their offense loose, DYLAN WANNAMAKER supplied the handcuffs on the Matadors with a complete game effort, surrendering just 7 hits and one earned run as he posted his 6th win in 9 decisions.

For El Capitan the Grossmont Valley League championship is within reach if the
Vaqueros can beat Santana on Tuesday (May 20) in Lakeside.

The Matadors avoided a shutout on an El Capitan error in the 2nd inning and a triple by ESTEBAN LIERAS in the 3rd.

CHRISTIAN 12, CLAIREMONT 1 – The Christian High Patriots suddenly find themselves as primary contenders for the Central League championship, with three games to play.

Following the Patriots lopsided win over Clairemont, and Serra’s upset loss to Coronado on Wednesday (May 14), Christian owns its own destiny now.

“If we can win out (final three games) we could win the championship,” said Patriots coach MIKE MITCHELL. “We’d have to beat Serra – twice.”

The Patriots (17-8, 7-2 CL) made it look easy against visiting Clairemont in Wednesday’s league encounter.

Christian broke a 1-1 tie in the 3rd inning with 3 runs. Key blows included an RBI double by CHRISTIAN MEZA, a run-scoring single by WILL HAIL and a balk by the Clairemont pitcher Michael Cortez.

The Patriots turned the game into a rout with 5 runs in the 6th inning.

TREVOR HOWELL supplied the key blow with a 2-run double. JOHN GERSHOW hoisted a sacrifice fly, DAVID SUDA punched in a run with a base hit, and rookie CAMDEN BESSONE plated the final run with a base hit.

Three Patriots pitchers shared in pitching a 6-hitter without allowing an earned run. BRYCE JURRIES worked the first five frames to log his 4th win in 6 decisions. NICK JARVIS pitched a shutout 6th inning and freshman CHASE WEHSENER blanked the Chieftains in the 7th.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN at CLASSICAL ACADEMY – postponed due to fire.

FIRE: Thursday’s (May 15) schedule has been postponed to Friday (May 16) due to the fierce wildfires raging in the area. This move was issued by SDCIF Commissioner Jerry Schniepp.

Games could be pushed back as far as Saturday, but at this point that is tentative.

East County Sports' Game of the Week

Presented By...                 ...Celebrating its First Anniversary!

For Granite Hills, it's as easy as 1-2-3 Another league crown for the Eagles By Bill Dickens © East County Sports.com EL CAJON (5-14-14) — Granite Hills High secured at least a share of the Grossmont Hills League championship with a 2-1 win over Steele Canyon in Tuesday’s (May 12). The victory gave the Eagles a 4-game lead with four games remaining after sweeping a 3-game series from the Cougars. The No. 3 ranked Eagles (19-6, 10-1 GHL) have won eight games in a row. The league crown is their third in succession. GHL Baseball Champions*   Year    School Record 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010   Granite Hills Granite Hills/Grossmont Granite Hills Grossmont Grossmont 10-1 11-4 12-3 13-2 11-4 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 Steele Canyon Steele Canyon Granite Hills Granite Hills Granite Hills Valhalla Valhalla Granite Hills Helix/Monte Vista Helix Granite Hills Granite Hills Monte Vista Monte Vista/Helix 12-3 12-3 14-1 14-1 13-2 15-0 14-1 10-2  8-4 10-2 10-2 10-2  9-3  8-4 *Grossmont South League (1996-2009) DANIEL VASQUEZ scattered 8 hits in a complete game effort that hoisted his personal record to 7-0. He also walked three and struck out six. “We found another way to win,” said Granite Hills coach JAMES DAVIS. “It seems like we have a different guy pick us up every game.” The Eagles looked to their No. 9 hitter ANDY LOWRY to provide the spark in their latest conquest of Steele Canyon (15-11, 4-7 GHL). In the 3rd inning Lowry led off with a single and advanced on a base hit by MICHAEL DIFFLEY and eventually scored on a passed ball. After Steele Canyon tied the game in the top of the 5th on a walk to KENNETH BAGDASAR, a single by TANNER PERRY and a sacrifice fly by BERNY ARIPEZ, Lowry ignited a second Eagles rally in the bottom of the inning. Lowry doubled and advanced to third on a base hit by Diffley. JAYSON ROSE hit a ground ball to third base that was thrown away, allowing Lowry to score what proved to be the winning run. The Cougars did not go away easily. They loaded the bases in the top of the 7th on a single by ALCAREZ, an intentional walk to Perry and a walk to Aripez. Vasquez rose to the occasion by striking out the final two batters for the Eagles that ended the game.

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-14-14) — Okay – so he’s not Babe Ruth.

But when it comes to swatting the longball, Valhalla High catcher CHRIS HUDGINS is currently one of San Diego County’s best at depositing baseballs over the fence.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound senior, ticketed to Cal State Fullerton, hammered his 10th and 11th home runs while driving in 6 runs as the Norsemen nailed Grossmont, 13-1, Tuesday (May 13) at Joe Gizoni Field in a Grossmont Hills League encounter.

“He’s just a monster,” said senior teammate JORDAN QSAR.

In the rout of the Foothillers, Hudgins, who is a transfer from Grossmont, was 3-for-5 with 2 home runs and 6 RBI.

“He’s just a mature baseball player,” said Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON.

Pepperdine commit, JORDAN QSAR, a 6-foot-4, 185-pound senior, had a perfect game going until one out in the 5th inning in one of his rare pitching performances.

“I figure I’m going to pitch a lot more at the end of the season to get geared up for the playoffs,” said Qsar, who posted his first win in as many decisions.

In his latest outing against Grossmont he did not allow a hit in 4 1/3 innings but was tagged with one earned run while walking 2 and striking out 6.

“I didn’t pitch early in the season because I wanted to save my arm for the playoffs,” Qsar said. “I feel strong and ready to go.”

Qsar said his goal in college is to put on weight, like maybe 15 pounds. But the high point so far in his career is he touched 91 mph against Grossmont.

“I figure if I can gain the weight I want I can improve my velo,” he added.

Not to be overlooked in the Norsemen’s lopsided win over the Foothillers (16-9-1, 6-5 GHL) was GIUSEPPE CASTANOS, who slugged a 3-run homer in the 7th inning.

Leadoff man JEFF HOUGHTBY was 3-for-5 and Hudgins finished with 3 hits.

Grossmont garnered only 2 hits – one by HUNTER REED and one by FREDDY WALKER.

HELIX 7, WEST HILLS 6 (10 inn.) – Helix posted its third straight win on Tuesday (May 13) by coming from behind to beat visiting West Hills in a Grossmont Hills League marathon.

