© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-01-08) — MIKE MITCHELL doesn’t claim to be a magician. But the Christian High baseball coach did make a bit of a hunch pay dividends in Monday’s (Mar. 31) City Conference Tournament game against St. Augustine at Hickman Field.

Mitchell assigned freshman utilityman MICHAEL POTEET to start at third base and bat cleanup. A tall order for the 5-foot-10, 160-pound Patriots yearling, considering Poteet entered the game with only three hits in 20 at-bats.

“He’s been swinging the bat well the last couple of games,” Mitchell insisted.

Poteet made his coach look good as he drove in 6 runs with a pair of doubles and a single helping Christian outslug St. Augustine, 12-8. That victory not only raised Christian’s record to 10-3 overall, it assured the Patriots a berth in Saturday’s (Apr. 5) tournament semifinals at Cathedral at 10 a.m.

Once again Christian followed its modus operandi, jumping out to a 6-0 advantage by the 4th inning only to hand the Saints (8-6) five unearned runs to create an 8-8 tie in the bottom of the 6th inning.

Poteet played a major role in Christian’s 4-run rally in the 7th inning. Credit (or discredit) St. Augustine for fueling that late-inning uprising. The Saints offered two walks and a pair of hit batters to give Christian a 9-8 edge. Then it was Poteet’s turn, as he cleared the bases with a 3-run double to center field.

Patriots junior right-hander BRAD ROBERTSON, who was victimized by some shoddy play an inning earlier, held on to post his San Diego CIF-leading 6th victory.

The Saints put up a fight though. Carlos Carriedo and Alex Perry began the bottom of the 7th with back-to-back singles. Robertson then worked a full count on Alan Aguilar. Robertson has been a magic man for the Patriots all season, but he did his best Houdini in this situation.

It was quite a turnaround, considering Robertson was only one ball away from bringing the tying run to the plate with nobody out. But then when you’re 6-0 with a 3.10 ERA, the breaks tend to go your way.

Christian hosts Hoover in the final round of pool play on Wednesday (Apr. 2). That game has no bearing on the Patriots’ fate in the City Conference Tournament.

Grossmont catcher is the “Baum”

© East County Sports.com
PACIFIC BEACH (3-30-08) — Still smarting from back-to-back losses less than a week ago, the Grossmont Foothillers had a lot on their minds Saturday (Mar. 29) when they engaged the Mission Bay Buccaneers in a non-league doubleheader at the beach.

KYLE SECCIANI went 4-for-8 with three runs scored and three RBI to help the Hillers sweep the Bucs 6-2 and 13-11.

“We’re just happy to get everything back on track,” said Secciani. “Losing those two games to Poway and West Hills is a low point of our season. It was our own fault though because we were too lazy, too lackadaisical. Now it’s back to business.”

Secciani provided the early spark as he began the opener with a walk, advanced to second on JOSH SIMMS’ sacrifice, stole third and scored on a throwing error. Secciani added a 2-run double an inning later, staking Grossmont to a 3-0 lead.

“We wanted to come out and be aggressive,” Secciani said.

Sophomore southpaw STEVEN BRAULT, BRENNAN GEARY and LEVI STEVENS stuffed the Bucs on three hits. Geary, who pitched only 1 2/3 innings to earn the win, had a hand in creating two double plays. Stevens, the ace of the Grossmont staff, struck out four over the final two frames to earn the save.

Things got a little wilder in the nightcap. It took five Hiller hurlers to tame Mission Bay in this go-round.

DONOVAN D’SOUZA was the only Grossmont pitcher not to allow a run as he spun a scoreless 5th to pick up the victory.

BRYAN HAAR was roughed up for two runs in the bottom of the 7th, but held on to record the save.

DEREK BAUM, who was 3-for-8 with two runs and four RBI, extended his season-long hitting streak to 13 games. That’s tops in East County . Baum belted an RBI double in the 1st inning and doubled home two more in the 7th. His second 2-base blow actually proved to be the difference in the game.

“We didn’t show much energy in the two games that we lost,” Baum said. “But once we got back on the horse in that first game today, I think it’s fair to say we’ve got our fire back.”

Not only has Baum been a consistent hitter, he’s also come through in the clutch. His .432 batting average includes 25 RBI.

“He’s always done the job defensively,” said Grossmont coach ROB PHILLIPS. “But he’s really worked on his hitting and I think the results are obvious.”

“He’s our rock – the bigger the game, the better he does.”

Yet, Baum, a 5-foot-11, 180-pound catcher, has attracted little to no interest from colleges.

“I’m totally appalled that some college hasn’t picked him up,” Phillips said.

Baum, who has a 4.1 grade point average and 1950 S.A.T. score, is good at taking the oversight in stride, at least on the surface.

“I guess I’ve been flying under the radar,” Baum said.

Grossmont’s second game onslaught included a 2-run single by CONOR MEREDITH and a 2-run single by ROBERT REYES. Simms was 3-for-4 and scored four runs.

Smith came alive with 6 hits, 6 RBI, 3 runs and 3 steals in eight at-bats as Santana outslugged El Cajon Valley and Canyon Crest by a composite 22-1 over a 24-hour span.

“Smith was pressing early, probably due to his inexperience,” Santana coach JERRY HENSON said. “But he’s willing to work hard and listen to his coaches. And now I think he’s calmed down and relaxed. He has a live bat and definitely has a clue at the plate.”

Pond walked and scored as a pinch-hitter against El Cajon Valley and then broke loose for 3 hits, 4 runs scored and one RBI in three at-bats in Saturday’s (Mar. 29) non-league romp at Canyon Crest.

“Josh hasn’t swung the bat since the first game of the season,” Henson said. “But he’s a big kid (6-foot-6, 240) who doesn’t get cheated when he swings. And he runs pretty well for a guy his size.”

Not to be overshadowed was the pitching of sophomore KYLE HAYES and senior MIKE MANRING, who combined on a 4-hitter. Hayes worked the first five innings and struck out seven to pick up his second win in three decisions.

Pitching has been the backbone of Santana’s fast start. The Sultans boast a 1.67 team ERA. As a staff they have posted four shutouts and allowed only one home run in 84 innings. Only one opponent has scored more than three runs in a game.

Small wonder Santana (10-2) has won nine straight games.

© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (3-29-08) — One thing El Capitan coach STEVE VICKERY has learned about his team this year is there are no sure things.

Six of El Capitan’s eight wins have come by four runs or less, five have come by three runs or less, and three have come by two runs or less. And in nearly all of those games the Vaqueros have seen the lead change hands multiple times.

“I know it’s a cliché, but we’re making most of our games barnburners,” Vickery said. “We take an early lead and somehow we find a way to lose it. By the same token, when we fall behind more often than not we come back.”

El Capitan (8-3) did a little bit of both in Friday’s (Mar. 28) non-league 8-7 victory over visiting Bonita Vista.

After falling behind 1-0 in the 1st inning the No. 6-ranked Vaqueros stormed back with four runs in the bottom of the inning.

KEVIN MORTON sparked that rally with a swinging bunt single. TANNER RUST brought him in when he doubled off the bank in right-center field. KORBIN KRUGER, who has a 10-game hitting streak going, clubbed a 2-run homer to put the Vaqueros in front. BROOKS NOBLE capped the 1st inning uprising with an RBI single.

By the close of the 4th inning the Vaqueros had frittered away the lead, allowing Bonita Vista (7-5) to take a 5-4 lead. The Barons extended their advantage to 7-4 in the top of the 5th.

But El Capitan wasn’t ready to roll over, scoring four runs in the bottom of the 5th to regain the lead. This Vaqueros rally had similar overtones to the 1st inning scoring fest.

Morton started things with a push bunt single, Rust then doubled to right-center field, scoring Morton. The Barons intentionally walked Kruger and MILES REAGAN followed with a bloop single to load the bases. A walk to ANDY HALE forced in one run and KYLE MILLS’ sacrifice fly tied it at 7-all.

Pinch-hitter CANNON NIKZAD slashed a single to left field to score Reagan from third with what proved to be the winning run.

The Barons loaded the bases in the top of the 7th before reliever Morton recorded a game-ending strikeout. It was the third save for Morton, who blanked the Barons on one hit over the final two innings.

“I can’t think of anybody I’d rather have on the mound in that situation than Kevin Morton,” Vickery said.

COMING ATTRACTION:
The annual Grossmont North-South Tournament begins on Tuesday (Apr. 1). The Vaqueros travel to Mount Miguel for the tourney opener. Other first-round match-ups include Grossmont at Valhalla, Santana at Helix, West Hills at Granite Hills and El Cajon Valley at Steele Canyon. All games start at 4 p.m.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-28-08) — Those expecting a runaway in the Grossmont North League can forget it. The heavy preseason favorite was knocked out of the box in Thursday’s (Mar. 27) opening game at Joe Gizoni Field.

West Hills, predicted for an also-ran finish, shocked the favored Grossmont Foothillers, ranked No. 2 in the San Diego CIF, scoring seven runs in its first two at-bats. The Wolf Pack continued on to a 13-7 victory.

“I’m really disappointed in our kids,” said Foothillers coach ROB PHILLIPS. “We really stunk it up. It’s like we’re still on spring break. We as coaches could see that in our past two practices and that lackadaisical approach carried over to this game.”

Different attitude at West Hills (8-4, 1-0 GNL).

The visiting Wolf Pack pounded Grossmont’s top pitchers for 15 hits, including a 4-for-4 effort by senior centerfielder RYNE BARKLEY, who drove in five runs. Although no one in the West Hills dugout was chatting about it, Barkley was a home run shy of hitting for the cycle.

That may sound like a long distance from completion, but remember this is Gizoni Field where the long ball is known as the frequent flyer.

Only two balls left the park on this day. Grossmont’s KYLE SECCIANI smacked a grand slam over the short porch in right, which at the time, cut West Hills lead to 7-4.

West Hills’ ERIC McKNIGHT ripped a “monster” 2-run shot over the fence in left field to extend the Wolf Pack lead to 9-6 in the 4th inning.

“You can’t ask for a better start,” declared West Hills coach CHRIS BAUM. “(Grossmont) is ranked what, No. 2 in the county? My boys believe they can beat anybody. There’s never been a team that I’ve coached that plays with as much confidence as these guys do. Going to Grossmont and playing at that field can really psych a team out, but we don’t let it bother us.”

It wasn’t until the Wolf Pack scored three runs in the 7th inning that Baum could rest easy. Pinch-hitter MICHAEL LOBAUGH walked and WILL CRUMPLER ran for him. CHRIS ALLEN followed with a bunt single and TONY SPEARS walked to load the bases.

With West Hills leading 10-7, Grossmont brought its infield in tight. Barkley pierced the Foothillers’ defense with a single up the middle to score two runs. Spears eventually scored on a wild pitch and that – for all intents and purposes – ended the game.

“You’re never comfortable until the final out is made on that field, by any means – you never know if a team will come back on you,” Baum said. “There’s just something about that field.”

The top third of the West Hills batting order – Allen, Spears and Barkley – was a combined 10-for-13 with nine runs scored and six RBI. Not to be forgotten was GABRIEL ZEHNER, who was 2-for-3 with three RBI.

West Hills was picked to finish 4th in the six-team league race.

“I’m completely happy with being the darkhorse,” Baum said. “We’re perfectly okay flying under the radar. The boys love surprising people, they’re happy with what they have accomplished. We don’t worry about rankings.”

CONOR MEREDITH accounted for half of Grossmont’s six hits.

“I am surprised that we came into this game without a little sense of urgency after losing to (top-ranked) Poway (8-2 in the Lions semifinals),” said Phillips. “Give West Hills because they came in to play. We had no answers to anything they did today.”

SANTANA 9, EL CAJON VALLEY 1 – Two teams with impressive showings in the Lions Tournament and notable win streaks opened Thursday’s (Mar. 27) Grossmont North League season at El Cajon Valley.

Santana capitalized on seven El Cajon Valley errors to score three unearned runs. That spoiled six strong innings by senior right-hander ADRIAN PADILLA, who should have been leading 1-0 heading into the 7th. The hinges, however, came off in the final frame as Santana parlayed six hits, three errors, a walk and a sacrifice fly into 6 runs and an eight-run lead.

JAMES NEEDY hammered a long two-run home run in that wild inning. Four Santana pinch-hitters were a combined 1-for-2 with a double by CHAD HAMILTON and a sacrifice fly by TRAVIS PELLETIER.

RYAN STUTZ drove in three runs with a sacrifice fly and a two-run single for Santana while increasing his hitting streak to 10 games. Sophomore CODY SMITH was 3-for-4 with an RBI and 2 runs scored.

Despite admitting that he didn’t have his best stuff, Santana pitcher BRANDYN BELL scattered five hits, walked one and struck out 6 during a 7-inning stint, sending the visiting Sultans (9-2, 1-0 GNL) to their eighth straight win.

“My fastball wasn’t there, but my off-speed was there,” said Bell, who improved to 3-1. “Toward the later stages of the game I swear I was throwing harder than I was at the beginning.”

Bell, who was 2-for-4 with an RBI triple, surrendered his only run in the opening frame. He contributed to his own woes that frame by hitting leadoff man ANTHONY VROLIJK who advanced to second on EFRIN PADILLA’s single. Vrolijk stole third and scored on ABEL CERVANTES’ ground ball.

The Braves (8-5, 0-1 GNL) threatened again in the 2nd as CAMERON LAUDERMILK led off with a single, but was cut down attempting to steal by Santana catcher DUSTIN BUMBAR. The Sultans senior receiver nailed two would-be base bandits.

“Dustin has been a real pleasant surprise behind the plate for us,” Santana coach JERRY HENSON said. “He has a real quick release and is accurate with his throws. On top of that, he calls a real fine ballgame.”

El Cajon Valley saw its six-game winning streak end and its state-record league losing streak that began in 1997 climb to 123 games.

“I don’t know if we were too confident or what,” El Cajon Valley coach MIKE RUPP said. “We’re not good enough to just throw our gloves out there and win.”

The Braves were missing two players from their 13-man roster. One was allegedly playing baseball in Mexico. The other was working at Sea World.

“I’ll make it work with what’ve I got,” Rupp said. “We were right there, down just 2-1 after four innings and 3-1 after six.”

Henson could see a difference in the Braves’ overall performance. So could Bell.

“They are just a whole different team than last year,” Bell said.

“Them swinging the bat – they all came swinging it hard,” Bell said. “They hit a lot of good balls off me. Fortunately, my defense was making plays behind me.”

Bell was backed by an error-free defense, anchored by some sparkling plays by shortstop Stutz.

VALHALLA 5-4, MONTE VISTA 4-0 – The host Valhalla Norsemen overcame a 4-1 deficit in Thursday’s (Mar. 27) first game of a Grossmont South League opening double-header to sweep upstart Monte Vista and establish itself as a genuine contender.

The Norsemen (8-4, 2-0 GSL) scored singled tallies in each of the final five innings, climaxing the comeback with pinch-hitter JOSH AUSTEL’s double into the left-field corner that scored FRANCISCO TELLEZ with the game-winning run in the opener.

Tellez pitched three innings of one-hit shutout relief to pick up his second win in three decisions.

Game two was all about pitching. Valhalla ’s TREVOR FRANK and JAKE BOEKAMP turned in a sterling effort, blanking the Monarchs (4-7, 0-2 GSL) on four hits. Frank worked the first six frames and struck out nine to pick up his second win in four decisions.

"Trevor threw a great game again today,” said Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON. “He was pounding the strike zone with all three pitches."

Valhalla took the lead early as RYAN O’SULLIVAN’s 5th home run – a rocket to left center with two out – gave the Norsemen a 1-0 lead in the 1st frame.

Valhalla doubled its advantage an inning later as WILL COOMBS drew a bases-loaded walk. DANNY HAWKSLEY’s one-out single in the 3rd put Valhalla ’s offense into motion again. Once again Austel delivered the big blow as he hammered a 2-run homer over the left-field fence.

"Josh came in and put a good swing on a pitch with two strikes,” said Wilson. “He has been swinging well in practice and it was nice to see it carry over to the games today."

Hawksley finished the twinbill 3-for-6 while Frank was 3-for-4.

"We put the ball in play a lot today,” said Wilson. “We made them work for most of the outs in both games. I'll take a groundout or flyout versus a strikeout any day."

Monte Vista ’s MATT BOELTER was 3-for-6 to extend his current hitting streak to eight games.

“Scoring four runs in two games isn’t going to work,” said Monte Vista coach BRANDON ROGERS.

The Monarchs skipper did salute his pitchers, ERIC LaBOUBE and ANTHONY MARCON.

“Our pitching was excellent – LaBoube pitched fabulous. He pitched well enough to win,” said Rogers. “We just have to work on the hitting aspect of the game. We need to be able to drive in runs.”

GRANITE HILLS 9-21, MOUNT MIGUEL 7-0 – Anyone doubting Granite Hills’ current No. 3 San Diego CIF ranking or whether the visiting Eagles have the firepower to capture a 4th straight Grossmont South League pennant might want to look again.

Granite Hills (9-2, 2-0 GSL) came out swinging in Thursday’s (Mar. 27) league opening double-header at Mount Miguel. In the processes of recording the sweep, the Eagles posted a most interesting mark. That is, 24 of the 25 Granite Hills batters to take a turn at the plate in the twinbill came away with at least one hit.

In the nightcap — a 21-0 thrashing halted after five innings — all 16 Granite Hills batters contributed to a 20-hit assault. DANIEL VINTON was 3-for-4 with a double and 3 RBI. He also scored two runs, one less than JOSH QUERIONES and TYLER PONCIANO.

Granite Hills sophomore JARED HUNT accounted for eight runs in the blowout, driving in five with a pair of triples. He also scored three runs.

Winning pitcher DEAN MILLER (3-1) joined in the Granite Hills hit parade with a three-run home run in the second of consecutive 8-run innings. Miller blanked the Matadors on three hits while striking out six over four innings.

BRIAN HUMPHRIES, who broke the Granite Hills career record for runs scored (he now has 111), laced a 2-run double in the first 8-run inning of Game 2. Humphries scored two runs in each game, breaking the previous Granite Hills record for runs scored of 108 set by MARCUS GILES (1994-96).

“We were really swinging it,” understated Granite Hills coach JAMES DAVIS, whose Eagles totaled 32 hits in the two games.

In an otherwise long afternoon for Mount Miguel (6-5, 0-2 GSL) freshman RUDY BURRUEL was 5-for-6 with a double and 2 RBI.

Things started out well for Mount Miguel as JAMES TREBUS took charge. His solo home run in the 1st inning created a 1-1 tie. Burruel’s RBI double keyed a 4-run 2nd inning for a 5-1 lead that held up for four innings.

Mount Miguel ’s defense fell apart in the later innings, which ultimately spoiled Trebus’ pitching effort.

“Trebus is much improved over last year,” said Davis. “He has better command and a livelier fastball. He’s going to be tough to beat in league this year.”

The Eagles snapped a 7-7 deadlock in the top of the 7th inning of the opener. KAMERON ASKEY led off with a triple to left-center field and scored on a wild pitch. The Eagles added an insurance run on a pair of walks, a wild pitch and DYLAN GARCIA’s sacrifice fly.

STEELE CANYON 3-2, HELIX 1-3 — The pitchers dominated this Grossmont South League-opening double header Thursday (Mar. 27) in La Mesa.

The Cougars (6-4, 1-1 GSL) captured game one thanks to an overpowering pitching performance by junior left-hander ANDREW BELLATTI, who limited the Highlanders to four singles and no earned runs while striking out 11.

After picking up an unearned run in the 3rd inning the Cougars made it 2-0 on ADRIAN CASTRO’s RBI single in the 5th.

Helix fought back on MIKE ANDRADE’s run-scoring single in the 6th.

Andrew Bellatti then put the game on ice with a solo home run in the 7th.

Helix (3-7, 1-1 GSL) bounced back to capture the nightcap for its third win in its last four decisions.

Andrade blanked the Cougars on 2 hits over five innings to log his first win in three decisions. BLAZE McENTEE and MIKE LOPEZ finished the job with Lopez earning his first save.

Steele Canyon starter ALEX CEBALLOS was the hard luck loser, allowing only one earned run in 4 2/3 innings.

MARK BELLATTI hit a solo home run to get the Cougars on the board in the 6th inning.

The Cougars’ comeback continued in the 7th as NOLAN MURRAY led off with a single and advanced to second on a groundout. DONNIE FRANK doubled to score Murray and make a one-run game out of it.

The Cougars could do no more as they stranded the potential tying run at second base.

“I’m tickled pink to get a split with these guys,” Helix coach COLE HOLLAND said. “We’ve suffered some heartbreaking losses this season, but our kids play hard regardless of the score. I keep telling them that good things happen when they do that. And of late a few things have gone our way.”

Holland praised the pitching of junior MIKE ORTIZ, who did not allow an earned run in 3 2/3 innings in the opener against Steele Canyon.

“He’s kind of a diamond in the rough for us,” Holland said. “To tell you the truth he might be our best pitcher right now.”

“I saw Ferreira over there and asked him, 'Do you want to run?' And he said, 'Sure.'"

It wasn’t quite like Clark Kent ducking into a phone booth and emerging as Superman, but Ferreira ran into the Christian clubhouse in search of a uniform and cleats.

“I know there were uniforms in there that would probably fit him, but the shoes… I don’t know where he found those,” Mitchell said. “Fortunately for us, we bought some time when (Point Loma coach Jon) Posternack went out to the mound to talk to his pitcher.”

Ferreira proved to be a quick change artist and went into the game as a pinch runner for MICHAEL GRUBER, who began the 7th with a ground rule double to left.

After the Pointers intentionally walked TAYLOR EICHHORST, NIKO KANAKARIS laced a 2-1 pitch to center field for a base hit, allowing Ferreira to score the winning run.

Mitchell noted that Ferreira had been in Christian’s baseball program the previous two years and was on the 2008 preseason roster.

“Mike wasn’t sure whether he wanted to concentrate on lifting weights for football or play baseball,” Mitchell said. “Now he’s a part of our baseball team again. We can use him because we don’t have a lot of team speed.”

Kanakaris continued his torrid hitting for Christian (9-3) with three hits in four at-bats against the Pointers. He hit his 5th home run with a man aboard, giving Christian a 4-0 lead in the 3rd inning.

Kanakaris has hit in six straight games, batting at a .591 clip (13 for 22).

Point Loma collected seven hits – all singles – to score five runs in the 4th inning and assume the lead.

“I don’t know what it is about this team but we just seem to come from ahead, fall behind and then win,” Mitchell said.

Christian tied it in the bottom of the 4th. MICHAEL STOWERS doubled to right and advanced to third on MICHAEL POTEET’s hit. Stowers scored on Gruber’s fly ball to left.

BRAD ROBERTSON pitched 3 1/3 innings of shutout relief to post his 4th win without a loss.

“We don’t even think about starting him,” Mitchell said. “But he could wind up pitching in every game the rest of the way. Whether it’s the 1st inning, the 4th inning or the 7th inning, he’s probably our best pitcher.

Robertson is not a fire-baller.

“What he does is throw strikes,” Mitchell said, “and his ball sinks like crazy.”

Wed., Mar. 26
City Conference Tournament PATRIOTS 6, POINTERS 5
Point Loma (3-6) Christian (9-3)	000 500 0-5 8 3 103 100 1-6 8 2
Two outs when winning run scored. Nielsen, Briones (5) and Martin; Johnston, Robertson (4) and Gruber. W-Robertson (4-0). L-Briones (0-3). HR-Kanakaris (C,5) 3rd, one on.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-21-08) — Rookie head coach MIKE RUPP isn’t crowing about the early showing of his El Cajon Valley Braves, but he’s probably thinking about upgrading the school’s baseball trophy case.

Rupp’s crew completed a five-game sweep in the 1A Division of the 58th annual Lions Tournament Thursday (Mar. 20) at MiraCosta College. Tournament MVP ADRIAN PADILLA pitched a 2-hit shutout with 7 strikeouts to eliminate Tri-City Christian 5-0 in the semifinals, and ABEL CERVANTES led a 17-hit attack to direct the Braves past Mar Vista 15-5 in the championship game.

Cervantes was 4-for-4 with 3 runs and 3 RBI, while Adrian Padilla was 4-for-5 with a pair of doubles and one RBI in the title bout. GAVINO PINAL slugged a solo home run and MATT THOMAS was 2-for-5 with 2 RBI.

“It’s nice to be on the right side of five in a row for a change,” Rupp said.

El Cajon Valley (7-4) captured its first tournament title in 13 years. The 1995 Braves, who concluded the season 16-16, won the Lions 3A Division championship with victories over La Jolla, Patrick Henry, San Diego Southwest, Poway and San Marcos. El Cajon Valley was a 14-1 winner in the title game against San Marcos.

Times have been lean in terms of hardware for El Cajon Valley since then. The fact that these Braves are only the third El Cajon Valley team to win as many as seven games in a season says something.

Rupp doesn’t see himself as a miracle worker. He looks at himself as a coach who is convincing his players to do things his way.

So far, so good.

Nobody in East County is swinging a hotter bat than Cervantes, who was 13-for-16 with 12 RBI in the Lions doings. It’s not like he suddenly got hot in those five games because his season average is a sizzling .735 (25 for 34) with 18 RBI. He’s also stolen 11 bases.

“Abel is learning how to be a hitter,” Rupp said. “He’s thinking when he’s at the plate what to look for on certain counts. Instead of trying to hit every pitch out of the park, he’s being smart, more selective.”

Thomas pitched four innings in the Lions championship game against Mar Vista to claim his 4th straight win. Thomas allowed four hits, but no earned runs.

GRANITE HILLS 2, KENNEDY 0 – DEAN MILLER proved that he is a resilient pitcher in Thursday’s (Mar. 20) Classic Division Lions Tournament consolation game against Granada Hills Kennedy.

In his previous start Miller was cuffed around for seven runs and eight hits in 2 2/3 innings by Cathedral Catholic.

The 6-foot-3 junior right-hander showed no ill effects of that disaster when he closed out the Lions Tournament against Kennedy. In fact he allowed only one baserunner to the Golden Cougars. That was a 4th inning single by Matt Sanchez.

That was hardly a bug on the windshield for Miller, as he coaxed the next batter to bounce into a 5-4-3 double play.

Thus Miller, who struck out nine, faced the minimum 21 batters and needed only 68 pitches to collect his second win in three decisions.

“Dean was just pounding the strike zone,” Eagles coach JAMES DAVIS said. “We made some minor adjustments after his last start and he really looked sharp today. He had an outstanding curveball and kept the ball down, which is something he didn’t do against Cathedral.”

Miller had only one 3-ball count all day – and that was in the 1st inning.

“You can’t ask for a better job than Dean gave us today,” Davis added.

The Eagles (7-2) scored the only two runs of the game in the 2nd inning. DANIEL VINTON singled and raced to third on KAMERON ASKEY’s double. BRIAN HUMPHRIES lifted a scoring flyball to bring in Vinton, and Askey eventually came across on JARED RAPOZA’s groundout.

GREEN VALLEY 4, VALHALLA 3 – This had to be a bitter loss for host Valhalla, which blew a 3-0 lead in the final two innings of Thursday’s (Mar. 20) Classic Division consolation game of the Lions Tournament.

Green Valley of Henderson, Nev. , scored a 7th inning knockout of Granite Hills two days earlier. So it wasn’t surprising that the Gators (8-2) didn’t seem to flinch as they scored three times in the bottom of the 7th to knock off the Norsemen.

" Green Valley just put a few hits together in the 7th that seemed to find all the holes," said Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON.

The late-inning burst spoiled an otherwise solid pitching performance by TREVOR FRANK, who walked none and struck out five in 6-plus innings.

RYAN O’SULLIVAN paced the Norsemen with his fourth home run – a solo shot in the 3rd – and a double that keyed a 2-run 6th inning.

In that 6th inning after DANNY HAWKSLEY was hit by a pitch, O’Sullivan engineered a double steal and TAYLOR KEATON followed with a walk to load the bases. A groundout by PETER THOMAS brought in one run and JOHN AGUIRRE-RUIZ lifted a sacrifice fly to center field to give Valhalla a 3-0 lead.

"We would have liked to have done better in this tournament and we definitely had our chances to win each game,” Wilson said. “We played some solid teams and it is only going to make our team better."

POWAY 8, GROSSMONT 2 – Obviously fuming after losing to East County power Granite Hills a day earlier, Poway was ready to pound anybody that crossed its path in Thursday’s (Mar. 20) Classic Division semifinal of the 58th Annual Lions Tournament.

Undefeated Grossmont was prepared to challenge the Titans at the University of San Diego. Maybe it was something they said because the Foothillers certainly caught the ire of the North County kingpin.

According to Poway ’s players, Grossmont, 9-0 at the time, were boasting how the Foothillers were going to make the Titans their 10th victim.

Clearly, the Foothillers began the game short on experienced pitchers. That doesn’t work against a veteran squad such as Poway , which took its frustration of the previous day out on the vocal Foothillers to gain a somewhat easy victory.

Grossmont’s hitters were limited to a season-low output of runs and hits (4), courtesy of Poway pitchers Bennett Parry and Brian Busick.

ROBERT REYES accounted for half of Grossmont’s hit total.

CHULA VISTA 4, WEST HILLS 3 (8 inn.) – A lengthy run of good fortune came to an abrupt halt for West Hills in Thursday (Mar. 20) Division 4A semifinal of the Lions Tournament at Southwestern College.

The Wolf Pack saw its six-game winning streak come to an end when four errors handed the Chula Vista Spartans four unearned runs.

“As hard as we played, we beat ourselves,” said Wolf Pack coach CHRIS BAUM. “When you do that it kinda hurts. To go to the semifinals and get so close… These boys played their hearts out.”

West Hills (7-4) took a 1-0 lead with a two-out rally in the third. CHRIS ALLEN was hit by a pitch and stole second. He scored on RYAN BARKLEY’s base hit.

Two walks and a single by TONY SPEARS made it 2-0 in the 4th. After Chula Vista capitalized on West Hills’ miscues to make it 3-2 in the bottom of the 4th, the Wolf Pack tied it on an RBI single by Bristol in the top of the 5th and should have had more.

After a sacrifice bunt by GABRIEL ZEHNER advanced ERIC McKNIGHT to third and Bristol to second, KYLE HOOPER flied out to center field. McKnight tried to tag and score on the play but was cut down at the plate.

“It took an absolutely perfect throw and an absolutely perfect catch at the perfect time when they needed it the most,” said Baum.

Bristol is batting .667 (8 for 12) with 2 home runs and 7 RBI over the last four games.

HAMILTON (Ariz.) 11, EL CAPITAN 1 — Vaqueros coach STEVE VICKERY made some major changes in El Capitan’s starting lineup for Thursday’s (Mar. 20) third place game of the Cleat’s National Classic in Scottsdale.

“We decided to give starts to people who haven’t had a chance to play much,” Vickery said. “It was kind of a bonding thing, helped make everybody feel a part of the team.”

Things started out well enough as KEVIN MORTON drew a walk and advanced to second on ANTHONY LYBARGER’s bunt, and then stole third. Morton scored on MARCO MARISCAL’s groundout.

It was pretty much downhill after that for El Capitan (7-3) in a game that was called after five innings due to the tournament 10-run rule.

El Capitan ’s Morton and KORBIN KRUGER were named to the all-tournament team.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN (Colo.) 9, EL CAPITAN 7 — In an earlier Cleat’s National Classic semifinal game on Thursday (Mar. 20) the Vaqueros spotted Rocky Mountain of Ft. Collins a 6-0 lead after four innings.

But the Vaqueros came storming back against the Lobos (4-1) with six runs in the top of the 5th to tie.

TANNER RUST drove in the first run with a base hit and MILES REAGAN followed suit, driving in the second run. KORBIN KRUGER slashed a 2-run single and MARCO MARISCAL’s base hit brought in two more to make it 6-6.

“This game was typical of what we’ve done in the entire tournament,” Vickery said. “We’ve fallen behind early and then fought back.”

El Capitan finished 3-2 in the tournament.

Trailing 9-6 entering the final frame, the Vaqueros were poised for another comeback.

A walk to ANDY HALE followed by a double from Kruger brought the tying run to the plate. One out later CANNON NIKZAD blooped a flyball to left field that was mishandled for an error. Hale scored while Kruger held at second and Nikzad reached first base safely. But that’s where the rally stalled as the next two Vaqueros struck out to end the game.

The Monarchs (4-5) clawed back to eventually tie it 5-5 in the top of the 5th. Five San Pasqual errors came in handy during that surge, which included an RBI single by MATT BOELTER and a run-scoring double by ERIC GENTRY.

The Golden Eagles pushed back in front with single tallies in the 5th and 6th innings.

“We played well, we never gave up,” said Monarchs coach BRANDON ROGERS. “We battled back and had a chance to win.”

Monte Vista had runners on second and third with two outs in the 7th.

“Another single would have tied the game,” said Rogers.

SPENCER REED was 3 for 3 with a run scored. ADAM TIMANUS was 2 for 3 with two runs to his credit.

SAN DIEGO 7, MOUNT MIGUEL 4 – The Matadors, who had won five in a row, fell behind early in Thursday’s (Mar. 20) Division 2A Lions Tournament semifinal at Hoover.

San Diego built a 4-0 lead after four innings and the Matadors could not recover.

Mount Miguel (6-3) staged a two-out rally in the top of the 5th. JULIAN CHARLES singled and advanced to third on a base hit by LUCAS GOLDEN, who then stole second. RUDDY ACOSTA plated both runners with a base hit, cutting the Cavers’ lead in half.

San Diego countered with two runs in the bottom of the 5th and another in the 6th. A hit batter, two San Diego errors, a walk and an RBI single by FRANK NELSON pulled Mount Miguel closer but it was too little too late.

Golden was 2 for 3 with two runs and three steals. Nelson and Acosta also had two hits apiece for the Matadors.

“It was a close game,” said Matadors coach BYRON GRIGSBY. “We should have opened it up in the 1st inning. It just didn’t happen.”

The East is the beast
Undefeated Grossmont heads
list of 7 teams in semifinals

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-20-08) — A record seven East County teams have advanced to Thursday’s (Mar. 20) semifinals of tournament play. Six of them will vie in the 58th annual Lions Tournament. El Capitan will play Rocky Mountain of Ft. Collins, Colo, in Scottsdale, Ariz. in the Cleat’s National Classic.

On the Lions front, undefeated Grossmont (9-0) takes on Poway (7-2) in the Classic Division at USD, while Santana meets Mission Hills in Division 5A at Grossmont College. Meanwhile, West Hills challenges Chula Vista in Division 4A at Southwestern College, Monte Vista travels to San Pasqual in Division 3A, Mount Miguel takes on San Diego at Hoover in Division 2A, and El Cajon Valley tackles Tri-City Christian at MiraCosta College in Division 1A.

All semifinal winners will advance to division championship games Thursday afternoon (see schedule). To get an idea of the possibilities of East County ’s baseball strength, one needs only to recognize that there are a total of eight divisions in the Lions Tournament. That means a possibility that Inland teams could win six championships. That’s never happened. In fact, no East County team has captured the Lions laurels since Christian went back-to-back in Division 1A in 2004 and 2005.

The last Grossmont Conference team to capture a Lions flag was Granite Hills when it took home the 2001 Division 4A trophy.

GRANITE HILLS 7, POWAY 6 (8 inn.) – Despite missing a shot at winning a Lions Tournament Classic Division championship, host Granite Hills was pleased to edge the visiting Titans in Wednesday’s (Mar. 19) final round of pool play.

This was definitely a survival of the luckiest.

Granite Hills junior TRAVIS HOPPER, who endured three home runs by powerful Poway, refused to buckle. The leather-skinned left-hander dodged bullets all day and needed 115 pitches to finish the 8-inning stint for his third victory without a loss.

“I knew if I kept throwing strikes I could get the job done,” said Hopper, who retired the Titans in order in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th and 7th innings. “I was mostly throwing my fastball and changeup with just a few curves.”

Poway did push Hopper around for 8 hits and 5 earned runs. The Eagles’ ace walked three and struck out two. Two of his whiffs came in the 5th inning to foil a 5th inning bases loaded rally.

“This was a big win for us, beating the No. 1 team in the county,” Hopper said. The Eagles pitcher would not confirm that toppling the Titans (7-2) was worthy of making the Eagles (6-2) the No. 1 ranked team in the county.

“We’re getting there but we still have work to do,” Hopper said.

Granite Hills took a 2-0 lead in the 2nd inning thanks to a Poway error and doubles by TYLER PONCIANO and DANIEL VINTON.

Poway countered with three runs in the top of the 3rd, but the Eagles squared it on an RBI double by KENNY BELZER in the bottom of the 3rd.

Steven Holcomb’s second home run in as many at-bats put Poway back on top 5-3 in the 5th. But again the Eagles were prepared to answer as JARED HUNT’s 2-run double made it 5-5 in the bottom of the 5th.

An RBI single by JOSH QUERIONES staked Granite Hills to a 6-5 lead with one inning remaining. But that’s when Poway’s Alex Dickerson, who has a scholarship to Indiana in hand, fought back from an 0-2 count to hit a full count Hopper fastball over the right-center field fence.

Albeit stunned by that blow, the Eagles scrambled back in the bottom of the 8th. They parlayed singles by BRIAN HUMPHRIES, JARED RAPOZA and DYLAN GARCIA to gain the overtime victory.

“All I was thinking about was making contact, hopefully hitting a fly ball,” said Garcia, who stepped in at the plate with runners at the corners and one out in the bottom of the inning. “They threw a pitch low and inside and all I was trying to do was hit it.”

It was Garcia’s third hit in five at-bats and it bounced over the Poway first baseman’s head to allow Humphries to score the decisive run from third.

GROSSMONT 13, CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC 4 – The Grossmont Steamroller is somewhat like “The Blob,” a motion picture about a gel-like mass that expanded when everything that crossed its path was engulfed.

Grossmont (9-0), which has the best record in the San Diego CIF Section, has devoured its opponents by a composite 105-24 score.

The host Foothillers didn’t bother with suspense as they scored five runs in the 1st inning against SDCIF power Cathedral Catholic during Wednesday’s (Mar. 19) final round of Classic Division pool play action in the Lions Tournament.

LEVI STEVENS hit two home runs – one a grand slam – to help Grossmont take a 9-1 lead after three innings. The Stevens story wasn’t all about hitting as the smooth southpaw also pitched four innings to earn his 4th win.

DONOVAN D’SOUZA and KEVIN KLEISS blanked the Dons on two hits over the final three innings. Kleiss’s seven-inning stint was his first varsity appearance.

CHARLIE PIRO drove in four runs with line drive singles in the 2nd and 4th innings.

DEREK BAUM was 1 for 3 with a double and three RBI.

VALHALLA 7, TORREY PINES 4 – The Norsemen snapped a three-game losing streak on Wednesday (Mar. 19) as they upended a quality Torrey Pines squad in a

Classic Division pool play showdown of the Lions Tournament.

For one of the few times in recent memories the Norsemen (6-3) scored first.

RYAN O’SULLIVAN clubbed a solo home run – his third – with two outs in the 1st inning. That blow seemed to rattle the Falcons (7-2). Two errors and a walk handed the Norsemen a second run.

In the 2nd inning Valhalla produced another two-out rally. An error and three walks gave the Norsemen a 3-1 lead.

DANNY HAWKSLEY singled to left to make it 4-1.

O’Sullivan made that lead stand up as he limited Torrey Pines to one hit and one earned run over five innings. He struck out 8 and walked 2.

“Ryan did a good job pitching today, taking a no hitter into the sixth,” said Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON. O’Sullivan is 4-0 on the mound.

Senior JAKE BOEKAMP, who is rapidly establishing himself as Valhalla ’s closer, tamed Torrey Pines, permitting just two hits and no earned runs while striking out two to earn his second save.

“Jake did a great job closing the door over two innings,” said Wilson.

PETER THOMAS led a 10-hit Valhalla attack with three singles in four at-bats. Hawksley finished 2 for 5.

"We had a lot of guys contribute today,” said Wilson. “It was nice to see the bats come alive again. We were able to spread out the hits throughout the lineup."

SANTANA 5, LA JOLLA 0 – The visiting Sultans proved that they have some pitching depth as KYLE HAYES and MIKE MANRING combined to spin a 6-hit shutout in Wednesday’s (Mar. 19) Division 5A pool play of the Lions Tournament at La Jolla.

Hayes, a sophomore right-hander, worked the first five innings, permitting five hits but kept the gate closed on the Vikings.

Manring, 6-foot-4 senior right-hander, proved his mettle, coming into the game with bases loaded in the 6th inning and coaxed three consecutive pop-ups to preserve Santana’s fifth straight win.

The last two of those victories have come by shutouts.

DUSTIN BUMBAR sparked a 3-run 5th inning with an RBI single for Santana (6-2).

CHRIS RABICHAUD capped the rally with a run-scoring single.

Santana added to its victory total when Hayes singled up the middle to score RYAN STUTZ (single) in the 6th inning and JAMES NEEDY brought home the final tally with a double to left field.

“Our pitching and defense have been outstanding, and our hitting is starting to come around,” said Santana coach JERRY HENSON.

WEST HILLS 14, CHRISTIAN 8 (8 inn.) – ERIC McKNIGHT and WILL CRUMPLER drove in four runs apiece to carry host West Hills over Christian in Wednesday’s (Mar. 19) Lions Tournament Division 4A pool play finale.

The Wolf Pack broke an 8-8 tie with six runs in the 8th inning to garner its sixth straight win.

It was McKnight’s second home run in as many games, leading off the 8th inning that put the Pack on top to stay. Crumpler’s 3-run double over the left-fielder’s head in the same inning gave West Hills plenty of breathing room.

“This was so draining,” said West Hills coach CHRIS BAUM. “We were down 7-2 and the boys really fought and fought to get back. We have been putting up runs. It’s a big, big win for us. It’s huge to be able to advance in the Lions Tournament. Our guys are really chomping at the bit to continue and to do whatever it takes to win.”

Christian coach MIKE MITCHELL, who saw his Patriots take a 6-1 lead after two innings, believed he was given the short end of the stick by the umpires.

Christian loaded the bases in the 4th inning with nobody out. MICHAEL POTEET hit a pop fly to shallow right with West Hills second baseman TONY SPEARS in pursuit. The ball eluded Spears, allowing EDDIE YOUNG to score from third.

“Then – after the play – the umpire decided it was an infield fly and Poteet was called out,” Mitchell said. “That was huge.”

In the 6th inning with the score tied at 7-7, West Hills attempted a steal home. The play backfired as the home plate umpire called him out.

Baum charged out of the dugout and claimed that the Christian pitcher didn’t come set. However, the base ump agreed with Baum and ruled it a balk and made Christian to go back onto the field, allowing West Hills to continue batting.

“I protested the game for the first time in 470-odd games,” Mitchell said. “It probably was a balk, but it’s not right – after the team is off the field – to make that kind of call.”

NIKO KANAKARIS was 3 for 5 with 2 RBI to lead Christian.

HELIX 10, BEAUMONT 4 – After opening the season with six consecutive losses, the Highlanders are beginning to turn things around. Suddenly they’ve won two in a row.

CHASE GLENN’s leadoff home run must have been an omen as the Highlanders took command early and never looked back.

VINCE CRISE cracked a 2-run single and TYLER KORY drove in a fourth run with a base hit in the 1st inning. The Helix onslaught continued in the 2nd as MIKE ANDRADE singled in a run and BENNY GUERRERO doubled in another.

Standing on top of a 6-0 lead is a unique experience to this Helix squad. Kory added a 2-run single in the 6th and DAVID DOANE doubled in the final marker in the 7th.

“We finally broke out,” said Helix coach COLE HOLLAND. “We haven’t had double digit hits this year and we had 13 today.”

MOUNT MIGUEL 14, HOOVER 8 – Mount Miguel turned to its offensive firepower, churning out a season-high scoring output to hold off Hoover in Wednesday’s (Mar. 19) final round of Lions Tournament pool play.

Although batting in the No. 9 spot, JULIAN CHARLES carried a big stick for Mount Miguel (6-2), driving in three runs with a double and two singles. He also stole three bases and scored a run.

Mount Miguel erased a 6-3 deficit with four runs in the 3rd inning. TONY ALVAREZ hit an RBI single and two Hoover errors allowed three more runs to score in that frame.