The Highlanders (15-12, 4-7 GHL) were down 3-0 almost immediately as West Hills designated hitter KRIS AGUILAR walloped a 3-run homer in the opening frame.

Helix fought back in the bottom of the 1st on consecutive singles by MATTHEW RICHARDSON, CONNOR KONISHI and JORGE GARCIA. DaSHAWN KEIRSEY capped the rally with a sacrifice fly.

The Highlanders tied the game in the 4th inning on a sacrifice fly by Garcia.

West Hills battled back regain the lead with 2 runs in the 5th inning. Helix committed two errors to key the rally.

But then it was the Highlanders turn to stage a comeback in the 6th inning, scoring one run on a wild pickoff throw and a single by Konishi.

West Hills (10-15, 3-8 GHL) probably thought it had the game won in the 10th inning after taking the lead on a run-scoring single by Aguilar.

Once again, however, Helix capitalized on two Wolf Pack errors, which eventually gave the Highlanders the nod in the bottom of the 10th.

“It was a tough day for the Pack,” West Hills coach MIKE HARWELL said. “But we’re tough, and our goal is to be there in the end. We plan to hammer through the remainder of the season and we’ll see what’s up when the dust settles.”

Outside of keeping their win streak alive, Helix coach COLE HOLLAND pointed out that the Highlanders had not struck out once in the 10 inning affair.

Grossmont Valley League
SANTANA 8, MOUNT MIGUEL 4 – The Santana Sultans claimed sole possession of the Grossmont Valley League lead by upending the host Matadors in the Spring Valley furnace on Tuesday (May 13).

Although the Sultans didn’t knock out Mount Miguel , they used the short game to set the Matadors (15-10, 6-3 GVL) on their heels.

Santana (17-10, 7-2 GVL), which has proven to be the master of the bunt, repeatedly caught the Mount Miguel defense out of position by laying down a series of bunts.

In the 1st inning Sultans’ leadoff hitter JACOB ODENKIRK drew a 10-pitch walk. That unleashed Santana’s short game. TRISTEN SALINAS following with a push-bunt single and TOMMY LOGAN pulled off a drag-bunt single to load the bases. CHRISTIAN MENDEZ then singled in Odenkirk. REECE HERNANDEZ walked with the bases loaded to make it 2-0.

Santana used another key bunt to spark a 3-run 3rd inning to make it 5-0. Logan singled, as did Mendez. Hernandez executed a drag-bunt to load the bases. Logan scored on a wild pitch and CALEB STUFFLE smashed a 2-run double.

In the 4th inning Santana executed four bunt plays to extend its lead to 7-1. Odenkirk had a drag-bunt to open the inning. Salinas followed with a push-bunt single. After a Mount Miguel error that loaded the bases, Hernandez and RYAN BROWNING executed back-to-back suicide squeeze bunts and suddenly the game was a blowout at 7-1.

“Our kids take pride in bunting the ball,” said Santana coach RIGO LEDEZMA. “It’s just a sign of unselfishness that we have on our team. The kids have bought in.”

Santana scored its final run in the 6th inning as Logan singled, stole second and scored on back-to-back errors by the Matadors.

Mount Miguel scored its first run on a ground out by BRAD MORENO in the 3rd inning.

In the 5th inning KENNY STEWART was hit by a pitch and JACOB CASTILLO singled. Moreno took a page from Santana’s book and delivered a push-bunt to load the bases. ESTEBAN LIERAS then doubled in 2 and ALEX ESTRADA singled in another run.

Mount Miguel will travel to Lakeside to face El Capitan at 4 p.m. on Wednesday (May 14).

EL CAPITAN 4, MONTE VISTA 2 – The youthful El Capitan Vaqueros kept their slim Grossmont Valley League title hopes alive by slipping past Monte Vista Tuesday (May 13) in Spring Valley.

Bottom line is, the Vaqueros (14-11, 6-3 GVL) need a sweep of their final three league encounters in order to make a genuine run for the crown.

El Capitan, which hosts Mount Miguel (15-10, 6-3 GVL) on Wednesday (May 14), clipped Monte Vista behind a complete game 4-hitter by TRISTAN DUNCAN, who struck out 7 and walked only one.

Sloppy defense by Monte Vista helped the Vaqueros score 4 runs in first two innings. SAM MELERO singled and stole second, followed by walks to JOHNATHAN SUMMERS and TRAVIS BAKER to load the bases with nobody out. CLAY CROMWELL hit a ground ball to shortstop that the Monarchs booted, allowing Melero to score. MYLES EMMERSON hit a sacrifice fly to score Summers in the opening frame.

El Capitan put together a 2-out rally in the second inning. Melero slashed a double and scored on a base hit by Summers. Summers eventually scored on an error by the Monarchs third baseman to make it 4-1.

RICKY DUPREE and CONNER WHITE shut the El Capitan offense down after that.

The Monarchs dinged Duncan with an RBI double by REILLY DIAZ, and again in the 7th inning on a double by JUAN DAVALOS.

“Tristan did what he’s been doing for us all year long,” said Vaqueros coach JORDAN ABRUZZO.

“After playing in the heat, I told the kids we have to create our energy and not focus on the heat (in the high 90s),” Abruzzo added.

In Wednesday’s game, the heat is predicted to tip 101 degrees.

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (5-11-14) — Mount Miguel High’s BRAD MORENO allowed only 2 hits and struck out seven during a 6-inning stint in Saturday’s (May 10) Grossmont Valley League 8-0 victory over Monte Vista. The triumph moved the Matadors into a share ofthe GVL lead with Santana.

“He’s such a competitor – ready to play every day,” noted Monte Vista coach MATT ATKINSON of Moreno. “If ever there was a catalyst, he’s a role model.”

ENRIQUE KELLER, who pitched a scoreless 7th inning for Mount Miguel, also drove in 2 runs with a single and a sacrifice fly.

The Matadors took the lead in the 1st inning as Moreno walked, stole second base and scored on a sacrifice fly by Keller.

The game remained fist-to-fist before Mount Miguel erupted for 4 runs in the 5th inning. The key blows in that frame were a double by ERIC DE LA ROSA, an RBI single by Moreno , and an RBI double by Keller.

“I messed it up when I was supposed to bunt,” said De La Rosa. “So I had to change my approach and lined a shot down the left field line. You have to do what you have to do to help your team win.”

De La Rosa’s shot scored 2 runs, which gave the Matadors a 3-0 lead at that point.

ALEX ESTRADA was 2-for-4, including a 2-run double in the 7th inning that left the Matadors two games behind front-running Santana in the GVL race.

“We do what we have to do to commit to win,” said Matadors coach JASON BABINEAU. “When all of our kids realize that one hit leads to another, everything comes up right.”