NIKO CALAFATO was 2 for 5 with 2 RBI and three steals for the Matadors.

“We’re starting to hit,” said Mount Miguel coach BYRON GRIGSBY. “You’ve got to put up runs and play defense and your pitchers have to throw strikes. If you can play under 23 outs I think you can win a lot of ballgames.”

MONTE VISTA 5, SCOTTSDALE CHRISTIAN (Ariz.) 4 – ANTHONY MARCON survived some shaky defense to scatter 6 hits and allow only one earned run during a seven inning stint as the Monarchs (4-4) posted their third straight Lions Tournament win Wednesday (Mar. 19) at Kearny.

“Marcon pitched excellent,” said Monte Vista coach BRANDON ROGERS. “We played better defense than we have been, but defense is still a problem.”

Monte Vista scored all of its runs in the 3rd inning. RBI singles by SPENCER REED, MATT BOELTER and Marcon gave the Monarchs a 3-run edge. A muffed pop-up handed the Monarchs two additional runs.

JOSH GOSSMEYER, TRISTON BRAYMAN and Reed contributed two hits apiece to Monte Vista’s 10 hit total.

ERIC GENTRY had a triple in three at-bats, giving him a .750 (9 for 12) batting average in the tournament.

EL CAJON VALLEY 15, CRAWFORD 5 – When El Cajon Valley wins a game nowadays it cannot automatically be classed as an upset. The Braves keep piling up basehits and runs while finding their footing in the field and as a pitching staff.

The Braves (5-4) buried Crawford with a pair of 7-run innings in Wednesday’s (Mar. 19) final round of Division 1A pool play of the Lions Tournament.

ABEL CERVANTES continues to lead El Cajon Valley ’s offensive surge. He was 2 for 3, including a bases-loaded triple against the Colts (0-3). Cervantes is 6 for 8 in the tournament and carries an East County leading average of .692 (18 for 26).

NERLIN CARREON was 2 for 2 with a double and 3 RBI for the Braves. ANTHONY VROLIJK also was 2 for 2, including a 2-run triple.

The PADILLA brothers, ADRIAN and EFRIN, were a combined 3 for 7 with 4 RBI and 4 runs scored.

Junior GAVINO PINAL was 2 for 3 with an RBI. It was the Braves’ fourth triple of the game.

SERRA 12, STEELE CANYON 7 – It was a rough outing for Steele Canyon in Wednesday’s (Mar. 19) Division 4A final round of pool play in the Lions Tournament at Helix.

Serra (9-1) teed off on five Cougars pitchers for 12 runs – the most allowed by Steele Canyon in eight games.

“I know that we’re a better team,” said Steele Canyon coach TODD SNYDER. “We’re building on our success and I’m hoping that we build on our misfortunes as well. It’s been frustrating, replaying the game in my mind. I did that as a player too. My hope is that the players learn the game and understand the game. They have to take ownership of what they do out there.”

It wasn’t like the Cougars rolled over and played dead. Offensively freshman JESSE JENNER was 3 for 4 with an RBI and two runs scored.

MARK BELLATTI launched a 3-run homer in the 1st inning to cut Serra’s early lead to 4-3.

ANDREW BELLATTI had a 2-run double in the 4th inning, and DUSTIN DEGLER finished 2 for 4.

Christian High coach Mike Mitchell is awarded his No. 44 jersey after claiming his 300th career victory after rallying past Brawley, 7-6. (Photos by Tom Doan)

Recent Coaches to Join The 300-victory Club Mar. 1 -- Rob Phillips, Grossmont Mar. 17 -- Jerry Henson, Santana Mar. 18 -- Mike Mitchell, Christian

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-19-08) — Not many coaches throw their own party when they do something worthy of such an event. That includes Christian High’s MIKE MITCHELL, who celebrated his 300th coaching victory as the Patriots came from behind to edge Brawley, 7-6, in Tuesday’s (Mar. 18) 58th Annual Lions Tournament Division 4A pool play game before a home crowd.

The Patriots made Mitchell sweat out this milestone. Brawley scored six runs in the top of the 1st inning before the Patriots could get the second out.

“I started thinking then, I sure hope they got an ice cream cake so they can put it back in the freezer,” said Mitchell.

But his players refused to let the visiting Wildcats spoil the party.

Talk about a Hollywood script – it was BRYAN MITCHELL’s squeeze bunt that scored MICHAEL STOWERS with the winning run in the bottom of the 6th inning. For those who don’t know it, Bryan is the coach’s youngest son. For that matter, Mitchell’s oldest son DANNY, a freshman baseball player at San Diego Christian College, was in the stands lending support with a bunch of his teammates.

After the horrendous start, EDDIE YOUNG led off the bottom of the 1st with his fourth home run of the season to begin the Patriots’ comeback.

Stowers slapped an RBI single in the 2nd inning, and a Brawley throwing error enabled Christian to cut the deficit to 6-3 in the 3rd.

The Patriots (7-2) tied it in the 4th. MICHAEL GRUBER drove in the first run in that inning with a groundout. Bryan Mitchell ripped an RBI single, and TAYLOR EICHHORST’s double knotted it at 6-6.

Freshman reliever MICHAEL POTEET pitched five innings of shutout relief while striking out seven. BRAD ROBERTSON blanked Brawley over the final 1 2/3 innings and struck out three to pick up his third win in as many decisions.

The post game festivities featured a cake (not ice cream), a plaque, a jersey and an autographed team picture.

“All of this is really nice, but I’m planning on getting a lot more (victories),” said Mitchell. Like how many?

“I’m going for 700 now,” said Mitchell, who didn’t sound like he was kidding around. “Think about it – that would be averaging 20 wins over the next 20 years. I think that would be very doable with the situation here at Christian.”

Mitchell’s record stands at 300-171-1 at the moment.

Recalling his first win, Mitchell was coaching at Coronado in a double header against Bishops in 1992. “We won both games but other than the fact that it was cold, windy and freezing, I have no recollection of that game,” he said.

His 100th win came in his third season at Christian. It was on April 2, 1998, which was Bryan ’s eighth birthday.

GROSSMONT 6, TEMECULA VALLEY 5 – Nobody in the San Diego CIF has won more games than the Grossmont Foothillers, who are sitting on an 8-0 mark.

But the Foothillers, who outscored their first seven opponents 86 to 16 had to be a little tense when they entered the bottom of the 5th inning of Tuesday’s (Mar. 18) Lions Tournament Classic Division contest against Temecula Valley trailing 5-3 at Montgomery.

But the Foothillers proved that they can generate whatever it takes to pull out a victory.

It was KYLE SECCIANI’s single to center that scored ANDREW FORD in the bottom of the 6th that provided Grossmont with the winning margin.

Credit ROBERT REYES for providing the spark with a one-out single to center. Ford was the ideal pinch-runner as he put himself into scoring position by stealing second.

Things started out in usual form for Grossmont as DEREK BAUM gave the Foothillers the early lead with a 2nd inning solo home run. Reyes chipped in an RBI double in the same inning. Reyes, who is 3 for 3, singled home CONOR MEREDITH to give Grossmont a 3-2 edge in the 4th inning.

But Temecula Valley refused to go away, scoring three times in the top of the 5th.

The Hillers tied it on an RBI double by BRYAN HAAR and a run-scoring single by Baum in the bottom of the 5th.

Once again, Temecula Valley challenged in the 7th.

Grossmont shortstop JOSH SIMMS flagged a ground ball headed for centerfield behind second base and threw on the run to first base for the first out.

Haar, who pitched two shutout innings in relief, finished in style by striking out the last two batters to log the win.

EL CAPITAN 16, GRANDVIEW (Colo.) 6 – KEVIN MORTON, TANNER RUST and TYRONE WIGGINS were a combined 6 for 7 with 9 RBI as the Vaqueros defeated Grandview , Colorado in Tuesday’s (Mar. 18) Cleat’s National Classic game in Scottsdale, Arizona.

As easy as the final score makes it look, the Vaqueros found themselves down 6-0 in the 2nd inning. A 2-run double by Rust keyed a 4-run bottom of the 2nd for El Capitan.

That blow seemed to open the floodgates as the Vaqueros sent 15 batters to the plate during an 11-run 3rd inning.

Morton and Wiggins each had a 2-run double off the fence during the scoring spree. Four runs scored on wild pitches and another on a throwing error.

CANNON NIKZAD was 3 for 4 with a double and an RBI.

Although this game turned into an offensive shootout, Vaqueros coach STEVE VICKERY was most pleased by the work of reliever RANDY SCHREIBMAN.

“Schreibman threw three outstanding innings for us,” said Vickery. “Gave up no runs, just did a tremendous job for us in his first varsity win.”

EL CAPITAN 7, BINGHAM (Utah) 6 – Playing in their second game of Tuesday’s (Mar. 18) Cleat’s National Classic double-header, the Vaqueros got an early lift when CRAIG LEAVITT rifled a 3-run homer to right-center field in the top of the 1st inning.

Leavitt’s blow followed base hits by TANNER RUST and MILES REAGAN.

The Vaqueros capitalized on two Bingham errors and a double by KORBIN KRUGER to make it 5-2 in the top of the 4th.

In the 5th inning Rust singled and Reagan doubled. One out later Kruger brought in Rust with a scoring fly ball to center.

Unlike the first game, this was a game where the Vaqueros (7-1) had to keep scoring to maintain the advantage. They scored what proved to be the winning run in the 6th when BROOKS NOBLE singled and ANTHONY LYBARGER ran for him. KYLE MILLS sacrificed Lybarger to second. KEVIN MORTON then singled to center to make it 7-4.

But Morton’s role was not complete, as Vickery called upon the senior right-hander to get the final out in the bottom of the 7th to notch his second save.

El Capitan has the day off in the desert on Wednesday. The Vaqueros are ticketed for a Thursday semifinal at 12:30 against an opponent yet to be determined. If successful in that game, El Capitan will play for the tournament championship Thursday night at 7:30. If the Vaqueros lose the semifinal, they will play for third place at 4 p.m.

“We’re kinda winning ugly, but what we’re not doing is getting a ton of two-out RBI” said Vickery. “We’re answering the other team. When they score we’re able to get another run in our next at-bat.”

HELIX 4, VALLEY CENTER 0 – The Highlanders broke a 6-game drought thanks to some solid pitching by MIKE ORTIZ and BLAZE McENTEE in Tuesday’s (Mar. 18) Lions Tournament Division 4A game.

“I felt good for the kids, it’s all about them. They are very happy,” said Helix coach COLE HOLLAND. “It was Ortiz’s first start and he only gave up three hits in six innings.”

Ortiz also struck out six. McEntee retired the Jaguars on one hit in the bottom of the 7th to record the save.

Helix scored early. A two-out double in the 2nd inning by VINCE CRISE set the stage for the Highlanders’ first two runs.

Valley Center (4-4) contributed three walks and an error to help the Highlanders find home plate.

MARCOS SALINAS stroked an RBI single in the 6th.

In the 7th MIKE ANDRADE smacked a one-out single, and pinch-runner JOE DePASS took his place on the base path. BENNY GUERRERO singled. DePass and Guerrero then executed a double steal. Crise then hoisted a fly ball to score DePass.

WEST HILLS 10, KEARNS (Utah) 8 – The Wolf Pack, which needs a victory over Christian in Wednesday’s (Mar. 19) final round of pool play to advance to the Lions Tournament Division 4A semifinals, displayed a different look against the Utah visitors on Tuesday.

GABRIEL ZEHNER was double trouble for Kearny . At the plate he was 3 for 3 with three RBI. On the mount he permitted two hits and one earned run while lassoing his second victory in as many decisions.

Known more its pitching and sterling defense, the Wolf Pack came out swinging and scored all 10 runs in the first three innings.

Senior catcher DAVID BRISTOL drilled a 2-run double in the 1st inning and chased home another run with a base hit in the 3rd. Bristol is batting .700 (7 for 10) with three extra base hits and three RBI in his last three games.

RYNE BARKLEY was 2 for 3 with two runs scored and two stolen bases for the Pack, which won its fifth straight. Barkley was 7 for 12 in his last five games.

“The atmosphere is incredible,” said West Hills coach CHRIS BAUM. “The boys are having fun – they are playing with a lot of confidence.”

STEELE CANYON 12, CALEXICO 2 (6 inn.) – ALEX CEBALLOS blanked Calexico on one hit over four innings and the Cougars collected 16 hits in Tuesday’s (Mar. 18) Lions Tournament Division 4A game called after six innings by mutual agreement.

RBI triples by DONNIE FRANK and ANDREW BELLATTI keyed a 4-run 1st inning for the Cougars (5-2).

Steele Canyon scored seven times in the 4th to turn the game into a rout.

NOLAN MURRAY drove in three runs with a double and a triple in the lop-sided contest.

“I was proud of the way we came out and hit today,” said Steele Canyon coach TODD SNYDER. “Putting up 16 hits in six innings is a pretty good accomplishment. Ceballos faced the minimum number of batters. Every one of his pitches he had command of. You can’t ask for much more from your pitcher.”

Ceballos (2-0) was supported by a spotless Steele Canyon defense.

“We turned two double plays and that was a benefit for us,” Snyder said.

GREEN VALLEY (Nev.) 6, GRANITE HILLS 5 – Senior JOSH QUERIONES found out he could not win it by himself as host Granite Hills succumbed to perennial Nevada power Green Valley in Tuesday’s (Mar. 18) Lions Tournament Classic Division game.

On the offensive end Queriones delivered three run-scoring singles in the 1st, 3rd and 7th innings for the Eagles (5-2). Although he made two pitching appearances in the game, he had to sit out three frames after jamming his knee in attempted steal of third base.

Queriones pitched the first two innings and did not allow a hit but surrendered a run to the Gators because he walked three and hit one. He gave way to reliever RONNIE VON HAGEN, who blanked Green Valley on two hits over three innings.

Queriones returned to the mound in the 6th inning and gave up an unearned run when the Eagles dropped a fly ball in the outfield.

Things got worse in the bottom of the 7th as Green Valley scored four times – the last two runs coming on Matt Harrison’s walk-off 2-run homer.

“It was a frustrating way to lose a game,” said Eagles coach JAMES DAVIS. “But I can’t say enough about Queriones. He’s such a tough guy, such a great competitor.”

SANTANA 8, ESCONDIDO 2 – JAMES NEEDY and JOSH POND combined to pitch a 3-hitter to corral the visiting Cougars in Tuesday’s (Mar. 18) Lions Tournament Division 5A game in Santee . The duo totaled eight strikeouts between them.

Needy allowed only one run and one hit in five innings and was rewarded with his third win without a loss.

After Escondido gave the Sultans two unearned runs in the opening two frames, Santana (5-2) broke loose for five tallies in the 3rd.

KYLE HAYES hammered a 2-run homer and DUSTIN BUMBAR had a 2-run double in the breakout inning.

CHRIS RABICHAUD, KYLE ROMERO, Needy and Bumbar contributed two hits apiece to Santana’s 12-hit attack.

MOUNT MIGUEL 10, IMPERIAL 7 – A year ago when the Matadors fell behind 4-0 in the early innings like they did in Tuesday’s (Mar. 18) Lions Tournament Division 2A game at Madison , they would have folded.

But these are the new Matadors who are beaming with a positive attitude. A 6-run 4th inning gave Mount Miguel an 8-4 lead over the Tigers and propelled them on their way to a fourth straight win.

The victory is Mount Miguel ’s fifth in seven decisions this season. The Matadors grabbed only a handful of win in 27 starts last season.

JAMES TREBUS went 3 for 4 with a home run, 3 RBI and 3 runs scored to pace the Matadors. He was not overly impressive in 5 2/3 innings on the mound, but nonetheless came away with his second win in three decisions.

FRANK NELSON was 2 for 4 with a pair of RBI for Mount Miguel .

“Today I told the guys we weren’t bad today and we weren’t good,” said Mount Miguel coach BYRON GRIGSBY. “In the Grossmont Conference you have to be good every day.”

EL CAJON VALLEY 19, LUTHERAN 2 (5 inn.) – It was another big batting spree for El Cajon Valley which dismantled Lutheran with a 17-hit attack in Tuesday’s (Mar. 18) Lions Tournament Division 1A game.

Senior ANTHONY VROLIJK was a double-threat as he drove in four runs with three singles and scored twice. For good measure Vrolijk picked up the pitching win.

JOSE VARGAS drove in three runs with a double and two singles, while ADRIAN TORRES was 3 for 5 with a double, triple, three runs scored and two RBI.

Catcher CAMERON LAUDERMILK went 3 for 5 with a double, two RBI and a stolen base.

Even though ABEL CERVANTES had two hits in three at-bats, his average actually fell to .696 – that’s still the best in East County . Cervantes also had a double and two RBI.

Despite the offensive onslaught, El Cajon Valley coach MIKE RUPP was more pleased by his team’s defense, which played error-free ball.

The victory evened the Braves’ slate at 4-4, giving them one more win than they had in 27 decisions a year ago.

Monte Vista (3-4) pounded out 19 hits against the Komets, giving the Spring Valley nine 38 safeties in their last two games.

TRISTON BRAYMAN was 3 for 4 with three RBI, and MATT BOELTER and ADAM TIMANUS also had three hits apiece.

Monte Vista broke a 3-3 tie on an RBI double by CODY MORRIS in the 5th inning, which made a winning pitcher out of Boelter. Timanus pitched 1 2/3 innings of hitless relief while striking out two to earn his second save. Boelter allowed only one earned run.

“Boelter and Timanus both pitched great,” said Monte Vista coach BRANDON ROGERS. “Our pitching has kept us in all the games all year. We were able to make plays when we needed them and our pitching shut them down.”

KENNEDY 9, VALHALLA 2 – Things are not going well for Valhalla of late. Even head Norsemen coach MIKE WILSON missed Tuesday’s (Mar. 18) Lions Tournament Classic Division contest against Granada Hills Kennedy (ill with the flu).

Valhalla (5-3) was stung with its third straight loss, but the Norsemen did snap their scoreless inning streak at 18 when they pushed across a run in the 3rd.

JOHN AGUIRRE-RUIZ led off the inning with a single to right. TYLER KEATON followed with a one-out single to put runners at the corners. Aguirre-Ruiz scored on MATT GONZALES’s groundout.

The Norsemen added a second run in the 6th when RYAN O’SULLIVAN doubled and scored on an error.

Santana head coach Jerrry Henson (left) holds a plaque commemorating his 300th career victory. (Photo by Chad Giles)

Mar. 17: Francis Parker at Monte Vista (Photo by Kirk Gentry)

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CHULA VISTA (3-18-08) — Senior pitcher BRANDYN BELL admitted he had extra incentive when he walked to the mound to make his first pitch in Monday’s (Mar. 17) opening round of the 58th Annual Lions Tournament Division 5A game at Hilltop.

It wasn’t Santana’s version of Hell’s Bells, but it came close.

“We were all excited about this game,” said the 6-foot-3 Bell , who pitched a complete game 5-hitter as the Sultans topped Hilltop 6-2. “We dedicated this one to Coach (JERRY) HENSON. “The only flaw was we were sad we couldn’t do it at home.”

For the record, this victory marked No. 300 for Henson during his 17-year career, all of it coming at Santana.

“Winning 300 games never entered my mind back in 1992 when I became the head coach at Santana,” said Henson, who was an assistant coach at Santana for JIM SASKA for six years and for MARTY NELLIS for two years before that. “We were hoping to do it last year but fell a little bit short. This year we have another group of talented young men to share it with. I could never have done it without my assistant coaches, PAT CAVALCANTE and CHAD GILES. They give up a lot of time.”

It was no secret that Henson was closing in on the milestone.

“We all knew about it and we wanted to get it done as soon as possible,” said Bell . “We knew it was special to him and we wanted to be part of it.”

All the players signed the game ball and presented it to Henson following the magical moment. They also gave him a plaque to commemorate the occasion.

Henson, who has compiled a 300-189-4 record as the Santana skipper, was quick to give credit where credit is due.

“CATHERINE (his wife) has been my only scorekeeper,” said Henson, who has been involved in Santana baseball for more than a quarter of a decade. “We have been married 41 years and her support has been invaluable, it just strengthens a marriage. This win brought Catherine and I and my coaches and the ball team all together. Catherine is a very large part of the success that Santana’s baseball team has had.”

After the final out was recorded at Hilltop, all the Santana players congregated around Henson.

“We all just gave him a great big hug,” said Bell .

Santana actually came from behind to win this game. It was an RBI single by Bell that tied it 1-1 in the 4th.

A sacrifice fly by DALLAS SEIDEL put the Sultans on top 2-1.

RYAN STUTZ, who doubled and scored the tying run, was 2 for 4 with three runs scored, and CHRIS RABICHAUD was 2 for 3 with a run scored.

“ Bell only went to a 3-ball count three times, gave up no walks,” Henson said. “He just threw a dynamite ballgame, stayed in command the whole game.”

“It was a good day for the Sultans,” he added.

EL CAPITAN 8, SCOTTSDALE HORIZON 5 – Leadoff man KEVIN MORTON accounted for five runs as visiting El Capitan knocked off Scottsdale Horizon in Monday’s (Mar. 17) opening round of the Cleat’s National Classic in Scottsdale , Ariz.

Morton went 3-for-4 with 3 RBI and 2 runs scored for the Vaqueros (5-1), who overcame an early 2-0 deficit with four runs in the 4th inning. Morton slugged a two-run single and ANDY HALE drilled a two-run double to center to vault the Vaqs on top to stay.

BROOKS NOBLE and MARCO MARISCAL added two hits apiece for El Capitan , which totaled 10.

Holding the Huskies (7-6) host team at bay was no small task for El Capitan , which escaped with the win thanks to some clutch relief pitching by sophomore ANDREW RIGGINS. Horizon loaded the bases with one out and had the potential winning run at the plate in the bottom of the 7th.

Riggins served up a groundball. First baseman Hale made the stop and fired to shortstop Morton, who then fired to Riggins covering at first to end the game.

“That was great work by Riggins,” El Capitan coach STEVE VICKERY said. “He showed that he can come through under pressure.”

GRANITE HILLS 12, PLEASANT VALLEY 11 (9 inn.) – A cliff-hanger it was, but stylish it wasn’t. So sums up Granite Hills’ Lions Tournament Classic Division joust against previously unbeaten Pleasant Valley of Chico.

Although no records could be found on the subject, the six pitchers who worked in Monday’s (Mar. 17) tournament opener combined to hit 11 batters. Not-so-Pleasant Valley ’s three pitchers plunked seven Eagles. Three of those hit batsmen came in the bottom of the 9th inning helping Granite Hills (5-1) score three runs without benefit of a hit to pull out the victory.

In a fitting conclusion, JOSH QUERIONES logged the game-winning RBI by “taking one for the team.”

“I’ve never seen anything like this game,” Eagles coach JAMES DAVIS said.

A more familiar sight to Davis was the long-ball hitting of KENNY BELZER.

Belzer was 2-for-4 with his county-leading 5th home run and three RBI. On top of that, he allowed only one earned run over the final 2 1/3 innings to pick up his first pitching win.

JARED HUNT was 2-for-4 with a home run, two RBI and three runs scored for Granite Hills. JARED RAPOZA contributed a triple, single, sacrifice fly and two RBI. DYLAN GARCIA was 3-for-5.

CHRISTIAN 8, KEARNS (Utah) 7 – It’s a good thing veteran coach MIKE MITCHELL likes amusement parks because one thing about this year’s band of Patriots is that they’re going to take him on a lot of rollercoaster rides.

The latest up-and-down trip occurred during Monday’s (Mar. 17) first round contest of the Division 4A Lions Tournament. The Patriots (6-2) zoomed in front 5-0 after four innings, blew that lead, then bounced in front 7-5 after five innings, only to hit another valley resulting in a 7-7 tie after six frames.

The Patriots got the final word with much help from the Cougars (1-1), who hit SHAUN DAY with one out to ignite the winning rally in the bottom of the 7th. NIKO KANAKARIS followed with a single, putting runners at the corners. A walk to MICHAEL STOWERS loaded the bases. COLIN RYAN caught the Cougars flat-footed when he laid down a perfect squeeze bunt, scoring Day with the winning run.

TAYLOR EICHHORST maintained his share of the SDCIF home run lead with a 2-run shot in the 1st inning. Eichhorst came within five feet of hitting his sixth home run in the bottom of the 7th, leaving him tied with Granite Hills’ KENNY BELZER at five.

One of the hottest hitters for the Patriots has been Kanakaris, who followed a single by Day in the 5th inning with his fourth home run of the season to give Christian a 7-5 edge.

“Kanakaris is really swinging the bat well and has got our fire burning again,” Mitchell said. “He changed his whole approach and now is hitting rockets all over the place. He’s keeping his weight back and hitting the ball up the middle instead of trying to yank everything out.”

Patriots leadoff hitter EDDIE YOUNG was 3 for 3 with a double and three runs scored.

GROSSMONT 11, ELK GROVE 1 – Each of these teams knows what it takes to win – consistently. The hosting Grossmont Foothillers (7-0) are three-time champions of the San Diego CIF’s Division II, while the Thundering Herd has captured three straight Division I titles in the CIF Sacramento-Joaquin North section.

In Monday’s (Mar. 17) opening round of the Lions Tournament’s Classic Division, the Foothillers dominated.

LEVI STEVENS led the offensive charge, driving in 4 runs with a home run and a double. CHARLIE PIRO and BRYAN HAAR added 2-run home runs and that was more than support for junior right-hander AARON GRIFFIN. JOSH SIMMS was 2-for-3 with a double and two runs scored. Simms is 5-for-6 in his last two games.

Griffin rationed Elk Grove to 4 hits while recording a complete game and his third win without a loss.

MOUNT MIGUEL 11, MADERA SOUTH 3 – A 10-run third inning made it look easy for the Matadors in Monday’s (Mar. 17) Division 2A romp over Madera South in the 58th Annual Lions Tournament at Helix.

Mount Miguel (4-2) sent 14 batters to the plate in the lengthy 3rd, which yielded 9 of the Matadors’ 12 hits in the game.

LUCAS GOLDEN contributed a single, a double and 3 RBI in the big inning.

TONY ALVAREZ walloped a grand slam in the same frame.

Back-to-back doubles by Alvarez and RUDDY ACOSTA made it 11-3 in the 4th.

Not to be overshadowed by Mount Miguel ’s offensive uprising was the pitching of Acosta. The 6-foot-6, 160-pound sophomore right-hander allowed only one hit, one earned run and struck out 13 to run his record to 2-1.

WEST HILLS 8, BRAWLEY 3 – BRANDON HAMILTON and RYAN HALL pitched the host Wolf Pack to a fourth straight victory over visiting Brawley in Monday’s (Mar. 17) 4A Division of the 58th Annual Lions Tournament.

“There’s a great atmosphere in our dugout right now,” said West Hills coach CHRIS BAUM.

Much of that cheerful outlook was the result of the 1st inning when the Wolf Pack capitalized on Brawley’s pitching wildness. But the Pack also contributed some timely hitting.

ERIC McKNIGHT doubled in the first run, and GABRIEL ZEHNER and MICHAEL LOBAUGH added RBI singles. ROBBY ROBLES was hit by a pitch to force in a fourth run.

DAVID BRISTOL launched a 1-1 pitch over the right-center field fence to make it 5-1 in the 3rd.

“Our hitting’s coming around just like I knew it would,” said Baum, noting the Wolf Pack’s 11-hit total.

McKnight was 2 for 4 with a pair of RBI, while Bristol was 2 for 2 with two runs scored. RYNE BARKLEY walked and scored in the 1st and doubled and scored on a basehit by McKnight in the 6th.

STEELE CANYON 12, FOOTHILL (Nev.) 2 – DONNIE FRANK went 3 for 3 and drove in three runs to spark Steele Canyon to an easy opening victory in Monday’s (Mar. 17)

Division 4A of the 58th Annual Lions Tournament.

ANDREW BELLATTI drove in three runs and pitched three shutout innings to notch the pitching decision for Steele Canyon (4-2).

The Cougars put this one away early, scoring seven runs in the 1st inning. It was 12-0 after three frames.

“It was a good way to start off the tournament,” said Steele Canyon coach TODD SNYDER. “There is a lot of positive energy going into tomorrow’s game. We’re still working on doing the small things like putting the ball in play with runners in scoring position.”

NATHAN O’TOOLE allowed one hit, no earned runs and struck out three over the final three innings to pick up the win.

“This was O’Toole’s first varsity game and he pitched well,” said Snyder. “We had a solid performance from our pitching staff today.”

Monte Vista blistered youthful Francis Parker for 19 hits. TONY MARCON was 3 for 5 with two RBI and a stolen base, while MATT MORRIS was 2 for 4 with a pair of doubles and two RBI. CODY MORRIS was 3 for 5 with a double and an RBI.

ERIC LaBOUBE, Matt Morris and TOMMY DeMARS combined on a 4-hit shutout for the Monarchs.

“Our pitching was outstanding,” said Monte Vista coach BRANDON ROGERS. “We were able to spread the pitching out so that we’ll have everybody ready later on in the tournament if we need them. I was pleased with the hitting today.”

EL CAJON VALLEY 10, CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN 7 – ABEL CERVANTES, East County’s leading hitter, drove in 3 runs with a double and a single to carry the Braves (3-4) to Monday’s (Mar. 17) the Lions Tournament Division 1A first round win in a game played at Escondido High.

Cervantes raised his batting average to .700 with 14 hits in 20 at-bats for El Cajon Valley which equaled last year’s victory total with its third win in seven decisions. It took the Braves 27 games to win three in 2007. Cervantes also had two stolen bases.

ADRIAN PADILLA was 2 for 4 with a pair of RBI and a steal. DAVID SANCHEZ contributed a 2-run triple.

MATT THOMAS worked six innings to post his third straight victory.

“We still had a couple of errors, but we’re getting better,” said Braves coach MIKE RUPP. “Those and four walks led to most of their runs. Thomas battled sickness and threw good enough to keep us in it. We still have to learn to focus for seven innings.”

TAYLORSVILLE (Utah) 5, HELIX 4 – When ANTHONY DIAZ gave host Helix a 3-1 lead with a three-run home run in the 5th inning of Monday’s (Mar. 17) Lions Tournament

Division 4A opener, the Highlanders thought this would be the day for their first win of the season.

Taylorsville , which was playing its first game of the season, had different ideas. The Warriors scored 4 runs in the 6th inning to dash the Helix hopes of snapping a six-game losing streak.

Valhalla right-fielder Tyler Keaton makes the dive, but falls short on snaring this drive down the line, which landed foul. (Photo by Mark Gonzales)

SILVERADO (Nev.) 7, VALHALLA 0 – The Norsemen (5-2) saw their string of scoreless innings stretch to 16 in Monday’s (Mar. 17) opening round of the Lions Tournament Classic Division against visiting Las Vegas Silverado.

Furthermore, Valhalla was limited to one hit – a single by PETER THOMAS.

"We just didn't make the right adjustment today at the plate,” Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON said.

Grossmont's Levi Stevens tossed a 2-hit shutout, powering the Foothillers past Valhalla to win the Foothiller-Aztec Classic championship. (Photo by Mark Gonzales)

These guys who wear the Blue and Gold have won all of their six outings this spring and reaching back to last year have posted 14 straight wins. Wanna dig deeper…? Grossmont has finished on top in 21 of its last 22 starts.

And did we mention, the Hillers are three-time defending San Diego CIF Division II section champions.

The faces change, but not the attitude. These folks maintain Pit Bull tenacity.

Take Saturday’s (Mar. 15) championship game of the Foothiller-Aztec Classic contest against unbeaten Valhalla, won by Grossmont 7-0 at Joe Gizoni Field.

Just four batters into Grossmont’s lineup in the bottom of the 1st inning and the Foothillers (6-0) were breezing 3-0.

“We were able to do today what we’ve been able to do all six games so far,” Grossmont coach ROB PHILLIPS said. “We were able to jump out in front and put the pressure on the other team. That changes the game into our favor right away.”

LEVI STEVENS, the latest in a long line a big-time winners in Grossmont’s pitching tradition, ran his record to 3-0 with a sterling 2-hit shutout against the Norsemen (5-1). The junior southpaw walked 2 and struck out 8 in his second complete game effort in three starts.

“The thing about Levi is he spots his pitches really well,” Phillips said. “He’s efficient with his pitches (84 versus Valhalla ) and he has enough movement on his ball to be successful. He has enough giddy-up on his fastball so when a hitter is looking off-speed he can throw it by somebody.”

Stevens leads East County ’s with 23 strikeouts. His 1.47 ERA is also blue ribbon caliber.

Valhalla had once chance to break through against Stevens as they loaded the bases with two outs in the 3rd inning. Stevens escaped the jam when he coaxed the Norsemen cleanup hitter into tapping into an inning ending groundout.

Grossmont shortstop BRYAN HAAR was 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI. CASH McCLELLAN, batting in the No. 9 spot for the Foothillers, was 2-for-3 with a home run.

“I hit a belt high changeup,” McClellan said of the ball he hoisted over the right-center field fence with two outs in the 4th inning. “It was right down the middle. It felt right when I hit it so I knew it was going out.”

Some players believe batting ninth is a sign of weakness. Not McClellan.

“I like it,” he said. “You see a lot of good hittin’ pitches, primarily fastballs.”

“Funny thing is I overheard those two guys talking about having a breakout game today,” said West Hills coach CHRIS BAUM. “These are the last two pieces we needed to get our offense clicking. It was good to see smiles on their faces again.”

Bristol blasted a hanging curveball over the right-field fence staking West Hills to a 1-0 lead in the 2nd inning. But that was only the beginning for Bristol , who finished the day 3-for-4 with two RBI.

In the 6th inning, RYNE BARKLEY singled and advanced to second on a throwing error. He rode home on Bristol ’s two-out single up the middle.

With one out and CHRIS ALLEN at second base in the 7th inning, WILL CRUMPLER singled to put runners at the corners. Crumpler then stole second base. Allen cruised home on TONY SPEARS sacrifice fly. When the Patriots (5-2) bungled the relay, Crumpler came around to score.

The rally continued as Barkley cracked a two-out single. Then it was McKnight’s turn and the senior first baseman clubbed a 2-2 pitch well beyond the right-center field fence to cap the scoring.

Overshadowed but not forgotten was the pitching of ROBBY ROBLES, who baffled the Patriots for six innings, allowing just 3 hits and one run to earn his second win in three starts.

“Robbie had a no-hitter going into the 5th inning,” Baum said. “He had a feel for his slider and they weren’t biting. That worked to his favor as he usually wound up dealing ahead in the count.”

CHRISTIAN LIFE 10, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 9 – The signs, at least the way Foothills Christian coach JAMES McHUGH views them, are nothing but positive for the East County Knights.

“Today was a great sign of what this team is capable of,” McHugh emphasized. “We've got a great young crop here. It is really nice after six years to finally see a program coming together. Now if we could just find a field so we weren't playing home games 35 miles from campus it would be nice.”

Saturday’s (Mar. 15) Citrus League opener against Christian Life was not unlike a heavyweight prize fight. Back-and-forth, it was a slug of runs.

In the bottom of the 7th, Foothills Christian (3-4) trailed 10-6. But the Knights refused to hang up their armor.

IAN MURPHY started a two-out rally for the Knights with an opposite field blast that missed getting out by about 3 inches on the tall fence in right. JOE CANTER followed with a single to move Murphy to second. ZACH CUMMINGS then singled for his 3rd hit and 3rd RBI of the game. MATT DELMORE followed with a bloop single to right to bring home another run.

Then with a 2-2 count, ZACH KAUL hit a shot down the left side that appeared to hit the line and tie the game but the ball was ruled foul. After fouling off three more pitches, Kaul, one of Foothills basketball magicians, singled to bring home Cummings. But that was as close the Knights would come.

Cummings finished 3-for-4 with 3 RBI for the Knights, while Delmore had two hits and two RBI.

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (3-15-08) — Perhaps they’re not household names around Grossmont Conference pitching circles, but those who toe the rubber for West Hills this season are getting the job done – and then some.

It’s the Wolf Pack’s pitching depth that is going to allow coach CHRIS BAUM’s troops to raise havoc in the Grossmont North League this season.

GABRIEL ZEHNER, a 5-foot-8, 180-pound senior right-hander, proved that you don’t have to have a blazing fastball to have success on the mound. Zehner needed only 83 pitches to toss a complete game 5-hitter as the Pack downed visiting Otay Ranch 5-0 in a non-league game on Friday (Mar. 14).

Zehner, who has not allowed a run in 10 innings this season, did not display a lot of flash as he muzzled the Mustangs (4-2). He did not log a single strikeout but then on the flip side, he didn’t walk anybody either. It’s pitching like that that keeps one’s defense on their toes.

Baum was not surprised by Zehner’s effort.

“Our pitching staff has been unreal,” Baum said. “We are still waiting for (BRENNAN) TAYLOR (who is out with a thumb injury) to come back. (BRANDON) HAMILTON, Zehner and (ROBBIE) ROBLES have been exceptional – beyond exceptional. The defense is playing tremendous as well. We’re throwing strikes and we’re making the plays behind them.”

RYNE BARKLEY was 2 for 4 with a pair of doubles for West Hills (3-3). His first two-bagger down the left-field line followed a one-out single by TONY SPEARS in the 1st inning. ERIC McKNIGHT walked to load the bases. Spears scored on a two-out balk.

Spears and Barkley teamed up again in the 3rd. Spears provided the initial spark with a leadoff walk and advanced to third on Barkley’s double. McKnight then singled in Spears and Barkley eventually scored on an error as Zehner reached base.

After a single by SAM LINDAHL, a base hit by KYLE HOOPER drove in two and made it 5-0.

While lack of offense has been a concern at West Hills, Baum was pleased that his club collected nine hits. Spears and Lindahl had two hits apiece as did Barkley.

The Wolf Pack turned a few defensive gems as well.

“Barkley made a couple of unbelievable plays in the 4th inning,” Baum said. “One ball was going over his head to straight-away center when he jumped up and caught it. And another, the third out, came on a low line-drive up the middle when he laid out full extension and made the catch. That’s the only way Barkley knows how to play – full out.”

It seems his teammates are following suit.

CHULA VISTA 6, EL CAJON VALLEY 2 – In his first season at El Cajon Valley coach MIKE RUPP is trying to convince his players that there are three basic ingredients to winning games. That would be pitching, defense and hitting.

“We’re getting better but it seems we can’t put all three of those things together,” Rupp said. “Each kid is learning as we go.”

Four errors sabotaged the visiting Braves’ effort in Friday’s (Mar. 14) non-league game at Chula Vista . Those miscues handed the Spartans (4-2) three unearned runs.

“Actually we played pretty good defense except for a couple of key errors in key spots,” Rupp said. “And our pitchers threw well today.

On the offensive end, however, the Braves were limited to a season-low two runs, despite a 3 for 3 batting effort by ABEL CERVANTES.

Cervantes has compiled some pretty significant numbers for the Braves (2-4). He’s batting .667 (12 for 18) with 9 runs scored, 6 RBI and 8 stolen bases. Cervantes had an RBI single in the 3rd inning at Chula Vista .

Pitchers ADRIAN PADILLA, ADRIAN TORRES and TREVOR SINES limited the Spartans to 8 hits while striking out 7 and walking only one.

© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (3-14-08) — Veteran coach STEVE VICKERY said his El Capitan Vaqueros played “by far, their best game of the year” in Thursday’s (Mar. 13) final round of the Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament by knocking off visiting Mission Bay, 5-0.

The Vaqueros (4-1) were denied an appearance in the tournament finals due to a tie-breaker – that being a loss to No. 1 ranked Poway.

KEVIN MORTON and MILES REAGAN combined on a 5-hit shutout that took the Vaqueros only an hour and 37 minutes to put in the book. Perhaps that was because the El Capitan duo walked only two and struck out just three.

Morton worked 6 1/3 innings to earn his second victory before Reagan came on to get the final two outs.

“We had an outstanding pitching performance from Morton,” Vickery said.

El Capitan supported Morton with a sure-handed defense – only one meaningless miscue.

Vickery pointed to senior shortstop ANTHONY LYBARGER as the catalyst.

“Lybarger made several outstanding plays,” said Vickery. “We just had good focus and good intensity for all seven innings today.”

Morton helped the Vaqueros break a scoreless tie in the 3rd inning as he drew a two-out walk and stole second. TANNER RUST followed with a single to left to make it 1-0.

In the 4th inning ANDY HALE singled and advanced to third on a two-base throwing error. KORBIN KRUGER singled to left to score Hale. One out later BROOKS NOBLE hit a towering home run over the left field fence, staking El Capitan to a 4-0 lead.

The Vaqueros tacked on an insurance run in the 6th when KYLE MILLS doubled and advanced to third on a one-out bunt single by Lybarger. Mills coasted home on TYRONE WIGGINS’ sacrifice fly.

Unlike the majority of East County teams who will be competing in the 58th Annual Lions Tournament, the Vaqueros will take their talents to vie in the Cleats National Invitational tournament in Scottsdale (AZ). El Capitan will be featured against host Scottsdale Horizon at 7:30 p.m. on Monday (Mar. 17).

CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC 12, GRANITE HILLS 3 – In a battle of two Top 10 teams, visiting Cathedral clubbed Granite Hills into submission during Thursday’s (Mar. 13) final round of Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament pool play. The victory vaulted the Dons (4-1) into Saturday’s (Mar. 15) tourney title game against top-seeded Poway (4-1) at Hilltop High at 10:30 a.m.

Senior catcher Chris Wilson led Cathedral’s 18-hit onslaught with a pair of home runs and a single to drive in 4 runs.

“I heard he’d been off to a slow start,” Granite Hills coach JAMES DAVIS said.

Consider the drought over. The Dons scored 8 runs in the first three innings. The first of Wilson ’s two homers came during that stretch, as did his RBI single. He clubbed a solo homer in the 5th.

“Wilson hit a couple of bombs,” Davis said.

While Cathedral was battering Granite Hills starter DEAN MILLER for 7 runs and 8 hits over 2 2/3 innings, Dons’ pitcher JONATHAN MEYER was keeping a tight rein on the Eagles (4-1).

“Meyer is one of the best five pitchers in the county,” Davis decided. “His ball has a definite sink to it. I know he never got a pitch above thigh-high against us.”

Still, Granite Hills was able to launch solo home runs by BRIAN HUMPHRIES and JARED RAPOZA at Meyer’s expense. Rapoza accounted for two of the Eagles’ six hits.

“Humphries’ home run was the best ball I’ve seen him hit in a long time,” Davis noted. “It cleared the 360 sign (in right center) by at least 40 feet.”

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 7, GUAJOME PARK 0 (forfeit) -- Tri-City ChristiaN'S Eagle Classic.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-13-08) — Grossmont High has secured a berth in Saturday’s (Mar. 15) finals of the Foothiller-Aztec Classic opposite Grossmont Conference rival Valhalla beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Joe Gizoni Field. Both teams are 5-0.

Meanwhile, Granite Hills (4-0) needs a victory over visiting Cathedral Catholic (3-1) Thursday (Mar. 13) to earn a berth in the Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament championship game, slated for Saturday at Hilltop at 10:30 a.m.

WEST HILLS 2, STEELE CANYON 1 – This was a classic pitching duel between West Hills’ BRANDON HAMILTON and a pair of strong-armed Steele Canyon hurlers in Wednesday’s (Mar. 12) final round of Foothiller-Aztec Classic pool play in Rancho San Diego.

Hamilton, a 6-foot-1 left-hander known more for his soccer play, scattered seven hits and struck out 10 in a complete game effort.

“Brandon has the heart of a lion,” West Hills coach CHRIS BAUM said. “He is one of the best competitors I’ve ever coached.

Hamilton is better than his 1-0 record indicates. He’s allowed only three earned runs in 13 innings for a 1.62 ERA.

“It got to be touch-and-go there a few times, but it would have taken physical force to get him off that mound,” Baum said of Hamilton ’s latest effort. “It was his game to win or lose.”

West Hills (2-3) took a 1-0 lead in the 1st inning without benefit of a hit. WILL CRUMPLER was hit by a pitch, but was quickly erased on a TONY SPEARS groundball. RYNE BARKELY walked and both he and Spears advanced into scoring position via a passed ball.

ERIC McKNIGHT followed with a sacrifice fly.