Moreno posted his 7th win in 10 decisions. The majority of his strikeouts came in three of his last six innings when he whiffed 5.

The Monarchs were limited to singles by AUSTIN CAOLE, ANDREW GONZALES and ALEX PFISTER.

SANTANA 4, SD-HIGH TECH 2; SANTANA 11, SD-HIGH TECH 1 – The Santana Sultans executed a doubleheader sweep over the Storm in non-league action on Saturday (May 10) in Santee.

Fast starts were the order of the day for the Sultans, who took a 4-0 lead in each of the two games.

DAULTON BARRY (2-2) allowed only 4 hits and 2 earned runs in Game 1. He walked none and struck out 3 in a six inning performance.

NOAH NUNEZ pitched a spotless 7th innings to earn his first save.

Santana scored all 4 of its runs in the 1st frame of Game 1. The key blow was a 2-run double by BRIAN PARKER to give the Sultans the early lead. NOAH NUNEZ followed with an RBI single, as did MITCHELL MILLER.

In the 2nd game of the doubleheader, Santana (16-10, 8-2) swept past the Storm by scoring 9 runs in the first three innings and cruised to an 11-1 victory.

RYAN BROWNING pitched six innings, allowing only one hit and striking out 9 as he logged his 3rd win in 5 decisions.

JACOB ODENKIRK pitched the final frame and struck out 2 as Santana maintained its hold on the Grossmont Valley lead.

The Sultans’ TRISTEN SALINAS was 3-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI in the 2nd game.

CHRISTIAN MENDEZ was 2-for-3 with 2 runs and 2 RBI for Santana. As well as pitching, Odenkirk went 2-for-3 with 2 doubles and an RBI.

EL CAPITAN 1, EL CAJON VALLEY 0, forfeit – Due to academic problems El Cajon Valley was unable to field a team against El Capitan in Saturday’s (May 10) Grossmont Valley League scheduled game, and thus were tagged with a forfeit.

The Vaqueros capitalized by claiming their 5th league win in 8 decisions, and rolled their overall record to 13-11.

© East County Sports.com
BARONA INDIAN RESERVATION (5-10-4) — Vista Calvary Christian, which hasn’t lost a league game since the 2010 season, knocked off Foothills Christian 10-5 Friday (May 9) in a Citrus League encounter at the Barona Indian Reservation.

The Lions (11-12, 4-0) scored 6 runs in the 3rd inning to take command. Gordon Nixon ripped a 2-run double in the big inning and Matt Hartman slugged a 2-run homer for the Lions. They added 3 more in the 4th.

Foothills Christian (15-6, 2-2) capitalized on five Lions errors as they played catch-up from the 3rd inning.

NOAH GULA had 2 of the Knights’ 5 hits.

You Make The Call!

Granite Hills right fielder Andy Lowry may not bat often, but he sure can handle the glove... but did he make this catch? YOU MAKE THE CALL! CLICK PHOTO FOR THE RESULT (Photos by Don DeMars Photography)

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (5-9-14) — Although he’s 6-foot-1, 230 pounds, Helix High first baseman JORGE GARCIA has been flying under the radar for the past few weeks.

Garcia, who has hit in an East County-best 11 straight games, has collected 10 hits in his last 12 at-bats. He was 2-for-3, including his 5th home run with a runner on board as the Highlanders came from behind to upend host Steele Canyon, 7-5, on Thursday (May 8) in a Grossmont Hills League encounter.

“Jorge is really locked in,” said Helix coach COLE HOLLAND. “Since last year he’s done a great job of shortening his swing. He’s been able to barrel up on balls. He’s very competitive in every at-bat.”

Garcia slugged a 2-run homer in the 4th inning as the Highlanders (14-12, 3-7 GHL) took a 2-1 lead over the Cougars (15-10, 4-6 GHL).

The two teams wrestled back and forth before Helix put the game away with 4 runs in the top of the 7th inning.

Making his 3rd start of the year, ERIC PRECIADO began the rally with a leadoff single. HUNTER ISBELL followed with a base hit. One out later CONNOR KONISHI singled to load the bases.

Then it was Garcia’s turn again. He slashed a single to drive in Preciado. At that point ELIJAH VARELA pinch ran for Garcia. JACK STRONACH grounded out to score Isbell to tie the game at 5-all.

That set the stage for the winning blow, which DaSHAWN KEIRSEY delivered as he singled in two runs to give the Highlanders the lead for keeps.

The inning before the big rally, Keirsey slugged a solo home run – his 2nd of the year.

“It’s a nice feeling to know that your kids don’t quit and you can come back,” said Holland.

Steele Canyon took a 1-0 lead in the 1st frame as TANNER PERRY walked, stole second and scored on a base hit by BRANDON BROWN.

In Steele Canyon ’s 4-run 4th inning BRANDON PEARCE, KENNETH BAGDASAR and Perry keyed the uprising with RBI doubles.

On the defensive side, Helix catcher HUNTER ISBELL cut down the only Cougar attempting to steal. In the last month Isbell has mowed down 14 of 17 base bandits.

GRANITE HILLS 3, VALHALLA 2 – The Granite Hills Eagles stretched their Grossmont Hills League lead to three games Thursday (May 8) by knocking off Valhalla for their 7th straight win.

The Eagles (18-6, 9-1) haven’t wrapped up the championship but they certainly have a firm grip on the title with five games remaining.

Valhalla fell to (15-9-1, 5-5) following the Norsemen’s latest setback.

JAYSON ROSE pitched a 4-hitter complete game and struck out 10 Norsemen as he posted his 5th win without a loss.

The Eagles broke a scoreless tie with 2 runs in the 4th inning. Rose singled and scored on a home run by JUSTIN MITCHELL.

In the 5th inning Rose slashed an RBI double to make it 3-0.

Valhalla rallied in the 6th inning. With two outs JORDAN QSAR walked and stole second. CHRIS HUDGINS followed with a home run over the right center field fence to cut Granite Hills’ lead to one run. It was Hudgins’ 9th round tripper.

Granite Hills actually took a 2-0 lead in the 4th inning as Rose reached base on a bunt single and Mitchell slugged his 2nd home run of the season.

The Highs and Lows on Defense Left: West Hills third baseman Cole Pendleton can't handle the low throw, allowing Grossmont pinchrunner Cameron Henderson (5) to turn around and score. Right: Meanwhile, Pendleton easily nails Foothillers baserunner Freddy Walker. (Photos by Linda Byerline)

GROSSMONT 2, WEST HILLS 0 – BRANDON WEED proved that he’s one of the top pitchers in East County as he blanked visiting West Hills Thursday (May 8) in a Grossmont Hills League contest at Joe Gizoni Field.