Pinch-hitter KYLE HOOPER got the Wolf Pack offense started again in the 5th inning with a single. Hooper hopped to second on a sacrifice bunt by CHRIS ALLEN. After Crumpler lined out, Spears spanked a ground rule double over the center fielder’s head to make it 2-0.

“Our hitting isn’t where we want it to be yet,” Baum said. “But it’s coming along. It’ll get there.”

GABRIEL ZEHNER accounted for 2 of West Hills’ five hits.

Steele Canyon pitchers CODY KLOPP and ANDREW BELLATTI pitched well enough to win.

“It was a close game but it was disappointing,” said Steele Canyon coach TODD SNYDER. “We have been working on certain things in practice that we didn’t do today. Their pitcher was able to keep us off-balance the whole game. We didn’t make any adjustments hitting-wise. Hamilton didn’t throw hard – he was a left-handed finesse pitcher. We swung over the top of it, taking monster swings. But we’ll play them again and hopefully we will be able to play disciplined baseball.”

It was a game of missed opportunities for Steele Canyon .

In the 3rd inning JESSE JENNER launched a leadoff double and ADRIAN CASTRO followed with a walk for Steele Canyon (3-2). JORDAN HINDI’s sacrifice bunt advanced the runners into scoring position. But Hamilton escaped by coaxing a strikeout and a groundout.

Junior DANNY MacINTYRE led off the Cougars’ 4th inning with a triple to right field.

“That’s when Hammy really clutched up,” Baum said. And so Hamilton did, retiring the next three batters in a row – two of them on strikes.

Hamilton narrowly missed notching a shutout in the 7th inning, but by the same token, he could have come up a loser.

Andrew Bellatti led off the final frame for Steele Canyon with a single. One out later pinch-hitter MARLON PORTER slapped an 0-1 pitch to left field for a base hit. DUSTIN DEGLER, stepping in as a pinch-hitter, drove in Bellatti with a base hit, leaving runners at the corners with one out.

Although Baum had pitchers warming up in the bullpen, he said he had no intention of taking Hamilton out. It proved to be a wise move. Hamilton got the second out on strikes and the final out on a fly ball to center field.

“I know we’re a better team than we showed today,” Snyder said.

VALHALLA 6, VISTA 4 – The Norsemen showed a new wrinkle – the ability to come from behind – as they overcame a 4-0 deficit to defeat Vista in Wednesday’s (Mar. 12) Foothiller-Aztec Classic action.

Valhalla scored five times in the 4th inning to hand senior ace right-hander RYAN O’SULLIVAN his third win without a loss. Senior TYLER KEATON doubled over the leftfielder’s head for a 3-run double to tie the game 4-4.

Then with two outs, O’Sullivan singled to center to score Keaton to give the Norsemen the lead.

But the Norsemen’s hitting parade did not stop there. PETE THOMAS followed with a base hit as did DANNY HAWKSLEY to give Valhalla a 2-run lead.

“The boys played hard today and didn’t give up when Vista went ahead on us early,” Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON said.

O’Sullivan and Hawksley three hits apiece for Valhalla. ANTHONY GONZALES chipped in with two hits.

Hawksley is batting an East County best .625 (10 for 16) after five games.

“Danny is continuing to swing a good stick right now,” commented Wilson . “He is really in a zone at the plate and has adjusted to playing third base very well.”

“Ryan pitched through a tough inning of bloop hits and continued to battle with Vista’s hitters who were swinging good today,” said Wilson .

Senior right-hander JAKE BOEKAMP pitched a hitless 7th inning to earn the save.

“Jake came in and closed the door for us,” said Wilson . “He has been a pleasant surprise off the mound so far. I only look for him to get better as the season goes on.”

GROSSMONT 12, MONTE VISTA 0 – The Foothillers steamrolling express mashed Monte Vista in Wednesday’s (Mar. 12) Foothiller-Aztec Classic pool game finale.

LEVI STEVENS followed a walk to CONOR MEREDITH in the 2nd inning with a 2-run homer to right field for Grossmont (5-0).

That blow alone probably would have been enough as AARON GRIFFIN and DONOVAN D’SOUZA combined to fire a 6-hit shutout. Neither pitcher allowed a walk, and Griffin struck out six.

CHARLIE PIRO continued his torrid hitting with 3 singles and 4 RBI for the Foothillers.

DEREK BAUM only had one hit but accounted for five runs – 3 RBI and 2 runs scored.

“They made a couple of errors and the floodgates opened,” Grossmont coach ROB PHILLIPS said. “Otherwise it was a much closer game.”

Monte Vista pitchers ANTHONY MARCON, TOMMY DeMARS and ADAM TIMANUS were victimized by three Monarchs errors which lead to four unearned runs.

“We were down only 3-0 then we booted a ground ball and misjudged a fly ball,” said Monte Vista coach BRANDON ROGERS. “We just crumbled after that.”

MATT MORRIS and MATT BOELTER had two hits apiece for the Monarchs.

SANTANA 4, MATER DEI 0 – Something veteran coach JERRY HENSON can count on from his Sultans is solid pitching. That was the case again in Wednesday’s (Mar. 12) Foothiller-Aztec Classic win over host Mater Dei.

JAMES NEEDY, JOSH POND and KYLE HAYES combined to pitch a 4-hit shutout while striking out eight.

Needy (2-0) got the win, working the first five innings, allowing just 2 hits and 2 walks while striking out 5.

Santana combined a walk, and error and a base hit by ANTHONY MORENO to take a 2-0 lead in the 2nd inning.

The Sultans (3-2) doubled their lead with a pair of runs in the 5th inning. CODY SMITH drew a one-out walk and advanced to third on a base hit by RYAN STUTZ. Stutz stole second and Smith scored on a wild pitch. After a walk to Hayes, Stutz scored on a wild pitch.

“It was a game of errors and wild pitches,” said Henson. “Stutz made some awesome defensive plays at shortstop to keep them from scoring.”

CHULA VISTA 7, HELIX 3 – The season-long struggle continues for the Highlanders as they fell behind the visiting Spartans 6-1 in the 4th inning of the Foothiller-Aztec Classic on Wednesday (Mar. 12) and could not rebound.

One positive for the Highlanders was ANTHONY DIAZ hitting the first home run of the year. The problem was his solo shot to left field in the 4th inning came with Chula Vista leading 6-1.

Another plus for the Highlanders was they did show signs of some clutch hitting. BENNY GUERRERO slapped an RBI single in the 2nd inning to tie the game 1-1. Helix put together a double by CHASE GLENN and a single by BRONSON RUNIONS in the 6th inning.

Helix’s pitchers JEFF ROSENTHAL, MIKE LOPEZ, MIKE ORTIZ and ZACH ARCHER limited the Spartans to seven hits but hurt the Helix cause by walking eight and hitting one.

“We threw 156 pitches among four pitchers,” said Helix coach COLE HOLLAND. “When you do that you are not going to win. We just did a terrible job pitching today – 156 pitches is astronomical. We have just gotta be able to throw strikes. We are making it tough. But fortunately we live to play another day.”

CHRISTIAN 15, MOUNTAIN EMPIRE 4 – Whether it was the fresh mountain air or not, the visiting Patriots played long ball in Wednesday’s (Mar. 12) Christian Patriots Invitational blowout of the Red Hawks.

Christian (5-2) clubbed four home runs – two by EDDIE YOUNG and one each by TAYLOR EICHHORST and NIKO KANAKARIS.

That trio alone has 10 home runs for the Patriots this season.

BRAD ROBERTSON and Eichhorst shared the pitching chores with Robertson picking up the win.

No other information was available.

Pitching-deep Matadors win again

© East County Sports.com
OCEANSIDE (3-11-08) — Coach BYRON GRIGSBY’s Mount Miguel Matadors have some pretty sound pitching going for them this year.

“It’s the best I’ve had in four years as varsity head coach here,” said Grigsby.

Senior right-hander JAMES TREBUS, junior right-hander RUDDY ACOSTA and ANDY MAZON give Mount Miguel a tight 1-2-3 pitching punch.

It was Trebus’ turn to start in Tuesday’s (Mar. 11) Bully’s West Tournament game at El Camino. And he delivered, coming within one out of his first complete game pitching victory of the season in defeating the host Wildcats, 4-3.

Trebus (1-1), who saved Mount Miguel’s first two wins, scattered 6 hits and struck out 9 before handing the ball to Acosta with the winning run on base in the bottom of the 7th.

Acosta proceeded to register a victory-saving strikeout.

“I knew we had the pitching and defense,” Grigsby said. “And our hitting is starting to come around. I think we’re going to surprise some people.”

Spotty control was the lone black mark against Trebus’ latest outing, which included 6 walks and 2 hit batters.

“There were some borderline pitches he didn’t get a call on,” Grigsby said. “But he didn’t rattle. He stayed focused and got the job done.”

Grigsby said Trebus’ velocity was in the high 80s. He also throws a cut fastball and a split-finger pitch.

Junior catcher TONY ALVAREZ paced Mount Miguel (3-2) with three hits, including a game-tying two-run double in the 6th inning. The winning run scored on a passed ball.

NIKO CALAFATO swatted an RBI single for a 1-0 Mount Miguel lead in the 2nd inning.

LUKE GOLDEN was 2-for-3 with a double for the Matadors.

EL CAJON VALLEY 8, OLYMPIAN 0 — Senior MATT THOMAS pitched the first El Cajon Valley shutout since the second game of the 2007 season in Tuesday’s (Mar. 11) Bully’s East Tournament in South Bay.

As Thomas was scattering seven hits while walking one and striking three to earn the complete game and his second win without a loss, the Braves (2-3) pounded out six extra basehits. CAMERON LAUDERMILK laced a double and a triple, while ADRIAN PADILLA was 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and 2 RBI.

ANTHONY VROJLIK keyed two El Cajon Valley rallies with lead-off walks and also chipped in a run-scoring single. He stole 2 bases and scored twice.

However, it was ABEL CERVANTES who gave the Braves the early lead and he didn’t even have a hit. Cervantes clubbed a go-ahead sacrifice fly in the 1st inning and capped a 3-run El Cajon Valley 4th with a second scoring fly ball.

El Cajon Valley is only one victory shy of its victory count of a year ago when the Braves finished 3-24.

“We made a big improvement in terms of walks and errors,” said El Cajon Valley coach MIKE RUPP. “I think some of that was because I changed the lineup and moved people around on defense. If we play like this I think we’re going to be OK.”

GRANITE HILLS 10, ESCONDIDO 2 – JOSH QUERIONES broke a 2-2 tie with a grand slam in the 3rd inning to spark visiting Granite Hills to a Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament victory on Tuesday (Mar. 11) in Escondido.

Queriones’ blast was into the wind to right-center field as the 8th ranked Eagles improved to 4-0.

Queriones singled and scored in the 5th inning and was hit by a pitch and scored in the 7th. He finished 2 for 3 at the plate and stole three bases.

“No question Josh is a better hitter this year,” said Granite Hills coach JAMES DAVIS. “He’s a go-getter, gets after it all the time. He’s stronger and has become more of a physical-type hitter for us. He’s hitting the ball with more authority and he can run a little bit.”

Junior TRAVIS HOPPER turned in another pitching gem for the Eagles, allowing just one earned run and 6 hits in a complete game effort. He walked none and struck out 8 while running his record to 2-0.

Escondido ’s two runs came in the opening inning.

“They shouldn’t have scored,” said Davis . “We booted one and they got a couple of seeing-eye hits. One of their runs came in on a 5-hopper hit up the middle – you know, one of those balls that is just barely out of reach of everybody.”

Escondido (0-4) returned the favor in the 3rd inning with a pair of errors that helped the Eagles plate their first run. An RBI single by KENNY BELZER tied the game 2-2 and set the stage for Queriones’ grand slam.

The Eagles turned the game into a blowout with three runs in the 7th. Pinch-hitters JARED RAPOZA and ROBERT McMAHON contributed RBI singles.

Granite Hills needs a victory over Cathedral (3-1) on Thursday (Mar. 13) to assure itself a berth in Saturday’s finals of the Hilltop-Lolita’s tourney.

EL CAPITAN 6, SAN MARCOS 4 – No. 3 ranked El Capitan ran its record to 3-1 in Tuesday’s (Mar. 11) Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament action thanks to some clutch relief pitching by senior KEVIN MORTON.

Morton protected a 2-run lead by escaping a bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the 7th at San Marcos to earn his first save.

Not to be overlooked was the pitching of JOSH SODEN, who has spent most of his varsity career toiling out of the El Capitan bullpen. Soden rationed the Knights (0-4) to 2 hits and one earned run over 4 1/3 innings to pick up the victory.

Sophomore ANDREW RIGGINS delivered some impressive middle relief, allowing one hit, no earned runs and struck out 4 in 1 2/3 inning.

The Vaqueros tied the game in the 2nd inning when BROOKS NOBLE doubled off the left-field fence to score KYLE MILLS, who was hit by a pitch with two outs.

MILES REAGAN tripled to the right-center field gap to ignite a 3-run 3rd inning for the Vaqueros.

ANDY HALE gave El Capitan the lead when he singled to center. Hale wound up at second base when the San Marcos center-fielder booted the ball. KORBIN KRUGER then doubled home Hale. Noble capped the inning with his second RBI double of the game.

An RBI single by Reagan gave El Capitan a 5-1 advantage in the 4th inning.

“There are some things we have to do a lot better,” said El Capitan coach STEVE VICKERY. “The game ended with bases loaded and we brought in Morton to get us out of a jam.”

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-11-08) -- Christian High pulled a complete reversal Monday (Mar. 10) of what transpired in Saturday's lopsided loss to La Jolla Country Day. That is, the Patriots pounded visiting Santa Fe Christian 15-2 after being destroyed by the Torreys 16-1 only two days earlier. To add to the oddity, SFC had beaten LJCD 6-5 just last week in the Christian Patriots Invitational.

While the Patriots (4-2) were riding the strength of home runs by TAYLOR EICHHORST, NIKO KANAKARIS and MICHAEL STOWERS, pitcher JOHN GEE was holding the Eagles (1-3) hitless through five innings.

"Gee was the epitome of being effectively wild," Christian coach MIKE MITCHELL said. Gee walked 9, hit a batter and uncorked two wild pitches. He also struck out 7 and earned his third win without a loss.

Christian took a 2-0 lead in the 1st inning. EDDIE YOUNG tripled and scored on BRYAN MITCHELL's sacrifice fly. Eichhorst was hit by a pitch, stole second and scored on a double by Kanakaris.

SFC rallied to tie it in the 2nd inning as Gee walked 5 and threw two wild pitches. He made 38 pitches in that inning.

Eichhorst then hammered his third home run of the year to snap the tie.

"That was a shot -- almost cleared the swimming pool and landed in the fifth lane," coach Mitchell added.

Eichhorst got a second at-bat in the 6-run 3rd inning and stroked a single to score the final two runs in the frame.

Kanakaris, who was 3-for-3, parked a solo homer in the 4th inning. Stowers smacked a grand slam during a 6-run 5th inning.

COLIN RYAN also had three hits for the Patriots.

SFC broke up the no-hit bid when freshman Chase Weaver singled off MICHAEL POTEET with one-out in the 6th.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-9-08) — Granite Hills High head coach JAMES DAVIS started four sophomores in the Eagles' lineup against perennial power Rancho Bernardo in Saturday’s (Mar. 8) Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament on their home turf.

While the sophomores performed well, it was senior third baseman KENNY BELZER who provided a bell-ringing blow.

Belzer, a 6-foot-4, 210-pounder, followed a one out single by JARED RAPOZA with a line-drive homer that landed under the scoreboard in dead center to give the No. 8 ranked Eagles a 6-4 victory.

It was Belzer’s fourth home run in three games. He also had an RBI double to cap the Eagles 3-run 3rd inning.

It was quite a week for Belzer, who was 6 for 12 with 5 extra base hits and 11 RBI.

“He’s a big, strong kid who’s in the zone right now,” Davis said. “When he gets ahold of something, it’s going to go a long ways. He’s hit fastballs, he’s hit curveballs. He’s coming into his own and I hope he stays there.”

Granite Hills catcher TYLER PONCIANO was 2 for 4, including an RBI single in the 3rd inning. DYLAN GARCIA also drove in a run with a base hit in the 3rd.

Trailing 4-3 in the 6th, the Eagles tied the game as JOSH QUERIONES singled, stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch. He scored on KAMERON ASKEY’s sacrifice fly.

That set the stage for Belzer’s last inning heroics.

CHRISTIAN LEWIS, a 6-foot-3 junior right-hander, limited the Broncos to one run and two hits over the final 2 2/3 innings to pick up the win.

SANTANA 5, CARLSBAD 3 – The light-hitting Sultans took a different approach in Saturday’s (Mar. 8) Foothiller-Aztec Classic game at Carlsbad in that they strolled out to a 5-0 lead.

“We were a little bit more consistent hitting after getting guys on base,” said Santana coach JERRY HENSON.

Junior DALLAS SEIDEL put some punch in the Santana attack, going 2 for 3 with 3 RBI. He slugged a mammoth 2-run homer to right-center field scoring KYLE ROMERO ahead of him to make it 3-0 in the 4th.

“He got all of it. He just crushed that ball,” said Henson, who figured that Seidel’s ball was at least 400 feet. “It was into the wind at Carlsbad. That’s a pretty good poke – definitely a morale boost for us.”

Romero had given Santana the early lead with a run-scoring single in the 2nd.

In the 6th inning Santana (2-2) struck again for two more runs. RYAN STUTZ singled and scored on a double by KYLE HAYES. TRAVIS PELLTIER pinch-ran for Hayes and scored on a base hit by Seidel.

BRANDYN BELL pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing 3 runs and 5 hits while striking out 5.

“We probably left him in a little bit longer than we should have,” said Henson.” We felt he deserved a shot at a shutout, but he ran out of gas and needed a little bit of help.”

Stutz came on in relief to get the final two outs and earn the save.

“Ryan Stutz lost his grandfather this morning,” said Henson. “We dedicated the game to him. And (pitching coach) PAT CAVALCANTE lost his sister a couple of weeks ago. We played with a purpose today.”

STEELE CANYON 5, BONITA VISTA 4 – It appears that Steele Canyon (3-1) has eyes of being a contender in the Grossmont South League race this season.

Put it this way – the Cougars are no easy mark.

Trailing 4-0 the Cougars scored 5 runs in the bottom of the 6th to knock off Bonita Vista (1-3) on Saturday (Mar. 8) in a Foothiller-Aztec Classic game at Vista.

“Our kids just didn’t give up,” said Steele Canyon coach TODD SNYDER.

MARK BELLATTI launched a double to right field to lead off the Cougars 6th inning. He scampered to third on ALEX CEBALLOS’ single to center. After pinch-runner ADRIAN CASTRO replaced Ceballos, junior DANNY MacINTYRE tripled into the left-center field gap to cut the Barons’ lead in half.

MacIntyre scored on ANTHONY SORRENTINO’s groundout, but the Cougars weren’t through. Freshman JESSE JENNER slugged a two-out single and MICHAEL CASTRO followed with a walk. JORDAN HINDI then lined a triple over the left fielder’s head that rolled to the fence in left center.

Jenner scored the tying run and Michael Castro carried across what proved to be the winning run on Hindi’s blow.

“We didn’t strike out for five innings,” Snyder said. “We were hitting the ball, putting it in play but right at people. We weren’t catching any breaks. In the 6th inning things started to fall our way.”

MacIntyre, who has played just about every position on the diamond, spun two shutout innings without allowing a hit to pick up the victory for the Cougars.

“MacIntyre has probably more heart than any high school player that I’ve been around,” said Snyder. “He is the ultimate coach’s player. He wants to be a leader, wants to win. He’s everything you want in a baseball player.”

Hindi paced Steele Canyon ’s 9-hit attack with two extra base hits – a double and a triple.

Tellez struck out 9 during his 6-inning stint while walking just one.

“Cisco threw a great game today,” Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON said. “You wouldn’t have known that he was a freshman pitching in his first varsity game today. He was very composed out there on the mound.”

Valhalla , which went on a scoring bender a day earlier, tallying 23 against West Hills, returned to its normal font.

In the 2nd inning PETE THOMAS singled to left and DANNY HAWKSLEY knocked a base hit to right, putting runners at the corners. Thomas raced home on MATT GONZALES’ infield grounder.

In the 3rd inning it was another typical Valhalla rally. WILL COOMBS singled to right and moved up 90 feet when TYLER KEATON singled to left. Tellez walked to load the bases. RYAN O’SULLIVAN then lifted a sacrifice to left field to make it 2-0.

The thrifty Norsemen loaded the bases again in the 6th on a single by Thomas, a walk to Hawksley and MATT GONZALES was hit by a pitch. Then ANTHONY GONZALES swatted a sacrifice fly to score Thomas and Hawksley eventually scored on a wild pitch.

Keaton and Thomas had 2 hits apiece for Valhalla , which totaled 6 in the contest.

“We were still swinging the bats well today,” said Wilson. “We were either hitting balls at people or were not able to put hits together to score when opportunities presented themselves.”

GROSSMONT 14, MATER DEI 1 – A North County publication rates the Grossmont Foothillers as the No. 1 team in the county. Considering the Foothillers (4-0) have scored 56 runs on 55 hits, that may not be too far off the mark.

Grossmont, which has played three of its four games on the road, teed off on five Mater Dei pitchers for 14 runs and 14 hits Saturday (Mar. 8) in a Foothiller-Aztec Classic rout over the Crusaders at Carlsbad.

One can only wonder what would happen if coach ROB PHILLIPS had allowed his starting lineup to complete any of the first four games. Instead he has made wholesale substitutions, as he did in the Hillers’ latest conquest over Mater Dei.

Grossmont scored in five of its six turns at bat against Mater Dei (3-1). Those in the Grossmont uniforms mostly wanted to talk about the booming grand slam home run clouted by No. 8 hitter CHARLIE PIRO that gave Grossmont a 6-0 lead in the 3rd inning.

“This Carlsbad ballpark is not a home run haven,” Phillips said. “But the ball (2-2 pitch) that Charlie hit, he just crushed it. It went over the trees in left-center. I don’t know how many feet it went but that ball was gone in any park in Southern California.”

BRYAN HAAR also joined the home run parade with a 3-run homer down the left field line over the 335-foot sign in the 5th inning to make it 9-0.

“I don’t want to hear about ‘Hiller Homers’ any more,” Phillips said. “We’ve hit six balls out and we’ve only played one home game. How many runs are we averaging? (14 per game).”

Grossmont (4-0), which has clinched a berth in Saturday’s (Mar. 15) finals of the Foothiller-Aztec Classic at Joe Gizoni Field against an opponent yet to be determined, took a 1-0 lead over the Crusaders on an RBI single by CONOR MEREDITH in the 1st inning.

KYLE SECCIANI hoisted a bases-loaded scoring fly ball in the 2nd inning. Then it was power time for Piro and Haar.

Other notables for Grossmont’s offensive machine included sophomore STEVEN BRAULT, who whacked a 2-run pinch-hit double in the 6th.

BRENNAN GEARY was 2 for 4 with one RBI for the Hillers.

Not to be forgotten was the pitching of junior left-hander LEVI STEVENS, who fired a complete game 4-hitter while striking out 8.

“Levi is not what you’d call an overpowering pitcher and he doesn’t try to strike everybody out,” Phillips said. “He gets ground balls, that’s what he does. And our pitching coach (JEFF COONS) calls a great game.”

MONTE VISTA 6, CHULA VISTA 4 – The Monarchs hammered out 12 hits and survived 8 errors to slip past Chula Vista and give first-year head coach BRANDON ROGERS his first coaching victory in Saturday’s (Mar. 8) Foothiller-Aztec Classic contest in Chula Vista.

“It was a lucky win, really,” said Rogers. “We hit the ball and our pitching was sound, but we tried to give it away on defense.”

MATT BOELTER paced the Monarchs (1-3) with a 3 for 4 effort, which included run-scoring singles in the 3rd and 5th innings. Boelter is batting at a .538 clip (7 for 13) after four games.

“Boelter has been hot,” said Rogers. “He got some timely two-out hits as did our whole team. Our bats have been hot and that’s why we’ve been letting them swing away.”

Trailing 2-0 Monte Vista tied the game in the third on RBI singles by MATT MORRIS and Boelter.

Down 3-2 in the 5th Monte Vista rebounded to tie it on back-to-back doubles by TRISTON BRAYMAN and SPENCER REED. Reed advanced to third on a base hit by Morris (3 for 4) and scored on a base hit by Boelter. Winning pitcher ERIC LaBOUBE hit a sacrifice fly to extend Monte Vista’s lead to 5-3.

The Monarchs added an insurance run in the 6th inning when ANTHONY NORMAN singled, stole second and scored on a single by Brayman.

ADAM TIMANUS escaped a bases-loaded situation in the bottom of the 7th to earn the save.

MOUNT MIGUEL 3, SAN DIEGO 2 – Mount Miguel’s ANDY MAZON fired a no-hitter over five innings in Saturday’s (Mar. 8) Bully’s East Tournament game at San Diego, but he settled for a victory thanks to 1 2/3 innings of shutout relief by JAMES TREBUS.

“Key for us today was our defense,” said Mount Miguel coach BYRON GRIGSBY. “My guys were focused, they were determined to win today. We caught breaks and we capitalized on San Diego ’s mistakes.”

Mount Miguel (2-2) broke a scoreless with a pair of runs in the 5th inning. KAHARMAN BANAVI laid down a bunt single and JULIAN CHARLES was hit by a pitch. The duo then executed a double steal.

RUDY BURRELL followed with a base hit to make it 2-0.

NIKO CALAFATO added an RBI single to make it 3-0 in the 6th. It was Calafato’s second hit of the game. Trebus also had two hits while also earning his second save.

VISTA 2, WEST HILLS 0 – After being hammered 23-2 by Valhalla a day earlier, the visiting Wolf Pack regained their true identity in Saturday’s (Mar. 8) Foothiller-Aztec Classic game at Vista.

ROBBY ROBLES, a 5-foot-6 junior right-hander, limited the Panthers (3-1) to one earned run over six innings but still came up on the short end. Robles (1-1) has given up only 9 hits while posting a 0.54 ERA.

“Robbie really pounds the strike zone,” said West Hills coach CHRIS BAUM. “Not in the terms of striking out a lot of people, but he makes the batter put the ball in play. That keeps our defense sharp. The thing I like best about Robbie is he has great composure and confidence out there.”

Robles struck out only one but didn’t walk any. The only legitimate run he’s allowed this season was a solo homer by Vista ’s Larry East in the 6th inning.

“Robles is going to win a lot of ballgames,” Baum said of his ace pitcher, who threw only 72 pitches at Vista. “He has a great little slider and keeps his pitch count down.”

West Hills’ best scoring chance came in the 3rd inning when the Pack put runners at second and third with one out. That budding rally fizzled when the Panthers picked a Wolf Pack runner off at second base.

POWAY 11, EL CAPITAN 3 – The much awaited showdown No. 3 El Capitan and top-ranked Poway in the Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament Saturday (Mar. 8) at Granite Hills didn’t live up to its pregame hype.

“We did a lot to beat ourselves,” said El Capitan coach STEVE VICKERY after his Vaqueros lost for the first time in three decisions. “Our pitchers pitched from behind in the count all day and you can’t do that against a physical lineup like Poway has.”

The Vaqueros got off to a promising start in the opening frame. KEVIN MORTON provided the spark with an infield single and advanced to second on TANNER RUST’s groundout. MILES REAGAN followed with a line shot to left center field for a run scoring double. Reagan then scored on a base hit by ANDY HALE.

“I thought we were in a pretty good situation but then we misjudged a fly ball in the bottom of the first that ended up costing us three runs,” Vickery said.

A 6-run 5th inning by Poway (3-0) turned the game into a rout.

The Vaqueros’ final marker came in the 7th inning as Morton doubled off the top of the left center field fence and scored on a single by Hale.

“I’m not happy about the way we played today,” Vickery said. “But in a tournament as tough as this I can’t complain about being 2-1 at this point.”

EASTLAKE 3, HELIX 2 – The Highlanders found the pitching and the defense to put themselves in a position to garner their first win of the season in Saturday’s (Mar. 8)

Foothiller-Aztec Classic action at Chula Vista.

Trouble is, they couldn’t muster any offense until two outs in the top of the 7th.

BENNY GUERRERO drew a walk and advanced to second on THOMAS BRYAN’s base hit. That set the stage for a 2-run triple off the bat of junior leadoff man CHASE GLENN, but the Highlanders fell 90 feet short of tying the game.

Helix pitchers MIKE ANDRADE and MIKE LOPEZ limited the Titans (3-1) to 5 hits and 2 earned runs.

“We made some strides today,” said Helix coach COLE HOLLAND. “We threw two guys out at third base from the outfield – one by right fielder TYLER KORY – and (catcher MARCOS SALINAS) threw three guys out trying to steal. Our big problem is we have to be more aggressive at the plate. We are taking way too many strikes.”

Guerrero accounted for half of Helix’s 4 hits.

SD-SOUTHWEST 7, EL CAJON VALLEY 5 – It was more of the same for the Braves in Saturday’s (Mar. 8) Bully’s East Tournament at San Diego Southwest. While El Cajon Valley (1-3) continues to produce at the plate, the Braves also commit backbreaking errors to undermine their pitching.

“It wasn’t like we made a whole lot of errors (3), but two of them came in key spots that cost us,” said El Cajon Valley coach MIKE RUPP. “And our pitchers continue to walk too many (5).”

El Cajon Valley started out fast with a pair of runs in the top of the 1st inning. EFREN PADILLA drilled a one-out double and scored on ADRIAN PADILLA’s two-out single. JOSE VARGAS followed with an RBI double.

But the Braves could not maintain that advantage for even one inning as the Raiders scored three times in the bottom of the 1st.

Falling behind 6-2 after five innings, the Braves fought back, parlaying two walks, a wild pitch and GABE SANCHEZ’s groundout into a run in the top of the 6th inning.

In the 7th ABEL CERVANTES singled, stole second and third, Vargas drew a walk and both runners scored on a double by CAMERON LAUDERMILK. Cervantes and Efren Padilla had 2 hits apiece for the Braves.

CALVIN CHRISTIAN 12, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 9 – Producing at the plate hasn’t been a problem for Foothills Christian, which out-hit host Calvin Christian 14-8 in Saturday’s (Mar. 8) Tri-City Christian Eagle Classic.

BRANDON JAROSIN, JOE CANTER and HENRY LUSCHEI collected 3 hits apiece for the Knights (2-3). The trio combined for 5 RBI.

Foothills problem centered around its defense, or lack thereof. The Knights committed 9 errors, which led to 7 unearned runs.

“We really just made too many simple plays into a difficult task,” said Knights coach JAMES McHUGH. “We have some good young talent and we'll get there, but I'm just trying to get them to realize they aren't losing because a team is blowing them away or making amazing plays or killing the ball. We are losing because we are not making basic plays. It’s irritating stuff like that that kills your pitchers because it keeps them on the mound too long this early in the season.”

Foothills Christian is a team without a field. That means practicing on a variety of fields and playing games without a home field advantage.

“The short practice season really hurt us this year,” said McHugh. “Every year it seems like CIF shortens the amount of time you have from your first practice and your first game date because I guess they just assume everyone plays Winter Ball. We have a lot of young guys whose arms are sore because they just haven't got to throw much with the limited practice time and the rains, of course. Now all of a sudden they get thrown on the mound and it's tough.

LA JOLLA COUNTRY DAY 16, CHRISTIAN 1 – Patriots coach MIKE MITCHELL would just as soon erase Saturday’s (Mar. 8) disaster at La Jolla Country Day from his memory.

“We were terrible today,” said Mitchell, who has been coaching the Patriots for the past 13 seasons. “It was the worst loss I’ve ever had at Christian.”

Host La Jolla Country Day rocked six Christian pitchers for 16 hits, putting together a trio of 5-run innings to gain the lop-sided victory in the Christian Patriot Invitational.

The Patriots’ only run scored on an error. For that matter, six of LJCD’s runs were unearned thanks to a half-dozen Patriots’ errors.

“We hit into double-plays in the 1st and 2nd innings and it was downhill from there,” said Mitchell. “We just kept throwing fastballs mid-thigh and they didn’t miss them. We kept changing pitchers and they kept hitting them. We need somebody to step up – right now we are lacking leadership.”

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (3-8-08) — Valhalla’s DANNY HAWKSLEY hit for the cycle and drove in 6 runs to help dispel the myth that the Norsemen can’t hit.

The sophomore third baseman tripled in the 1st inning, singled in the 2nd, doubled in the 3rd and homered in the 4th as the Norsemen walloped host West Hills 23-2 on Friday (Mar. 7) in a Foothillers-Aztec Classic game halted after five innings.

“It’s exciting because you don’t see people hitting for the cycle very often,” Hawksley said. “To think that I did it is almost surreal.”

Since the game got out of hand early, Hawksley wasn’t sure if he would get a fourth at-bat. But Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON was going to give him that chance.

Hawksley hit the first pitch over the left field fence for a 2-run homer.

“When I hit it, it felt good but I thought it would probably be only a double,” he said. “But when I came around first base and headed for second I saw the umpire signal a home run. Talk about a rush!”

Probably nobody was happier for Hawksley than senior RYAN O’SULLIVAN, who bats in the No. 3 spot in the Valhalla order – one slot ahead of Hawksley.

“I like to have Ryan hitting in front of me,” Hawksley said. “He’s such a great hitter that people try to pitch around him to get to me. That just makes me want it more. And knowing that O’Sullivan is probably going to find some way to get on base gives me a chance for RBI."

O’Sullivan was 3 for 3 with a pair of home runs, 4 RBI and 4 runs scored against West Hills (1-2).

In addition, O’Sullivan blanked the Wolf Pack on 5 hits over 4 innings to post his second win of the season.

Sophomore WILL COMBS was 2 for 2 with 2 RBI. PETE THOMAS drove in 2 runs and scored 3 for Valhalla (3-0), while ANTHONY GONZALES and TREVOR FRANK also contributed 2 hits apiece. MATT GONZALES scored 4 runs for the Norsemen.

“This was some birthday present,” said West Hills coach CHRIS BAUM, who was celebrating his birthday on Friday. “In a game like this all you can really do is shake it off. That’s the beauty of baseball – you always get to play the next day.”

Junior COLE BUDVARSON drove in West Hills’ only two runs of the game with a base hit in the bottom of the 5th.

To make matters worse for West Hills was losing senior center fielder RYNE BARKLEY, who crashed into the center field fence trying to flag down the first of O’Sullivan’s home runs.

“The ball hit off his glove as he made contact with the fence,” Baum said. “He suffered a mild concussion but we hope to have him back very soon.”

“Marlon has had some bad breaks during winter league the last two years,” said Steele Canyon coach TODD SNYDER. “As a junior he got spiked and required stitches. He wasn’t ready for tryouts, and got cut.”

Porter’s senior session in winter league wasn’t a whole lot better, as he took a throw on a finger that ripped off his fingernail.

“That caused him to miss much of our winter league season this year,” Snyder said. “But we as coaches had seen enough to know that he could make an impact for us.”

Porter, who has played third base, shortstop, second base and center field already this season, made his coaches look good as he went 4 for 4 with 2 doubles, 4 runs scored and a pair of steals in the Cougars’ conquest over visiting Castle Park in the Foothillers-Aztec Classic on Friday (Mar. 7).

This was no solo act, however. Junior DANNY MacINTYRE, another versatile member of the Steele Canyon cast, drove in 5 runs with a home run and 2 singles while scoring twice and stealing a base for the Cougars (2-1).

“The thing about Danny is he makes contact and he doesn’t strike out,” Snyder said. “He’s willing to play anywhere. He just wants to be on the field.”

In the first three games MacIntyre has played third base, catcher and first base.

Returning senior MARK BELLATTI was 2 for 3 with 4 RBI for the Cougars. Junior NOLAN MURRAY, who sparked a 6-run 4th inning with a pinchhit double, finished the day 2 for 3 and an RBI.

That rally enabled the Cougars to overcome a 6-4 deficit. JORDAN HINDI delivered an RBI single, as did MacIntyre.

Mark Bellatti and DONNIE FRANK contributed scoring fly balls.

Castle Park pitched in with two errors that allowed runs to score.

GROSSMONT 12, HELIX 2 – It was ROBERT REYES Day in Friday’s (Mar. 7) in the

Foothillers-Aztec Classic game at Helix. At least unofficially. Those familiar with this rivalry realize that never will a Grossmont player ever be honored on the Helix campus.

That didn’t matter to Reyes, however. The senior leftfielder went 3 for 3 with a home run and 4 RBI to help Grossmont run its record to 3-0. Reyes also scored a run, stole a base, threw a runner out at the plate and made a running catch on the warning track.

“I’d say that was a pretty good day’s work,” said Foothillers coach ROB PHILLPS. “We were a little bit concerned about the bottom part of our batting order. That wasn’t a problem today.”

CHARLIE PIRO and Reyes were 5 for 7 with 6 RBI batting in the No. 7 and 8 spots. Pinchhitter BRENNAN GEARY delivered an RBI single in the No. 9 spot.

Senior catcher DEREK BAUM continued his torrid hitting, driving in three runs with a double and a pair of singles. After three games Baum is batting .636 (7 for 11 ) with 8 RBI.

Phillips praised the work of sophomore pitcher STEVEN BRAULT and BRYAN PAZNOKAS. The duo allowed only 4 hits and no earned runs. Brault worked the first five innings to pick up the win.

“We’re having open auditions among our pitchers right now,” said Phillips. “I have to say these guys had a pretty decent outing.”

The Highlanders (0-3) avoided the shutout thanks to a couple of Grossmont errors.

BRONSON RUNIONS delivered a sacrifice fly to plate the first run in the 5th, and BENNY GUERRERO’s ground ball brought in the second tally in the 6th.

“The thing about Grossmont, they just hit and hit and hit,” said Helix coach COLE HOLLAND. “They never let you catch your breath. They’re aggressive and tough to pitch to, one through nine.”

“As for us, we’re an inexperienced team. Facing a team like Grossmont we were like a deer in the headlights.”

MATER DEI 1, MONTE VISTA 0 – The Monarchs wasted a sparkling pitching performance by senior right-hander TONY MARCON in Friday’s (Mar. 7) Foothillers-Aztec Classic contest.

Marcon went the distance, scattering 6 hits while walking only one and striking out 5.

“Obviously Tony pitched well enough to win,” said Monte Vista coach BRANDON ROGERS. “But we just couldn't get anything going offensively behind him.”

The game was decided by an unearned run when the Monarchs dropped a fly ball in the outfield for the only error of the game.

“I’m very happy with the way Marcon pitched,” added Rogers. “He had an excellent changeup and located his fastball well. He got his pitches in on a lot of guys’ hands.”

Monte Vista (0-3), which has lost two one-run decisions, had its best scoring chance in the 3rd inning. Once again the budding rally involved Marcon, who slugged a 1-out double and advanced to 3rd on a wild pitch.

After KRISTOPHER VANCE drew a 2-out walk to put runners at the corners, Mater Dei pitcher Carlos Rodriguez coaxed JOSH GOSSMEYER into an inning-ending groundout.

“It’s early yet and I think we’re going to be fine,” Rogers said. “We can pitch, we can hit and we can usually play defense.”

It took Mater Dei only one hour and 10 minutes to run their record to 3-0.

EASTLAKE 8, SANTANA 2 – The struggling Sultans did get to enjoy a celebration of sorts although it had nothing to do with the outcome of Friday’s (Mar. 7) Foothillers-Aztec Classic loss to visiting Eastlake.

Santana (1-2) outhit the Titans 12-7, yet trailed 8-0 going into the bottom of the 7th inning.

Junior shortstop RYAN STUTZ followed a one-out double by sophomore CODY SMITH with a home run over the right-center field fence to break up the shutout.

“That’s our first home run,” said Santana coach JERRY HENSON. “We didn’t even hit any in winter league.”

Smith was 3 for 4 for the Sultans, who also got two hits from Stutz, KYLE HAYES, and CHRIS RABICHAUD.

“We have to start putting our hits together,” said Henson. “We’ll make some adjustments in the lineup and do better.”

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-7-08) -- Talk about an encore. In their first outing since a 9-0 victory over Hilltop via a 4-hit shutout, the Granite Hills Eagles did even better on both sides of the ledger.

Backed by a pair of 3-run homers by senior third baseman KENNY BELZER, pitcher DEAN MILLER needed only 72 pitches to fire a 3-hit shutout and power the Eagles to an 11-0 demolition of Rancho Buena Vista in Hilltop-Lolita's Tournament action Thursday (Mar. 6).

The triumph was the 200th for Granite Hills head coach JAMES DAVIS, who has suffered only 95 losses over 11 seasons.

"We've been scoring a lot of runs, but we still have to keep pitching well," said the coach. "Dean has been playing a secondary role the last couple of years, but he's developed and now that he's got his chance, he's going to be just fine in our rotation."

However, the mood was a bit solemn following the contest.

Sophomore shortstop BRIAN CARROLL will be lost for the remainder of the season after breaking the radius bone in his left (non-throwing) forearm in an unsuccessful attempt to steal second base in the 2nd inning.

"I'm excited we won, but I'm pretty bummed right now," said Davis regarding the injury. "Brian went in there head first, but he got stepped on and turned around -- somehow he got his hand caught in there and he was in a lot a lot of pain."

Davis admits that losing Carroll will make an impact on the Eagles (2-0), who began the season as the No. 8 ranked team in the county.

“I feel so bad, so disappointed for the kid,” Davis said. “He was our shortstop who batted second and was a situational hitter for us.”

Granite Hills' bats wasted little time to put away the Longhorns, posting five runs in the 1st by taking advantage on three of RBV's six errors.

Following a walk and an error, DYLAN GARCIA singled to load the bases, but when the throw to first went to the fence, BRIAN HUMPHRIES waltzed home.

Three pitches later, Belzer launched a 3-run homer for a 4-0 lead.

In the 4th, four singles -- by TYLER PONCIANO, DAVIEL VINTON, Humphries and ERIC BORTISSER (Carroll's replacement) -- resulted in two more runs. Belzer then cleaned up the log jam on the basepaths with a deep shot over the left-centerfield fence to cap his 6 RBI performance.

"It was nice -- he threw curveballs and I jumped on it," said Belzer, who now has three homers and eight RBI in his first two games. "Then Dean -- he's my boy -- threw a shutout. I wasn't surprised."

Meanwhile, Miller made the play to escape a minor jam in the 5th to maintain his shutout.

After Rancho Buena Vista placed runners on the corners via a hit batsman and a basehit, Miller fielded a tapper back to the mound to start an inning-ending double play.

"'Belz' hit as couple of bombs, getting us going on the offensive end," noted Miller. "He got everyone going, then everyone else contributed to the offense. We're a pretty good baseball team when we're on our game."

Granite Hills also turned a double play in the 7th, when Vinton, the second baseman, fielded a soft liner then tossed to first to catch the runner. Miller then ended the contest with his 4th strikeout.

EL CAPITAN 9, FALLBROOK 6 – Although his future will probably be as a 90-miles per hour pitcher, it should not be forgotten that El Capitan ’s MILES REAGAN can also swing the bat.

The 6-foot-2, 197-pound Reagan drove in three runs with a home run and two singles as El Capitan edged host Fallbrook 9-6 in Thursday’s (Mar. 6) second round of the Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament.

“We’re bunching together our hits,” El Capitan coach STEVE VICKERY said. “We were 5-for-11 with runners in scoring position. We’re having a ton of quality at-bats.”

Reagan set the El Cap wagon in motion as he followed a one-out walk to TANNER RUST with a shot over the left fence in the opening frame to make it 2-0. The early assault continued as BROOKS NOBLE doubled and coasted home on a home run by KORBIN KRUGER.

The Vaqueros (2-0) doubled their pleasure with another four runs in the 3rd inning. This was a two-out rally. ANTHONY LYBARGER and TYRONE WIGGINS rekindled the frame with base hits and advanced into scoring position on a wild pitch. KEVIN MORTON then slashed a two-run single. Reagan added a run-scoring single.

Morton toiled the first four innings, surrendering four hits and two runs as he picked up the win. Six-foot-7 JOSH SODEN, the third of three El Capitan pitchers, blanked the Warriors on one hit over the final 1 1/3 innings.