This was a strange game in that the Foothillers (12-11, 6-4) scored both of their runs without benefit of a hit, winning their 3rd straight and 4 out of 5.

Grossmont scored the winning run on an error by the first baseman. Three walks and a wild pickoff throw allowed the Hillers to double their advantage.

Weed allowed only 5 hits, walked one and struck out 8 as he raised his record to 6-4.

Grossmont’s only hits of the game came in the 1st frame as TIGER GUERRERO and RYAN BARNES each had singles.

For West Hills (10-14, 3-7) JOEY KRUG allowed only one unearned run and 2 hits over six innings.

“It’s a shame that we didn’t provide any offense for Krug,” said Wolf Pack coach MIKE HARWELL. “He definitely deserved a better fate.”

MOUNT MIGUEL 3, MONTE VISTA 1 – Mount Miguel’s DANIEL RONK won a pitching duel over Monte Vista ace REILLY DIAZ in Thursday’s (May 8) Grossmont Valley League showdown on the Matadors’ diamond.

After Monte Vista took the lead in the top of the first on a double by XAVIER CHAVOYA, a single by RICKY DUPREE and a sacrifice fly by Diaz, Ronk took command.

Ronk allowed only one hit over the final six innings, improving his record to 4-3.

“Ronk threw a complete game with only 67 pitches,” said Matadors coach JASON BABINEAU. “We played good defense and he threw strikes.”

Mount Miguel (14-9, 5-2) remained right on the heels of front-running Santana (14-10, 6-2), which had a bye on Thursday.

The Matadors tied the Monarchs in the bottom of the 1st on an RBI groundout by ALEX ESTRADA. Mount Miguel took the lead an inning later as Ronk singled, JACOB CASTILLO walked and ERIC DE LA ROSA and Moreno each whacked an RBI single.

EL CAPITAN 11, EL CAJON VALLEY 2 – SAM MELERO was 3-for-3 with 3 RBI to spark visiting El Capitan to a lopsided victory Thursday (May 8) over Grossmont Valley League rival El Cajon Valley.

VICTOR CARLINO added to the Vaqueros’ onslaught, going 2-for-4 with 3 RBI. CHANCE COLSON was 2-for-5 with 2 RBI.

The Vaqueros broke the game open with 7 runs in the 3rd inning, and that pretty much told the story.

Vaqueros reliever ALEX HELMS blanked the Braves on 2 hits while striking out 7 over the final four innings to earn the win.

ELMER RAMIREZ was 3-for-3 in the losing effort for the Braves. CARLOS MEJIA was 2-for-3 for El Cajon Valley.

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-8-14) — Christian High claimed a must-win over Coronado in Wednesday’s (May 7) Central League contest as the Patriots punched out the Islanders, 6-2, to move into second place.

KYLE STOWERS and BRYCE JURRIES combined to spin a 5-hitter and did not allow an earned run as the Patriots remained on the heels of front-running Serra (18-4, 6-0).

“This is one we had to have,” said Patriots coach MIKE MITCHELL.

Christian (16-8, 6-2) has two games left with Clairemont and two with Serra remaining in the regular season. A split would no doubt put the Patriots in the Division III playoffs.

“We needed to beat Coronado just once, but having beaten them twice really turns things in our favor in terms of the playoffs,” Mitchell said. “Now if everything goes our way we can turn our focus on trying to win a league title.”

Christian took a 2-0 lead in the 3rd inning as TREVOR HOWELL and Stowers smacked RBI singles.

Coronado fought back to tie the game in the 5th inning, but Christian broke loose for 4 runs in the 6th inning.

NICK JARVIS drew a leadoff walk and ZACH WELCH pinch-ran for him. WILL HAIL, who was 3-for-3 in the game, hammered a triple to left field, scoring Welch with the go ahead run. NATE JARVIS drew a walk, and pinch-hitter DAVID SUDA slashed a 2-run triple. Howell capped the inning with an RBI single.

East County Sports' Game of the Week

Presented By...                 ...Celebrating its First Anniversary!

Eagles on verge of GHL crown By Bill Dickens © East County Sports.com EL CAJON (5-7-14) — It will take an avalanche of bad luck to keep Granite HillsHigh from capturing the Grossmont Hills League championship. The No. 3 ranked Eagles have won 6 in a row and 13 of their last 15. “I don’t know what it is but we always seem to find a way to win,” said Granite Hills head coach JAMES DAVIS. The Eagles (17-6, 8-1) rallied from a 2-1 deficit to upend No. 5 ranked Valhalla, 7-5, in Tuesday’s (May 6) league encounter. That setback left the Norsemen (15-8-1, 5-4) three games behind Granite Hills. Six games remain in the regular season. “This was a huge win for us,” said JORDAN VERDON, the Granite Hills junior third base man, who made a game-saving catch and pounded out 2 hits and scored twice in four at-bats. “Nobody had to tell us how big this game was – we all knew.” The Eagles collected 11 hits, including 5 doubles in their latest victory. “This was a huge win for us, but it’s always big when we play Valhalla , no matter what the standings say,” Verdon continued. “They are our archrival.” The Eagles have hit less than a handful of home runs, but that hasn’t kept them from scoring runs. “We don’t have a bunch of big swing guys,” Verdon noted. “We’re a bunch of scrappers who know how to put the ball in play and make something happen.” Granite Hills jumped in front in the 3rd inning 3-2. Verdon doubled to right and advanced to third on a wild pitch, scoring on a sacrifice fly by JUSTIN MITCHELL. After JAYSON ROSE walked, DANIEL VASQUEZ doubled to left, eventually scoring on a passed ball. Granite Hills broke the game open in the 4th inning with 3 runs. ROBERT BOSTEDT walked and stole second. He scored on a double to left by Verdon. DILLAN SHRUM added a 2-run double to give the Eagles a 6-2 advantage. All the news was not good for Valhalla as starting pitcher BRENT KEATON left the game with two outs in the 2nd inning with an apparent rib injury. No one is quite sure how Keaton was injured but it could be as serious as a broken rib. “He’s day-to-day,” said Norsemen coach MIKE WILSON. Valhalla’s relief pitching could not pick up the pace but the Norsemen still pounded out 11 hits. Down 7-2 entering the final frame, Valhalla made a genuine charge. JEFF HOUGHTBY singled to left and JORDAN QSAR doubled to center, scoring Houghtby. GIUSEPPE CASTANOS slugged his second double to center field scoring Qsar. ANDY VAN ANTWERP collected his third hit of the game, a single to center, scoring Castanos. But that’s where the offense stalled.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-7-14) — There are several ways to create a walkoff win situation. Obviously the most common blow is with the bat.