“Soden absolutely closed the door,” Vickery said. “He’s done this twice, on Tuesday (against St. Augustine ) and again today. It’s nice to be able to go to him in the last innings of the game. He looks forward to that spot.”

SWEETWATER 6, MOUNT MIGUEL 2 – Coach BYRON GRIGSBY believes he has something special in sophomore pitching RUDY ACOSTA. The 6-foot-6, 200-pound right-hander is just beginning to take a toe-hold in East County.

A couple critical errors cost Acosta (1-1) four unearned runs and that was the difference in Thursday’s (Mar. 6) Bully’s East Tournament game against the Red Devils in National City.

Acosta, who beat Mar Vista in the season opener, struck out six and walked three while allowing 7 hits in 5 2/3 innings against Sweetwater (2-1).

“This kid is going to be a big leaguer,” Grigsby said. “He has a million-dollar arm.”

So why isn’t he more dominating?

“He’s still learning how to pitch,” Grigsby said. “He throws hard. He’s been clocked at between 88 and 93 miles per hour. But he’s still not getting the calls because most of the umpires are flinching because his ball is so fast and moves so much.”

RBI singles by Acosta and JULIAN CHARLES kept the Matadors (1-2) even at 2-2 after two innings. Mount Miguel , however, was blanked on two hits over the final five innings.

Charles and Acosta had two hits apiece to account for four of Mount Miguel ’s six safeties.

MISSION HILLS 18, EL CAJON VALLEY 6 – Seven errors, nine walks and two hit batters spelled doom for host El Cajon Valley in Thursday’s (Mar. 6) Bully’s East Tournament action against visiting Mission Hills.

“Our biggest problem is we couldn’t catch the ball,” said Braves rookie head coach MIKE RUPP. “All the walks and hit batters only made matters worse. It’s all part of our on the-job-training process. I like to think we can learn something from every game we play.”

The Braves (1-2) matched hitting totals with the Grizzlies at 11 apiece. The difference was the free passes and fielding miscues.

“Anytime we get six runs and 11 hits like we did today, we should have a chance to win,” Rupp said. “Learning for our mistakes is a must. It’s like we are trying a different combination, trying to piece together our best defense each time out.

“I know we have limited options, but I also believe it will come together.”

ADRIAN PADILLA continues to swing the bat with authority for El Cajon Valley as drove in three runs with a pair of singles. ABEL CERVANTES was 2-for-3 with two hits, two runs, an RBI and two steals.

JULIO REYES, ANTHONY VROLIJK and CAMERON LAUDERMILK had two hits apiece for the Braves, with Reyes driving in two runs.

SD JEWISH ACADEMY 13, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 8 — Sophomore JOE CANTER went 4 for 4 with two doubles and two RBI for visiting Foothills Christian in a non-league game in Carmel Valley.

The Knights led 4-2 heading into the 3rd inning before the Lions roared back with seven runs in the bottom of the 3rd.

Junior IAN MURPHY went 3 for 4 with two runs scored for Foothills Christian, while sophomore DEREK DEYLING was 2 for 4 with a walk and three runs scored.

Freshman BRANDON JAROSIN was 2 for 4 with an RBI for the Knights, which balanced their book at 2-2.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-6-08) — First-year head coach MIKE WILSON continues to receive blue-chip pitching. It was TREVOR FRANK’s turn in Wednesday’s (Mar. 5) 2-1 Foothiller-Aztec Classic victory over visiting Bonita Vista.

Primarily a relief pitcher his first two seasons, Frank proved he can go the distance as a starter as he pitched a complete game 6-hitter against the Barons (0-2). The junior right-hander struck out five and walked none.

“Trevor pitched great today sticking to his plan and keeping us in the ballgame along with swinging a good bat,” Wilson said.

In terms of hitting, Valhalla (2-0) did so in the clutch.

With the score tied 1-1 entering the bottom of the 7th, once again it was Frank who got things started with a leadoff double into the left field corner. Pinch runner AUSTEN SUHAY advanced to third when pinchhitter JAKE BOEKAMP laid down a sacrifice bunt.

TYLER KEATON was intentionally walked by Bonita Vista, and then FRANCISCO TELLEZ drew an unintentional walk to load the bases.

“We couldn’t ask for a better situation with bases loaded and (RYAN) O’SULLIVAN and (PETE) THOMAS coming up with one out,” Wilson said.

O’Sullivan stole the thunder as he laced a single to left field, scoring Suhay for the victory.

An inning earlier Valhalla tied the game. Once again it was O’Sullivan who got things in gear with a leadoff walk. He stole second and advanced to third when Barons’ catcher D.J. Shields threw the ball into centerfield. Thomas, Valhalla ’s varsity quarterback, followed with a single to right to tie the game 1-1.

DANNY HAWKSLEY contributed two hits to Valhalla ’s seven hit total.

“We couldn’t key in on opportunities early, leaving a few guys on base, but we kept battling,” said Wilson. “We executed well late in the game. The top of the order did a good job today getting on and giving ourselves opportunities to score.”

In a battle of two Grossmont Conference teams searching for offensive firepower, the host Santana Sultans – the more experienced of the two – pulled out a 4-2 victory in Wednesday’s (Mar. 5) Foothiller-Aztec Classic.

SANTANA 4, HELIX 2 – In a battle of two Grossmont Conference teams searching for offensive firepower, the host Santana Sultans – the more experienced of the duo – made the most of four hits in balancing its season ledger at 1-1 in Wednesday’s (Mar. 5) Foothiller-Aztec Classic action.

While Sultans pitchers JAMES NEEDY, KYLE HAYES, JOSH POND and BRANDON BELL rationed the visiting Highlanders to five hits, Santana converted four hits into four runs.

Helix pitching helped out by serving up five walks.

With two out in the 3rd inning, the Sultans parlayed three walks around a single by CHRIS RABICHAUD for a 1-0 lead. The thrifty Sultans used a hit batter, a single by Hayes and a groundout by CODY SMITH to make it 2-0.

Santana doubled its lead without benefit of a hit in the 5th. Walks to Rabichaud and Bell , followed by a Helix error and a wild pitch, made it 3-0. Needy’s sacrifice fly completed Santana’s scoring.

“We threw the ball well, we need to work on our hitting,” said Santana coach JERRY HENSON.

Helix tried a belated comeback in the 7th. Following a pair of walks BENNY GUERRERO tripled to centerfield, but the rally died after that.

BRONSON RUNIONS and ANTHONY DIAZ had two hits apiece for the Highlanders.

“We are a young team, only two of our regulars have varsity experience,” said Helix coach COLE HOLLAND. “It’s going to take the rest of our team some time to get used to varsity baseball.”

GROSSMONT 17, EASTLAKE 7 – No one questioned whether the No. 4 ranked Grossmont Foothillers would be able to hit this season. Considering the Foothillers have scored 30 runs in their first two games, it can be said that they are living up to their preseason billing.

In Wednesday’s (Mar. 5) Foothiller-Aztec Classic, Grossmont (2-0) struck an offensive gusher. With one out in the 4th inning the Hillers hammered out nine consecutive hits.

The breakdown of those of nine straight safeties went like this: CHARLIE PIRO double, ROBERT REYES triple, CASH McCLELLAN double, KYLE SECCIANI double, JOSH SIMMS single, BRYAN HAAR home run, DEREK BAUM single, CONOR MEREDITH double, and LEVI STEVENS double.

Haar and Stevens had two RBI apiece during that onslaught.

Stevens, who also had a two-run double in the 6th inning, finished 2 for 4 with 5 RBI. Two games into the season Stevens already has 9 RBI.

Haar was 2 for 4 with a double, home run, stolen base, 4 runs scored and 4 RBI against the Titans (1-1).

Baum, the Hillers’ senior catcher, was 2 for 4 with a 3-run homer and 3 runs scored.

Grossmont rocked six Eastlake pitchers for 16 hits – 10 of them of the extra base variety.

Not to be overlooked in the offensive bonanza was the pitching of AARON GRIFFIN. The 6-foot-4 junior right-hander allowed only two opposite field hits and one run while striking out eight in five innings. Griffin needed only 63 pitches to do the job.

After scoring just one run in a season-opening victory, Steele Canyon flexed its offensive muscles, battering Bulldogs’ ace Cole Sulser for 8 hits and 5 runs in the first three innings.

“We died after the 3rd inning,” said Steele Canyon coach TODD SNYDER. “The game started off well, we did a lot of good things, moving runners and played disciplined, but shot ourselves in the foot by making errors and giving Ramona too many outs.”

MARK BELLATTI got the Cougars started with a 2-out homer in the 1st inning.

“It was a bomb – it would have gone out on any field,” Snyder said.

After Ramona countered with two runs in the bottom of the 1st, DONNIE FRANK tied it with a solo shot over the centerfield fence.

“It was quite an at-bat by Frank, as he kept fouling the ball off,” Snyder said. “Sulser must have made 11 or 12 pitches before Donnie got him.”

The Cougars bunched their hits in the 3rd inning with JORDAN HINDI providing the spark with a base hit. After Mark Bellatti singled, ANDREW BELLATTI reached base on a Ramona error as Hindi scored.

Sophomore ANDY SORRENTINO followed with an RBI single. Frank capped the rally with a base hit that scored Andrew Bellatti.

Steele Canyon was relatively silent after that. Much of the credit for that goes to Ramona reliever Jarrod Castrejon. The Cougars garnered only three hits off Castrejon.

“We were giving outs rather than making plays,” Snyder said. “We weren’t helping our pitchers. You can’t be successful if you continue to give away outs. We have to continue to work on our defense. We outhit them and I felt like we outplayed them.”

Corey Vasquez led Ramona with three hits and three RBI.

It was an ideal inning for the Pack as WILL CRUMPLER led off with a single and advanced to second when sophomore TONY SPEARS reached base on an error. RYNE BARKLEY hammered a hanging curve ball down the left field line for a double, scoring Crumpler. Catcher DAVID BRISTOL then doubled down the right field line, scoring two more runs.

Other than that beginning, West Hills was held to two hits – a double by ERIC McKNIGHT and a single by KYLE HOOPER – over nine innings.

BRANDON HAMILTON, GABRIEL ZEHNER and Barkley combined to hold the Aztecs (1-1) to two earned runs.

“Hamilton threw out of his mind and Zehner threw well also,” West Hills coach CHRIS BAUM said.

The game was decided in the bottom of the 10th when a pop fly was lost in the sun.

“I think this was an early statement game to see if the boys could hang with an elite team,” said Baum. “I think Montgomery (ranked No. 6) is an elite team, and these boys gave them a good run. I’m proud of the way they played. They played great defense when they needed to.”

“I’m happy. The boys played great. I think we’re going to be the team that will surprise everybody, just like last year.”

CHRISTIAN 6, THE BISHOP’S 1 – The Patriots made the most out of the minimum as they knocked off host The Bishop’s in Wednesday’s (Mar. 5) Christian Patriots Invitational.

The bottom line in this game was the hitting of TAYLOR EICHHORST. He supplied an RBI single and a 3-run first inning and then hammered his second home run in four games over the centerfield fence, giving Christian a 4-0 cushion.

Senior NIKO KANAKARIS drilled a 2-run homer in the 6th inning for the Patriots (3-1).

JOHN GEE pitched a complete victory to run his season record to 2-0.

“We played much better today,” said Christian coach MIKE MITCHELL. “We were much more focused, more like a baseball team. JOHN GEE threw very well today.”

Monte Vista broke through for a run in the 5th inning as CODY MORRIS doubled and scored on a base hit by ADAM TIMANUS.

An inning later, the Monarchs struck again. SPENCER REED stroked a triple and rode home on MATT MORRIS’ sacrifice fly.

Timanus also had a double in three at-bats, and accounted for two of Monte Vista’s six hits.

Relievers ERIC LABOUBE and TOMMY DeMARS each pitched a scoreless inning after starter MATT BOELTER was roughed up for seven runs and 13 hits. Boelter was 1-for-2 at the plate, giving a .667 batting average (4 for 6) after two games.

© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (3-04-08) -- It's difficult how to judge what happened at No. 3 ranked El Capitan in Tuesday's (Mar. 4) season opening game of the Hilltop-Lolita's Tournament.

Both the Vaqueros and St. Augustine like to think they possses a banner pitching staff. While that may prove to be true, the opening game between these two teams belonged to the hitters after they combined for 24 runs and 26 hits with El Capitan gaining a wild 14-10 victory at Hostetler Field.

In 2nd inning, El Capitan batted around with 14 players stepping to the plate, as the Vaqueros tallied nine runs to take an 11-2 lead. Just two innings into the game and the Vaqueros had already produced nine hits.

KYLE MILLS clubbed a grand slam in the wild second inning and MARCO MARISCAL drilled a three-run homer in the 3rd inning, staking El Capitan to a 14-5 lead.

"It was a first pitch fastball," Mariscal said of his home run. "I guess I hit it pretty good. It hit a telephone poll (beyond the fence in left-center field) next to the scoreboard."

BROOKS NOBLE, KORBIN KRUGER, TYRONE WIGGINS and Mills had three hits apiece for the Vaqueros. They were collectively 12 for 17.

"I was very pleased with our offensive production," said El Capitan coach STEVE VICKERY. "My biggest disappointment was our defense. We didn't play very well defensively (committing 8 errors). We gave them too many opportunities to stay in the game. Our defense is a lot better than we showed today."

GRANITE HILLS 9, HILLTOP 0 -- No. 8 ranked Granite Hills gave indication in Tuesday's (Mar. 4) opening round of the Hilltop-Lolita's Tournament that the Eagles may ranked a bit too low.

Junior left-hander TRAVIS HOPPER, the winning pitcher in the Eagles' SDCIF Division I title clinching victory over Torrey Pines last year, picked up where he left off.

Hopper blanked the visiting Lancers on four hits over 6 2/3 innings before senior KENNY BELZER came on to get the final out. Hopper struck out 3 and walked one.

"Hopper pitched a good game," said Granite Hills coach JAMES DAVIS. "His pitch count was way low."

It was a fast start and a swift finish for Granite Hills. BRIAN HUMPHRIES opened the season with a lead-off triple and scored on BRIAN CARROLL's groundout. A hit batter followed by Belzer's home run made it 3-0 in the opening frame.

"Our young kids did pretty well for their first game," Davis said. "Belzer hit a bomb today -- farthest ball I've seen him hit."

An RBI single by TYLER PONCIANO made it 4-0 for the Eagles in the 6th.

Granite Hills broke the game open in the 7th with five runs. KAMERON ASKEY's two-run triple capped the big inning.

Humphries, Belzer and Ponciano had two hits apiece. Humphries also swiped two bases.

EL CAJON VALLEY 6, SAN DIEGUITO 4 -- The host El Cajon Valley Braves presented new coach MIKE RUPP with his first coaching victory in Tuesday's (Mar. 4) second round of the Bully's East Tournament.

In recent years the Braves (1-1) have struggled in the pitching and defensive departments. They were downright decent against the visiting Mustangs (1-1) Tuesday.

MATT THOMAS pitched 6 2/3 innings to pick up the pitching nod for the Braves. Thomas scattered 8 hits and allowed only 3 earned runs. He struck out 3 and walked 2.

"Thomas pitched an excellent game," Rupp said.

ADRIAN PADILLA came on to get the final out with the tying runs on base to earn the save.

The Braves, who bashed 12 hits against Mar Vista , generated 8 more safeties against the Mustangs. ABEL CERVANTES was 3-for-4 with a double, two runs and two stolen bases against San Dieguito.

After two games, Cervantes is 5-for-6 with 2 doubles, 5 runs scored, 2 RBI and 4 steals.

"We swung the bats well again," Rupp said. "We are playing better defense and pulled out the win."

El Cajon Valley committed only two errors compared to five in an opening loss to Mar Vista.

BRAWLEY 4, MOUNT MIGUEL 0 -- The host Matadors ran into a Brawley buzz saw in Tuesday's (Mar. 4) second round of the Bully's East Tournament in Spring Valley.

Southpaw Heriberto Reyes pitched a 3-hitter and struck out 10 as Brawley (1-1) dominated the Matadors (1-1).

The visiting Wildcats scored single runs in each of the final four innings for the win.

No other information was reported.

ARMY-NAVY 15, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 2 -- The visiting Patriots were caught short-handed pitching in Tuesday's (Mar. 4) Tri City Christian Eagles Classic game.

After a forfeit on Saturday, the Knights had no umpires show up for Tuesday's game. Not that it mattered as Army-Navy scored in each of its five turns at-bat.

"We had two guys miss the game because they were out of school sick today and we still have 3 guys playing basketball," said Knights coach JAMES McHUGH. "Basically we had no outfielders today."

IAN MURPHY and HENRY LUSCHEI accounted for two hits apiece for Foothills Christian (2-1).

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EL CAJON (3-3-08) -- Things started out smoothly for Christian High in Monday's (Mar. 3) Christian Patriots Invitational opener against visiting Horizon.

The Patriots (2-1) were sitting on a 4-0 lead after five innings before things started falling apart. Horizon grabbed a 5-4 lead, but the Patriots tied it in the 7th inning. The game crawled into extra innings as the sun was setting. Christian should have won it in regulation but wound up losing to the Panthers 7-5 in 9 innings.

"We gave it away," fumed Christian coach MIKE MITCHELL. "The game was about us not doing our jobs. We missed signs. We gave up two base hits on 0-2 counts that knocked in four of their runs."

"It wasn't about them beating us, it was about us beating us."

In the 7th inning with one away, TAYLOR EICHHORST was hit by a pitch, BRYAN MITCHELL reached on an error and ADAM NASH was hit by a pitch to load the bases. SHAUN DAY hit a ground ball to third, scoring Eichhorst with the tying run.

However, the Panthers turned a double play on Day's grounder that began with a force out at third. Nash was safe at second, but thought he was out, walked off the bag and was tagged out to complete an unusual double play. To make that play even more biting is MICHAEL GRUBER walked to reload the bases, but the Patriots failed to cash in.

After picking up a run on a Gruber groundout in the 4th, Christian expanded its advantage with three runs in the 5th. MICHAEL STOWERS led off with a double off the fence in center field. Walks to Young and Eichhorst loaded the bases. Bryan Mitchell singled up the middle scoring Stowers and Young. A squeeze bunt by Day plated Eichhorst made it 4-0.

Grossmont High head coach Rob Phillips accepts a baseball bat-shaped plaque to mark his 300th career victory as mentor for the Foothillers. (Photo by Joanne Haar )

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EL CAJON (3-2-08) --It was a bittersweet opening day at Grossmont High's Joe Gizoni Field where the Foothillers clubbed Carlsbad, 13-5, in Saturday's (Mar. 1) opening round of the Foothiller-Aztec Classic.

Grossmont coach ROB PHILLIPS celebrated his 300th coaching win as he began his 11th season as the Foothillers'head coach. All but 48 of those victories have come at Grossmont (the first 48 came during his 3-year stint at Monte Vista) with JIMMY EARLEY at his side.

Phillips wanted to remain in the background as this day belonged to the Earley family. The late PATSY EARLY, who had volunteered her services for 21 years while building Grossmont's baseball concessions into one of the most lucrative in the San Diego CIF Section, was honored with a memorial ceremony in front of an overflow crowd prior to the first pitch.

Former Grossmont outfielder AUGIE WILLIAMS, now a freshman at Columbia University in New York City, was on hand to dedicate a poem to the popular Mrs. Earley.

"It was a good thing I was wearing sunglasses," Phillips said. "I couldn't hold the tears back."

Grossmont unveiled a sign on the third base side of the snack bar that read "Patsy's Place: In loving memory of Foothillers past, present and future."

"It was a pretty emotional day for all of us," Phillips said.

The Foothillers put this game away early with 7 runs in the 1st inning. CONOR MEREDITH and LEVI STEVENS keyed the big inning with 2-run doubles. Stevens continued his offensive assault with a 2-run double in the 2nd inning, giving Grossmont a 9-1 lead. Meredith also had a pair of doubles, while CHARLIE PIRO slugged a solo homer in the 5th inning.

Did we mention that Stevens also pitched? The junior left-hander struck out 7 in 5 innings as he picked up the pitching win. BRYAN HAAR closed out things with 1 2/3 innings of shutout relief.

KYLE SECCIANI was 2 for 5, as was JOSH SIMMS. DEREK BAUM chipped in with a pair of hits, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored.

Upon completion of the game, the current Foothillers presented Phillips with a special post-game award -- a large bat-shaped plaque with his name and record. Phillips also received a gift certificate to a local restaurant and a cake, which he shared with those in attendance.

"I never thought I'd last this long or win this many games as a coach," Phillips said. "I have to thank so many people, especially my wife NORMA for encouraging me to keep on doing something that I love. And too, and I want to thank Jimmy Earley for being with me during this whole thing."

"I look back at all these good times that I've had and there are so many people that I'd like to thank all the great players and great coaches I've had. It's been a great run and I hope to continue it this year."

Ryan O'Sullivan (top) tossed a 3-hitter at Ramona, while Trevor Frank receives congratulates at home plate after his 3-run homer lifted Valhalla to a 3-1 triumph. (Photos by Mark Gonzalez)

VALHALLA 3, RAMONA 1 -- Although it was only the first game of the season, Valhalla's visit to Ramona in Saturday's (Mar. 1) Foothiller-Aztec Classic opener could carry a lot of weight in determining seedings for the San Diego CIF Division II playoffs.

"This was a big game on several levels," said Valhalla first-year head coach MIKE WILSON. "Obviously the playoff connotations speak for themselves. Ramona will obviously be a major player in Division II, so having beaten them can only help us down the line."

The fact that this was Valhalla's first game under a new coaching regime only adds to the pressure. Plus, for the coaching staff to adjust to a budding superstar, as is RYAN O'SULLIVAN can only create additional challenges.

For starters all things worked out well for Valhalla. O'sullivan appeared to be in primetime form as he pitched a complete game 4-hitter.

"He looked good and told me he felt strong so we let him go," Wilson said. "From where I was standing he appeared to be throwing just as hard in the 6th and 7th innings as he was in the 1st."

O'Sullivan held the Bulldogs to two hits over six innings, but had to shut down a budding rally in the 7th.

"He pitched a lot in the offseason, so we have been real careful in not pitching him too much in winter league games," Wilson noted. "His fastball has been sitting at around 91-92 (mph) and topping out at 93. He was in that range today when he really let it go."