Grossmont didn’t have to do that to knock off West Hills, 9-8, in Tuesday’s (May 6) in a Grossmont Hills League encounter.

Instead the Foothillers combined a base hit by BRADEN BARR, followed by two muffed sacrifice bunts and a bases loaded walk to HUNTER REED, who drew the game-winning walk on a 3-2 pitch, scoring Barr.

“It doesn’t matter how you get there, it just matters that you wind up on top,” said Grossmont coach CHAD WILLIAMS.

Grossmont rallied from a 3-1 deficit in the 2nd inning. TIGER GUERRERO slashed a 2-run double to tie the game at 3-3.

In the 3rd inning the Foothillers appeared to have put the game away as they scored three runs. Barr singled and Daley doubled and Weed hit a sacrifice fly to score Barr. RYAN BARNES doubled in Daley. West Hills pitching then issued three consecutive walks, with ALEX MARLAY picking up an RBI.

That gave Grossmont an 8-3 lead.

West Hills fought back to tie the game with 5 runs in the 4th inning. NATHAN LEDFORD slashed a 2-run double, and BRYCE GIBSON drove in a run on an infield ground out. A Grossmont error handed the Pack another run and the game was deadlocked.

The game remained tied until the bottom of the 7th until Reed drew the walkoff walk.

Barr pitched three innings of 1-hit shutout relief to earn his 2nd win in as many decisions.

STEVEN TILLEY was the hardluck loser for West Hills as he allowed only one run on 5 hits in three innings.

“The Pack battled back and played with heart. It’s a tough loss, but we walked out of here with a lot of positives,” said West Hills coach MIKE HARWELL.

JOHNNY ESPINOZA was 3-for-4 with 2 runs scored and an RBI for the Wolf Pack.

HELIX 1, STEELE CANYON 0 – Helix High’s anemic offense scored in the bottom of the 7th inning to make a winner out of DaSHAWN KEIRSEY, who fired a 5-hitter on Tuesday (May 6) as the Highlanders escaped with a 1-0 Grossmont Hills League victory over Steele Canyon.

Keirsey struck out 6 and did not allow an extra hit in a complete game effort that balanced his record at 2-2.

Helix snapped a 6-game losing streak.

“We’ve won 6 in a row and lost 6 in a row,” said Helix coach COLE HOLLAND. “It feels a lot better to win.”

Helix (13-12, 2-7) scored the only run of the game in the bottom of the 7th inning. With one out, NICO ALCOSER reached base on catcher’s interference and scrambled to second on a wild pitch.

Steele Canyon intentionally walked TONY JENNINGS, and that set the stage for CLIFFORD SMITH’s run-scoring single.

Steele Canyon (15-9, 4-5) wasted another powerful pitching performance by ALEX VESIA, who held the Highlanders to four hits and no earned runs while striking out 5 and walking only 3.

TANNER PERRY paced the Cougars’ 5-hit attack with a pair of singles.

“There was good pitching and good defense on both sides today,” Holland added. “We have really struggled to score runs lately. We got a run in the 7th inning and are happy to be back on the winning track.”

Strong, Santana’s 6-foot-2 senior right-hander, allowed only 2 hits and struck out 7 without issuing a single walk in his 5th complete game effort and 3rd shutout of the season. He lifted his record to 6-2 for the Sultans (14-10, 6-2) who own a two-game lead in the GVL race over Mount Miguel (13-9, 4-2).

“It took him 80 pitches to complete the game, which shows you what kind of control he has,” said Santana coach RIGO LEDEZMA. “He was able to throw strikes from both sides of the plate. Not everybody can do that.”

The Sultans took a 1-0 lead in the 2nd inning as DAULTON BARRY clubbed a leadoff double. A pair of walks pushed Barry to third, where he scored on NATHAN NUNEZ’ ground out.

Santana doubled its advantage in the 3rd frame. TOMMY LOGAN laced a leadoff double and eventually scored on a sacrifice fly by RYAN BROWNING.

The hardluck loser for El Capitan (11-11, 3-3) was DYLAN WANNAMAKER (5-3), who scattered 7 hits in a complete game effort.

El Capitan’s offense consisted of a double by CLAY CROMWELL and a single by SAM MELERO.

MONTE VISTA 3, EL CAJON VALLEY 1 – Host El Cajon Valley put the scare into the Monte Vista Monarchs in Tuesday’s (May 6) Grossmont Valley League game as the Braves took a 1-0 lead into the 4th inning.

Remember now, this is a team that is used to being beaten by double digits in the majority of their East County games.

“I told my guys, these guys can taste it. They want this game, so it’s up to you to take it back,” Monarchs coach MATT ATKINSON said.

The Monarchs (7-14, 3-3) took the lead on a 2-run single to center by SEAN WHITE.

The Monarchs extended their advantage to 3-1 in the 6th inning on a single by ANDREW GONZALES and a double by RICKY DUPREE.

Monte Vista freshmen CONNER WHITE and JUSTIN SCHWEIZER combined to pitch a 3-hitter against the Braves (5-12, 0-6).

El Cajon Valley, which received a complete game effort from VINCENT RINAURO, took the lead in the 1st inning.

HECTOR CARREON walked, advanced to second on a ground out by SEBASTIAN HERRERA and scored on a base hit by CARLOS MEJIA.

Rinauro slashed a triple but was stranded on base.

“Give credit to El Cajon Valley,” said Atkinson. “They made all the plays, kept the pressure on us the whole ball game.”

© East County Sports.com
CORONADO (5-6-14) — Whenever the Christian High Patriots need a lift, they give the ball to SAM GERSHOW.

That was the case in Monday’s (May 5) Central League game on the peninsula as Gershow pitched a 3-hit shutout. He struck out 5 and walked none in the complete game effort.

“Gershow was definitely our stopper,” he noted.

The Patriots scored the only run of the game in the 3rd inning. With one out JOE ROSS singled to right, one out later BRANDON TARDIFF singled to right to put runners at the corners. CHRISTIAN MEZA followed suit with a base hit to right field, scoring Ross.

Odds are Serra is going to run away with the league title as the Conquistadors are 6-0 and 17-4 overall.

The Patriots will host Coronado (13-8, 3-2) in a league encounter on Wednesday (May 7) at 3:30. These teams have split two previous meetings this season.

MATER DEI CATHOLIC 6, MOUNT MIGUEL 3 – Host Mount Miguel dropped a non-league decision to Mater Dei Catholic in Monday’s (May 5) contest in Spring Valley.

The Crusaders (9-13) took the lead for keeps with three runs in the 3rd inning.

BRAD MORENO and ALEX ESTRADA were each 2-for-4, while KENNY STEWART went 2-for-3 for Mount Miguel.

Moreno, ESTABAN LIERAS, ENRIQUE KELLER and DANIEL SAAVEDRA each had a stolen base for the Matadors.

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (5-4-14) — Santana High out-maneuvered Grossmont Valley League rival El Capitan in Saturday’s (May 3) encounter with a near perfect game of short ball.

The bottom line here was the Sultans laid down six bunts – four of them for sacrifices and two of them for hits.

Now that sounds like a hard way to win a game, but the league-leading Sultans (13-10, 5-2) displayed exemplary execution in a 5-4 victory over host El Capitan.

“It was a game of execution,” said El Capitan coach JORDAN ABRUZZO. “They did – and we didn’t.”

“I don’t get many at-bats in practice, so bunting is something I don’t do very often,” said Strong.

Pitching is Strong’s game. He pitched three innings in relief, allowing only one run and 3 hits as he posted his 5th win in seven decisions.

“I knew I only had 10 outs left for the rest of the week, so I didn’t hold anything back,” Strong said.

But his squeeze bunt turned out to be more vital than his pitching.

“We like to put pressure on the other team, and bunting as well as we do is a great way to do that,” said Santana coach RIGO LEDEZMA.

Santana sophomore JACOB ODENKIRK was a double threat for Santana. Not only did he collect 2 of the Sultans’ 5 hits, including a double, he also got the final 2 outs to earn his first save.

“I don’t care whether I’m pitching or playing in the field,” Odenkirk said. “I just like to be out there. It’s been kind of a topsy-turvy season for me as I’ve hit up and down the order all year. I don’t mind. Hitting leadoff... that’s fun. That’s what I did today.”

El Capitan (11-10, 3-2) received another strong pitching performance from TRISTAN DUNCAN, who pitched a complete game and did not allow an earned run. He struck out 9 yet was tagged with his 4th loss in 8 decisions. He surrendered a run in the 1st inning yet struck out the side to close the door on the Sultans in that frame.

Duncan gave Santana a second run on a wild pickoff throw in the 2nd inning, staking the Sultans to a 2-0 lead.

GROSSMONT 10, STEELE CANYON 2 – For the first time in 10 games, Grossmont’s offense crashed into double scoring digits on Saturday (May 3) in a

Grossmont Hills League encounter at Joe Gizoni Field.

The beneficiary of Grossmont’s sudden offensive uprising was pitcher BRANDON WEED, who surrendered only 3 hits and one earned run in six innings while pushing his record to 6-4.

A 6-run 4th inning pushed the Foothillers over the top. The key hit in that frame was a 2-run single by MATT LUJAN. TIGER GUERRERO and RYAN BARNES also plated runs on bases loaded walks.

The Cougars (15-8, 4-4) chipped in by allowing a run to score on a passed ball and a throwing error.

Weed was back to his familiar form as he retired the side in order in the 1st and 4th innings. He struck out the side in the 4th.

“He was pretty unlucky early in the season,” said Grossmont coach CHAD WILLIAMS. “But now his confidence is back to where it was last year.”

Lujan, known more for his glove than his bat, was 2-for-3 with 3 RBI. Leadoff batter and catcher HUNTER STRATTON was 2-for-4 with 2 runs scored. Guerrero finished with 2 RBI for the Foothillers (10-11, 4-4), who are scrambling to make the playoffs.

“The way I see it, we need to win 6 of our last 8,” said Williams, whose Foothillers play in Division I. “There are no cupcakes in our division.”

It's the dash to the plate by a West Hills' player (42, not listed on the ballclub's official roster), while Valhalla pitcher Foster McNary covers. (Photo by Don DeMars Photography)

VALHALLA 7, WEST HILLS 6 – On the edge of falling back into the middle of the Grossmont Hills League standings, host Valhalla scored 3 runs in the bottom of the 7th in Saturday’s (May 3) victory over visiting West Hills at Eric Turgeon Field.

Like drama? This was a good one...

After West Hills (10-12, 3-5) took a 6-4 lead by scoring twice in the 7th inning it looked like the Wolf Pack was prepared to upset the Norsemen in consecutive meetings. West Hills scored 2 runs without benefit of a hit to nudge ahead 6-4.

The bottom of the 7th, however, belonged to Valhalla (15-7-1, 5-3).

COLE HENDERSON opened the frame with a walk. One out later JUSTIN GARCIA-JAIME walked and COREY ZIMMERMAN reached base on an error to load the bases. JEFF HOUGHTBY singled to score ANDY VAN ANTWERP (safe on a fielder’s choice).

JORDAN QSAR lifted a sacrifice fly to center field to tie the game at 6-6. Then CHRIS HUDGINS put the game away with a single to center, scoring Zimmerman.

Qsar finished 3-for-4 to lead Valhalla ’s 9-hit assault, but the Cal State Fullerton-bound Hudgins was 2-for-3 including the game-winning blow.

For the Norsemen’s 3-game week Hudgins was 8-for-12 with 2 doubles, 2 home runs (one grand slam) and 9 RBI. He also scored 3 runs, stole a base and was walked twice. Defensively he threw out 3 baserunners.

“Hudgins is legit – a great catcher and a great hitter,” noted Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON. “He’s definitely a Division I player.”

For West Hills (10-12, 3-5) HAYDEN SCHILLING was 2-for-4 and NATHAN LEDFORD was 1-for-4 with 2 RBI.

GRANITE HILLS 2, HELIX 0 – JUSTIN MITCHELL’s 2-run single provided all the scoring Saturday (May 3) as Grossmont Hills League-leading Granite Hills won its fifth straight game.

Eagles coach JAMES DAVIS admitted that the 100 degree heat had an impact on both teams.

“So I guess it was good to get the lead early,” he said. “When heat becomes a factor both teams lose their usually lose their edge.”

One player that didn’t was Eagles junior pitcher DANIEL VASQUEZ (6-0). The reliable right-hander pitched a 4-hitter and walked none while striking out 8.

“He was able to keep Helix off stride by mixing his three pitches,” Davis said of Vasquez, who has become almost untouchable for Granite Hills on Saturdays.

“No matter what the situation he always seems to avoid disaster by making the key pitches at the right time.”

The hardluck loser for Helix (12-12, 1-7), which suffered its sixth straight loss, was JEREMIAH WYLIE (5-3). In a complete game outing, Wylie surrendered only 4 hits – just 2 in the final five innings – and one earned run as he walked one and struck out 3.

JORGE GARCIA was about the only flash of the Highlanders’ offense as he went 3-for-3 for the second straight game.

The only other hit by the Highlanders was a double supplied by DaSHAWN KEIRSEY.

Granite Hills (16-6, 7-1) owns a 2-game lead in the Grossmont Hills League with seven games remaining, so the issue is hardly decided.

MONTE VISTA 9, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 – RICKY DUPREE fired a complete game 2-hit shutout Saturday (May 3) as Monte Vista rolled past El Cajon Valley in a Grossmont Valley League game.

Dupree walked only one and struck out 8.

The Monarchs (6-14, 2-3) took a 1-0 lead in the 1st inning as AUSTIN COALE doubled and scored on a base hit up the middle by REILLY DIAZ.

Monte Vista extended its advantage in the 2nd inning on a 2-run single by JUAN DAVALOS.

A 5-run 4th inning put the game away for the Monarchs. PFISTER slashed a 2-run single and GABE COVARRUBIAS hit a run-scoring double to key the inning.

Caole led Monte Vista’s 10-hit attack with 2 singles and a double.

El Cajon Valley pitcher ELMER RAMIREZ deserved a better fate as he scattered 10 hits in a complete game effort. Only 3 of the runs he allowed were earned and he struck out 8.

MOUNT MIGUEL 6, CHULA VISTA 0 – Do-it-all senior BRAD MORENO fired a complete game 3-hit shutout with 8 strikeouts in Saturday’s (May 3) non-league
game in the South Bay.

But his efforts didn’t stop there as the Matadors’ leadoff man, Moreno was 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles, 2 runs scored, an RBI and 3 stolen bases.

Mount Miguel (13-8) wasted little time jumping on top of the Spartans, scoring twice in the opening frame. Moreno led off with a double and scored on a base hit by ESTEBAN LIERAS. A 2-base error permitted Lieras to advance to third where he scored on a sacrifice fly by ENRIQUE KELLER.

With two outs in the 2nd inning DANIEL SAAVEDRA and Moreno banged back-to-back doubles to make it 3-0.

From there Mount Miguel remained in cruise control.

In the 5th inning, ALEX ESTRADA drove in Moreno with a sacrifice fly and ANDRES GONZALEZ slashed a run-scoring single to make it 5-0. The final Matador run scored on an error in the 6th.

FRANCIS PARKER 6, CHRISTIAN 0 – The Christian High Patriots suffered their first shutout of the season when they dropped a non-league encounter Saturday (May 3) at Francis Parker.

Jonathan Vizcaino blanked the Patriots on 4 hits as he struck out 5 and walked none.

The Patriots were limited to a double by NATHAN JARVIS and 3 singles.

“Some days the other team plays better,” acknowledged Christian coach MIKE MITCHELL. “Right now we’re not taking the things we do well in practice into the games.”

Christian (14-8, 4-2) is now slated to begin a crucial 2-game Central League series against Coronado. The Patriots travel to the peninsula on Monday (May

5), and then have a return engagement on Wednesday (May 7) at Christian. Both games are at 3:30 p.m.

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (5-3-14) — Christian High cruised to its third win in as many Central League starts against Lincoln on Friday (May 2), dropping the Hornets, 7-4.

NATE JARVIS and BRYCE JURRIES combined to pitch a 6-hitter for Christian (14-7, 4-2) in a game the Patriots led from start to finish.

Christian won earlier games against the Hornets 22-2 and 10-2.

The Patriots scored 2 runs in the 1st inning to take the lead. TREVOR HOWELL reached base on an error and CHRISTIAN MEZA singled for the first of his 3 hits in the contest. KYLE STOWERS hoisted a sacrifice fly, scoring Howell. Catcher WILL HAIL then singled in Meza.

Christian broke the game open with four runs in the 5th. ZACH HOGUEISSON stroked the key hit with a single, driving in two runs with a base hit.

In the 6th inning Meza hit the second of his two doubles and scored on a single by ZACH WELCH.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 7, CLASSICAL ACADEMY 6 – Foothills Christian avenged an earlier 5-3 tournament loss to the Caimans with a blistering 6th-inning rally in Friday’s (May 2) Citrus League rematch at Barona.

“It was a great comeback,” said Knights coach DAVE LEWIS. “We were down 6-1 and we came back. TIM GRAY had a great game, was 3-for-3 with 2 RBI.”

In the pivotal 6th inningm East County batting leader DANIEL LUCKETT singled to launch the rally. NATHAN YEAGER followed with a walk and NOAH GULA singled to score Luckett.

MARK PROFETA drew a walk and Gray banged a 2-run single, scoring Yeager and Gula with nobody out.

Even with two outs the Knights (14-5, 1-1) kept on firing. JOSH LEWIS scored Profeta with a bunt single and CALEB HOFFMAN scored on an error. Luckett got his second hit of the inning to drive in Lewis with what proved to be the winning run.

Lewis was victimized by four errors but managed to surrender only 3 earned runs in five innings at Foothills Christian’s starting pitcher. Reliever RYAN QUINN blanked the Caimans on 2 hits over the final 2 frames to run his record to 3-1.

“Ryan Quinn pitches when we need it and comes up with big base hits – he’s Mr. Clutch,” said coach Lewis. “He has not struck out once this year. He puts the bat on the ball every single time.

“Caleb Hoffman does what he always does – got on base, made things happen.”

East County Sports' Game of the Week  Presented By...                 ...Celebrating its First Anniversary! Wolf Pack spank No. 6 Valhalla By Bill Dickens © East County Sports.com EL CAJON (5-2-14) — It didn’t start out for the best of days for the West Hills High baseball team on Thursday (May 1), as head coach MIKE HARWELL walked out to the Wolf Pack diamond only to find that the backstop was all but blown off its base. This wouldn’t have been as much of an issue except the Pack was scheduled to host Valhalla in a Grossmont Hills League game. The Santa Ana winds had caused one of the main pipes to break in half and several others were not in the best of shape according to coach Harwell. “Just because of the longevity of the backstop, rust was also a factor. Since we couldn’t play there we thought it would be best to move the game to Valhalla , and they agreed,” Harwell said. Turns out it didn’t hurt West Hills a bit. The Wolf Pack (10-11, 3-4) hammered out 19 hits in a 15-2 victory over No. 6 ranked rival Valhalla (14-7-1, 4-3). Wolf Pack leadoff hitter CHASE PARSONS had a huge outing as he reached base five times in as many at-bats and scored 3 runs. He had two singles, got hit by a pitch twice and drew a walk. NATHAN LEDFORD carried the heavy lumber for West Hills. He was 2-for-2 and drove in 4 runs with the key blow a 3-run homer in the 5th inning that gave the Pack a 10-1 lead. COLE PENDLETON had probably his best game as a member of the Pack by going 3-for-3 with 2 runs scored, 3 RBI anchored by a 2-run homer. Ten members of the Pack contributed to the season high 19-hit total. WILLIE BENNETT was the beneficiary of the West Hills onslaught as he surrendered 11 hits but only 2 earned runs to even his record at 4-4. “I wouldn’t say this was our best hitting game, it was out best game overall – all things considered,” said Harwell. “No errors and a complete game by Willie Bennett.” For Valhalla the highlights were slim even though the Norsemen got 3 hits from CHRIS HUDGINS and 2 apiece from JUSTIN GARCIA-JAIME, JORDAN QSAR and COREY ZIMMERMAN. Qsar slugged his 4th home run of the season in the 7th inning, but it was much too little, too late. West Hills shortstop Cole Pendleton attempts the tap-and-throw double play. However, Valhalla baserunner Justin Garcia-Jaime was ruled safe at second; Pendleton registered the out at first. (Photo by David Pendleton)

They proved that on Thursday (May 1) as they stunned Santana, 3-2, in a Grossmont Valley League encounter.

Fact is, the Monarchs made decide who wins the league championship, themselves being a longshot for the gold ring.

AUSTIN CAOLE scattered 7 hits and allowed only 2 earned runs as the Monarchs knocked the Sultans (12-10, 4-2) out of what appeared to become the league lead.

“Caole was lights out,” said Atkinson. “He had four or five balls hit right back to the box on him and he made all the plays.”

Monte Vista did all of its scoring in the 2nd inning. REILLY DIAZ slashed a lead single, MATT GONZALES followed with a bunt that turned into a base hit, ANDREW GONZALES put down another bunt but the first baseman threw the ball away to load the bases. SEAN WHITE laced a single to right field to give the Monarchs a 1-0 lead.

After a safety squeeze backfired, XAVIER CHAVOYA rifled a 2-run single to make it 3-0.

Santana had a legitimate chance to catch up in the 5th inning, but the Monte Vista defense pulled the rug out.

The Sultans’ CHRISTIAN MENDEZ singled into the gap and attempted to stretch his hit into a double. Monte Vista center fielder Diaz cut off the ball and fired to shortstop RICKY DUPREE to thwart Mendez’ effort.

But Santana wasn’t finished as AIDAN RASMUSSON walked and scored on a double by NATHAN NUNEZ.

In the 7th inning the Sultans threatened to take the lead. Mendez walked, Rasmusson singled and both runners moved up 90 feet on a ground out by NOAH NUNEZ. TRISTEN SALINAS to scored Mendez but after that the rally stalled.

The hardluck loser for Santana was DAULTON BARRY, who pitched a complete game and allowed only one earned run.

JACOB ODENKIRK accounted for 2 of the Sultans’ 7 hits.

STEELE CANYON 6, GROSSMONT 4 – Steele Canyon collected a key victory Thursday (May 1) by knocking off Grossmont, leaving the Cougars only two games behind front-running Granite Hills in the Grossmont Hills League race.

ALEX VESIA scattered 8 hits and struck out 6 over five innings, hoisting his overall record to 6-3.

CHRIS BARKLEY pitched two shutout innings to log his 8th East County-leading save.

Grossmont (9-11, 3-4) took the early lead on an RBI single by BRANDON WEED in the 2nd inning. His clutch hit followed base hits by BRADEN BARR and ALEX MARLAY.

Steele Canyon fought back in the 3rd inning to push across 3 runs as COLE FLINT’s 2-run single was the key blow.

The Cougars erupted with a two-out rally in the 4th. MACKEY BOWERS drew a walk and scored on a booming double by BERNY ARIPEZ off the right field wall.

Suddenly it looked like Steele Canyon (15-7, 4-3) was going to cruise to an easy victory.

But Grossmont scrambled back with 3 runs in the 5th inning to tie the game at 4-4. The key blow was a 2-run double delivered by PEYTON LINDSAY. One out later Lindsay scored on a single up the middle by NICK DALEY.

The Cougars came right back in the bottom of the 5th as an RBI single to left by WYATT LOGAN put Steele Canyon in front to stay.

The Cougars added an insurance run on an RBI single by TANNER PERRY.

Grossmont shortstop Hunter Reed dives for the bag to gain the force out. (Photo by Linda Byerline)

GRANITE HILLS 6, HELIX 0 – Grossmont Hills League-leading Granite Hills was provided with dual leadership by senior JAYSON ROSE, who pitched and batted the Eagles past Helix in Thursday’s (May 1) league encounter in La Mesa.

On the hill, the Utah-bound Rose blanked the Highlanders on 5 hits over 6 innings as he posted his 4th win without a loss.

As a hitter he was even more deadly as he hammered a solo home run and finished 3-for-4 with 4 RBI.

“Nowadays in our league it seems like you’re almost a survivor if you win, and don’t get upset,” said Granite Hills coach JAMES DAVIS. “Rose is our cornerstone but we’ve had a lot of different players contribute game to game.”

Granite Hills jumped in front with 3 runs in the 1st inning. Rose slapped a bases-loaded 2-run single and SHANE NOBIENSKY added a sacrifice fly.

An inning later ROBERT BOSTEDT singled for the second inning in a row, and JORDAN VERDON followed with a base hit. Rose then doubled in Bostedt to make it 4-0.

In the 5th inning – guess who – Rose slugged a solo home run. JUSTIN MITCHELL then doubled and scored on a base hit by NATE NGUYEN.

Half of the Highlanders’ offense was supplied by JORGE GARCIA, who hammered a double and two singles in as many at-bats.

Helix (12-11, 1-6) had one scoring chance in the 3rd inning when the Highlanders loaded the bases with nobody out.

But Rose quickly quelled the uprising. He served up a ground ball where the Eagles cut down a runner at the plate. He then coaxed another grounder and Granite Hills turned it into the only double play of the game.

MOUNT MIGUEL 13, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 – The Matadors (12-8, 4-2) maneuvered its way into a tie for second place with Santana in the Grossmont Valley League by smothering the Braves with a 16-hit attack on Thursday (May 1) in Spring Valley.

Mount Miguel coach JASON BABINEAU emptied his bench with BRAD MORENO, ESTEBAN LIERAS, ENRIQUE KELLER, ALEX ESTRADA, ANDRES GONZALEZ and ERIC DE LA ROSA each contributing 2 hits to the onslaught.

Probably the most pleasing part of the game for coach Babineau was the pitching as he employed De La Rosa and CHRISTIAN GARCIA to handle the chucking chores. The duo allowed only 3 hits in five innings.

“With the limited innings Eric and Christian have played this season, I commend them for effectively doing their job on the mound,” Babineau said.

“I’m really proud of the guys who came off the bench and capitalized on their opportunity to play,” he added.

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-1-14) — With eight games remaining in the regular season, the Christian High Patriots find themselves in a must-win situation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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