O'Sullivan walked 3 and struck out 4 in a complete game effort.

Valhalla made the most of its offensive opportunities.

In the 2nd inning MATT GONZALES walked and ANTHONY GONZALES doubled to right center. Junior TREVOR FRANK, known more for his clutch pitching, drilled a 3-run homer to dead center field. That would be all the offense that Valhalla would need.

The Norsemen totaled just 6 hits, two of them by Matt Gonzales.

STEELE CANYON 1, MONTGOMERY 0 (8 inn.) -- The visiting Cougars provided first-year head coach TODD SNYDER with a notable season-opening victory in Saturday's (Mar. 1) Foothiller-Aztec Classic.

It took some extra innings, but the Cougars knocked off No. 6 ranked Montgomery with some timely hitting and the 5-hit pitching of ANDREW BELLATTI, STEVEN SLADEK and ALEX CEBALLOS.

Bellatti blanked the Aztecs on 4 hits through seven inning while striking out 10 and walking only two. Ceballos got the final 2 outs in the bottom of the 8th to earn the save.

The lone run of the game came in the 8th inning as DONNIE FRANK led off with a triple through the right-center field gap at pitcher-friendly Montgomery field. One out later NOLAN MURRAY hit a ground ball between third and short. The Aztecs were able to get the out but Frank scored easily.

"Bellatti was very dominating pitching," said Snyder. "And he's only going to get better. For him to go out and put up the numbers that he did against the No. 6 team in the county is basically a showing of things to come."

CHRISTIAN 8-4, SAN JOSE-KING'S ACADEMY 6-3 -- The Patriots took a 10-hour drive to visit an old friend in San Jose and opened the season with a Saturday (Mar. 1) double-header at King's Academy coached by Christian High graduate MATT BERRY.

"It's been a great team bonding trip. We are getting to get to know each other," said Christian coach MIKE MITCHELL, whose team was on the go all weekend. "We spent all day Friday in San Francisco seeing places like Fisherman's Wharf. And we practiced with Matt's team Friday night."

A solo home run by TAYLOR EICHHORST and an RBI single by NIKO KANAKARIS in the top of the 7th erased a 3-2 deficit in the nightcap and completed a sweep for the Patriots.

Freshman MICHAEL POTEET came on to blank the Knights (1-3) on one hit in the bottom of the 7th to earn the save in his varsity debut.

Eichhorst ripped a run-scoring double in the 1st inning and freshman MICHAEL STOWERS broke a 1-1 tie with a 6th inning double to left center.

In the opening game EDDIE YOUNG provided the spark with a 2-run home run, a single, a walk and 3 stolen bases.

Christian scored 4 runs in the 1st inning of the twinbill with only one hit, that being an RBI single by BRYAN MITCHELL. A throwing error plated two runs and a bases-loaded walk to MICHAEL GRUBER accounted for a fourth.

A one-out error in the 4th inning set the stage for Young's home run to center field.

Mitchell finished the game 2 for 3 with a pair of RBI and a run scored.

JOHN GEE and BRADLEY JOHNSTON shared the pitching chores with Gee getting the win and Johnston the save. Johnston also got the win in the second game despite facing only one batter, which he retired.

WEST HILLS 4, CASTLE PARK 0 -- ROBBY ROBLES, a 5-foot-6 junior right-hander, spun a 3-hit shutout in Saturday's (Mar. 1) opening round of the Foothiller-Aztec Classic as host West Hills began the season on the right foot.

Robles walked only one and struck out 4, while the Wolf Pack played error-free defense behind him.

"It's always big to get the first win of the season -- gets us on a roll," said West Hills coach CHRIS BAUM. "This is Robles'first year on varsity and he did a tremendous job today, threw 75 pitches. I'm very happy with him. That's going to be the key to our success this year -- if our pitching will hold up. So far, so good."

West Hills scored the only run it needed in the 3rd inning when WILL CRUMPLER singled with one out and stole second. RYNE BARKLEY brought him home with a base hit.

The Wolf Pack made the most of 4 hits as Castle Park committed back-to-back errors for a run and losing pitcher Jorge Quezada hit KYLE HOOVER with the bases loaded to force in another marker.

MOUNT MIGUEL 6, MAR VISTA 3 -- RUDDY ACOSTA and JAMES TREBUS combined for a powerful pitching performance to carry the Matadors to a season-opening victory over visiting Mar Vista in Saturday's (Mar. 1) Bully's East Tournament.

Acosta worked the first 5 frames and struck out 7 to gain the win. Trebus finished the job by blanking the Mariners on one hit over the final two innings. He struck out 3 and earned the save.

Trebus also figured in Mount Miguel's offensive surge. He keyed a 3-run 1st inning with a 2-run triple and scored on a base hit by TONY ALVAREZ.

With Mount Miguel leading 3-2 in the 4th, Trebus and Alvarez drew back-to-back walks. RICKY SOLORZANO advanced the runners with a bunt and JULIO ORTIZ brought home Trebus with a sacrifice fly. Ortiz also drove in a run with a base hit in the 6th.

Alvarez was 2 for 2 and Trebus scored 3 runs.

"We worked hard," Mount Miguel coach BYRON GRIGSBY said. "We could have lost focus with some of the things that happened, but we stayed focused and won a close one."

In Memory

John Kennedy, brother of late MLB pitcher Joe Kennedy, holds a plaque which will be placed next to a tree which was plants during a memorial held prior to Saturday's El Cajon Valley High season opener. He also delivered the first pitch, assisted with the tree planting, and poised with other family members at the event. (Photos by Wayne Weightman) DOUBLE-CLICK ANY PHOTO FOR ENLARGEMENT

EL CENTRO-CENTRAL 12, EL CAJON VALLEY 9 -- They came to celebrate the life of El Cajon Valley alum JOE KENNEDY, the 28-year old former major league pitcher who died suddenly last November. Pregame ceremonies on Saturday (Mar. 1) included the planting of a tree and the showcasing of a plaque to be posted on campus in memory of their fallen hero.

The Braves started fast, scoring 4 runs in the opening frame against the visiting Spartans in the first round of the Bully's East Tournament. ADRIAN PADILLA slashed a 2-run single and GAVINO PINAL whacked a 2-run double.

That lead vanished by the 3rd inning as the Spartans tied it. But once again Padilla and Pinal put El Cajon Valley back on top again with RBI singles.

A sacrifice fly by EFREN PADILLA gave the Braves a 7-4 edge in the 4th.

But faulty defense --as in 5 errors --eventually led to the Braves' demise.

Adrian Padilla led the Braves' 12-hit attack with a 4 for 4 effort and 2 runs scored and 3 RBI. Pinal was 3 for 3 with 4 RBI, and ABEL CERVANTES was 2 for 2 with a double, 3 runs scored, 2 stolen bases and an RBI.

"It was a hard-fought game," said Braves coach MIKE RUPP. "We just made a couple of errors that cost us. We had more hits, but we made more mistakes -- early game jitters."

CHULA VISTA 3, SANTANA 1 -- The host Sultans wasted some stout pitching by BRANDON BELL and JAMES NEEDY as they opened the Foothiller-Aztec Classic on Saturday (Mar. 1) by falling to the South Bay Spartans.

Needy pitched 3 shutout innings while allowing only 2 hits and striking out 5.

"Needy threw really well today. He had command of the strike zone and spotted his pitches," said Santana coach JERRY HENSON. "But we struggled at the bat."

The Sultans mustered only 3 hits -- 2 of them coming in the 2nd inning, when they scored their only run. KYLE ROMERO ripped a ground-rule double under the center field fence. Romero advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on a 2-out single by sophomore CODY SMITH.

The only other Santana hit was by starting pitcher Bell, who also pitched well, allowing just 2 earned runs.

MATER DEI 8, HELIX 0 -- All the scoring came in the top of the 3rd inning, much of it due to some shoddy fielding by the Highlanders in Saturday's (Mar. 1) Foothiller-Aztec Classic opener at Santana.

The Highlanders committed 5 errors which handed the Crusaders 4 unearned runs.

On the bright side for Helix, eight players contributed to an 8 hit attack.

"We had opportunities to score in the 2nd and 3rd innings, but we missed two sac bunts and made 4 errors in the 3rd inning along with a hit by pitch and a walk," said Helix coach COLE HOLLAND. "We have to do a better job of getting ahead in the count, pitching-wise."

EASTLAKE 6, MONTE VISTA 5 (8 inn.) -- The Monarchs opened the season under first-year head coach BRANDON ROGERS with a tough loss to perennial power Eastlake in the Foothiller-Aztec Classic Saturday (Mar. 1) at Grossmont. No details were reported.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 7, CV-CALVARY CHRISTIAN 0 (forfeit) -- The Knights (2-0) continue their quest for the Tri-City Christian Eagle Classic championship on Tuesday (Mar. 4) when they travel to Army-Navy for a 3:15 game.

© East County Sports.com
CARLSBAD (2-28-08) -- As the Knights of Foothills Christian began their 4th baseball season, head coach JAMES McHUGH had to be happy with Wednesday's (Feb. 27) opening round of the Tri-City Christian Eagle Classic -- a 5-1 victory over San Pasqual Academy on the Army-Navy diamond.

McHugh sent five pitchers to the mound, with freshman BRANDON JAROSIN and junior TRAVIS GEORGE pitching two frames apiece. Jarosin was credited with the victory.

We threw 5 different guys today and that is a luxury we have not had in years past,' McHugh said. "This is a group of some good young ball players. I'm excited to see the careers that will unfold for some of these guys.'

Foothills took a 3-0 lead after two innings and extended its advantage to 5-1 with a pair of markers in the 6th.

"It's been a slow start for us,' said McHugh. "We haven't had a practice on a high school sized field yet. The boys' first look at live pitching this season was when they walked up to the plate today. I was very encouraged by what I saw today, our only slip-ups were from guys I really don't expect to have much trouble in the future.'

MATT DELMORE was 2 for 3 with an RBI to pace the Knights. Leadoff hitter DEREK DYLING was 2 for 4 in the leadoff spot. George was 2 for 3 with an RBI and a run scored.

"These guys have a good deal of talent,' McHugh said. "If they put in the work they will be a good team. We have a lot of inexperienced players today and I tried to use a game like this to get a lot of them on the field, get them into the real feel of the game."

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EL CAJON (2-1-08) — High school baseball will make its debut at Petco Park – home of the San Diego Padres – on April 11-12, when 10 CIF-San Diego Section teams participate in regular season games.

Included in that group is a match-up between East County powers Granite Hills and Grossmont on Friday (Feb. 11) at 7 p.m.

Other match-ups include La Costa Canyon vs. Rancho Bernardo on Friday (Apr. 11) at 4 p.m. and a triple-header a day later matching Montgomery against Eastlake at 10 a.m., Calexico vs. Brawley at 1 p.m., and Mission Bay vs. University City at 4 p.m.

Admission is $5 each day. Revenue from the games will go to the CIF San Diego Section, Commissioner Dennis Ackerman said. The leagues involved were allowed to pick which teams would participate.

The other contests include: La Jolla Country Day vs. Brawley, 8:30 a.m.; Coronado vs. El Centro-Southwest, 10:45 a.m.; Fallbrook vs. Palo Verde Valley, 1 p.m.; Castle Park vs. Calexico, 3:15 p.m.; and Patrick Henry vs. Torrey Pines, 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are $6 and are available at the gate or at the CIF-San Diego Section office starting in February. For further information, visit the section website, at: www.cifsds.org.

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EL CAJON (11-17-07) -- A pair of Grossmont High seniors have locked up baseball college scholarships beginning in the 2009 season.

Middle infielder JOSH SIMMS, who also served the Foothillers at quarterback and wide receiver, will attend the University of Pacific in Stockton.

Meanwhile, shortstop BRYAN HAAR will remain closer to home and attend nationally-ranked University of San Diego. Haar, who also played football this season, earned All-East County honors after batting .408 with 10 home runs, 17 doubles and 39 RBI as a junior. He also stole 14 bases and scored 42 runs.

Simms, a second baseman who also can play the outfield, batted .383 with 44 hits and 10 steals as a junior. He was named to the All-East County second team last spring.

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RANCHO SAN DIEGO (11-16-07) -- West Hills High record-holder TODD SNYDER, a former hard-throwing pitcher in East County, has been named head baseball coach at Steele Canyon.

Snyder, 27, still holds the Wolf Pack single-season record for strikeouts with 84 during the 1998 season.

An arm injury, despite Tommy John Surgery, limited his pitching career beyond high school. He did pitch briefly in parts of three summers for the semipro Barona Stars.

Following his graduatation from West Hills, Snyder continued his schooling and has earned a Masters' degree in special education. He is familiar with Steele Canyon as he served former Cougars coach head coach PHIL MITTRY as a pitching coach last spring.

"I'm excited about being a part of a good program like this," Snyder said. "We're playing in what I believe is the toughest conference in the county. That's okay, because there is a lot of talent here."

DALE ENTREKEN and JOSH BAKER, a pair of Snyder's West Hills teammates, will be among the Cougars' assistant coaches this season.

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (11-15-07) -- West Hills High senior first baseman ERIC McKNIGHT has signed a letter of intent to play baseball for UC San Diego beginning with the 2009 season.

McKnight ranked fifth in East County with a batting average of .447 as a junior, earning All-East County first team honors. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound McKnight also slugged eight home runs and drove in 33 runs for the Wolf Pack and was recognized as East County's Most Improved Player.

UCSD (37-25) advanced to the NCAA Division II West Regional last season, entering the playoffs ranked 22nd in the nation. The Tritons' 37 victories is a school record. The roster includes former Grossmont High standout NICK SOBEL,who red-shirted last season after batting .333 for the CIF Division II champion Foothillers (22-8) in 2006.

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EL CAJON (10-14-07) -- A pair of athletes expected to rank with the top players in the San Diego CIF next spring have taken advantage of the early signing period to plot their future. El Capitan's KEVIN MORTON signed with Stanford and Valhalla's RYAN O'SULLIVAN inked with San Diego State University on Wednesday (Nov. 14).

Morton, a right-handed pitcher, selected Stanford over a field that included Oregon, Harvard, Cal State-Fullerton, Loyola-Marymount and Indiana.

An honor student with a 4.5 grade-point average, Morton made visits to Stanford and Harvard during the same week before casting his fate with the Cardinal.

The 5-foot-11, 160-pound Morton posted an 8-3 record with one save for the Vaqueros his junior year. He struck out 88 batters in 73 innings, while compiling a 2.59 ERA.

O'Sullivan selected SDSU, as did his older brother SEAN O'SULLIVAN, who never attended the Montezuma Mesa institution, instead electing to spend one season at Grossmont Community College before signing with the Los Angeles Angels.

No doubt the 2008 professional draft will feature an early call for Ryan O'Sullivan, who probably will turn pro if the money is "right."

The 6-foot, 180-pound O'Sullivan, who also is a solid shortstop-third baseman, batted .341 with 4 home runs and 33 RBI as a junior. Over the course of three varsity seasons he has logged 20 pitching wins.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (10-17-07) -- Granite Hills High's JAMES DAVIS has been selected San Diego CIF 2007 Baseball Coach of the Year.

Davis, who was also chosen the 2007 East County Baseball Coach of the Year, completed his 7th year as Granite Hills' baseball coach by leading his Eagles to the SDCIF Division I championship following title game appearances in 2005 and 2006.

Davis has amassed 151 wins and 64 losses during his tenure.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (10-12-07) — The Grossmont Conference will welcome two of its own to the baseball coaching ranks this spring, as MIKE RUPP takes the reins at El Cajon Valley while BRANDON ROGERS takes over at Monte Vista.

Both have followed similar paths to their current coaching assignments. They are 1996 graduates from East County high schools – Rupp from Monte Vista and Rogers from Grossmont – and both have professional baseball experience.

Further similarities between the two is they were both drafted in the 19th round. Rupp, a right-handed pitcher, was selected by the Red Sox in the 19th round of the 1996 free agent professional baseball draft. Rogers, a catcher, was selected in the 19th round of the then-California Angels in the 2000 draft.

“I’ve been looking for a head coaching job,” said Rupp, who spent seven seasons in the minor league systems of the Red Sox and the White Sox. “I was on my way to Double-A, but I had so many arm problems that the White Sox let me go.”

Predominantly a pitcher throughout his amateur and professional career, Rupp made a last-ditch effort as a hitter. He attempted a comeback with the NBC Barona Stars, but things just didn’t work out for him.

Rupp served as an assistant coach at Horizon last season and performed similar duties at Monte Vista in 2003.

Thus, Rupp started his own business in Lemon Grove – the Silver Sluggers Batting Cages.

“I’ve been giving private lessons for the past few years and I’ve coached travel teams from 11-Under to 18-Under,” he said. “I believe baseball is a year-round sport if you want to make a go of it.”

Rupp, who – along with his wife Deanna and their six children live in El Cajon –realizes that he’s picking up an El Cajon Valley baseball program that is mired in the basement.

“I have no expectations, but I’m going to give it my best shot,” Rupp said. “Everybody is raw but there is some athletic talent. I’m going to try to teach them everything I’ve learned from playing pro ball. I know this is a challenge but I think I can make these kids believe.”

Rogers began his collegiate career at UCLA, spending one year before transferring to San Diego State, where he played his final three amateur seasons.

From there Rogers spent three seasons in the Angels organization, peaking with a stop at Double-A Little Rock. He also spent a year in the Pittsburg Pirates organization and one with the Los Angles Dodgers.

Determined to keep his career alive Rogers signed on with the Kalamazoo Michigan Kings of the independent Frontier League.

“I really had a great time at Kalamazoo,” Rogers said.

Injuries forced Rogers to sit out the 2005 season, but he made one last stab at a pro baseball career when he hooked on with the Calgary Vipers of the independent Northern League in 2006.

“The manager there was Mike Busch, who was an outfielder in the Dodgers’ organization,” Rogers said. “I learned a lot from him.”

Obviously loaded with information from various levels of baseball, Rogers is qualified to help the Monarchs become contenders in the Grossmont South League.

In addition, Rogers has logged three seasons of previous coaching experience under El Capitan veteran coach STEVE VICKERY to fall back on.

“There’s nothing like learning from the best,” Rogers said. “What I learned from Coach Vic and all of the knowledge I learned as a player, I want to being to this Monte Vista baseball program.”

Rogers is currently a campus supervisor at Monte Vista.

“I’ve been told that a lot of our players have left the program and gone to Steele Canyon,” Rogers said. “Now that I’m a campus supervisor, I’m more visible. Word is spreading that there’s a new coach in town. I think that will help keep the local kids in our own program.”

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (9-22-07) — Valhalla High School will host a fundraising golf tournament to benefit the Norsemen baseball program on Sunday (Oct. 21) at Cottonwood Golf Club. The cost is $125 per player. Registration begins at noon with a 1 p.m. shotgun start.

If you would like to play, sponsor, help out on golf day or just know somebody that likes to play golf, please get in touch with Mike Coombs at (619) 993-9853 or email mcoombs@cox.net for more information and a registration form.

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (9-18-07) — The departure of Grossmont Conference baseball coaches since the conclusion of last season is higher than 33 percent after Steele Canyon veteran PHIL MITTRY resigned on Monday (Sept. 17). Mittry, the Cougars’ only baseball coach in the school’s seven-year history, is the fourth East County baseball coach (out of 11) to jump ship.

“I never saw myself going out this way, but I’ve packed it in,” said Mittry, who compiled a five-year varsity record of 61-79-1 while gradually building the Cougars into a contender in the Grossmont South League. “I got tired of fighting the parents – and really there were only three.”

Mittry said the constant complaining and questioning by parents and administrators of those he elected to be on his coaching staff led him to call it quits.

“I think it all goes back to club baseball and the bickering between parents,” he said.

According to Mittry, Steele Canyon administrators, through parental pressure, wanted him to either demote or dismiss key assistant coaches.

Mittry refused to buckle, noting that without his assistant coaches the Steele Canyon baseball facility would not be as modern as it is today. Those volunteers fixed the backstop, constructed dugouts and built a snack bar among other things.

“I’m not going to turn my back on those guys just because of a few parents,” Mittry said.

So now, Steele Canyon is scrambling for a varsity head baseball coach. It’s a bit late in the process to seek quality.

“One thing I can say is I know that I left the program in good shape,” said Mittry, who is Steele Canyon’s full-time equipment manager.

When the school opened its doors in 2003, Mittry coached an all-freshman team and a year later guided the junior varsity team.

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (8-11-07) — For Valhalla High’s RYAN O’SULLIVAN it was an afternoon of mixed reviews during Saturday’s (Aug. 11) 5th annual Aflac All-America High School Baseball Classic at San Diego State.

As a pitcher, the senior-to-be was perfect. That is, he retired the East All-Stars in order in the second inning, striking out two.

O’Sullivan’s luck with the bat wasn’t so good. In two trips to the plate, he struck out both times as the East scored three runs in the top of the 9th inning to take a 5-4 victory.

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (8-10-07) – Although most baseball aficionados believe Valhalla High ’s RYAN O’SULLIVAN will turn pro rather than accept a college baseball scholarship, the senior-to-be has verbally committed to San Diego State University.

O’Sullivan, who has 22 career pitching wins and a .351 (95-for-271) batting average with 10 home runs and 81 RBI, will play in Saturday’s (Aug. 11) 5th annual Aflac All-American High School Baseball Classic at SDSU’s Tony Gwynn Stadium at noon. The game will be televised nationally by Fox Sports Network (Cox Cable Chl. 29).

When Ryan O’Sullivan steps onto the field, he will make history no matter what he does statistically. That’s because his brother SEAN O’SULLIVAN, now a standout pitcher in the Class A Midwest League with the Los Angeles Angels’ Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Kernals farm club, played in the second Alflac all-star contest in the summer of 2004 at Aberdeen, Md.

The O’Sullivans are the first set of brothers to compete in this annual national match-up of the top incoming high school senior class.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (08-04-07) — Granite Hills senior-to-be BRIAN HUMPHRIES has accepted a baseball scholarship to Pepperdine University in Malibu. The talented Eagles center-fielder will join the Waves in time for the 2009 season.

The 6-foot-3, 185-pound Humphries, who helped lead the No. 1-ranked Eagles to the San Diego CIF Division I championship a year ago, also figures to be a blue-chip draft prospect in June, 2008.

“This is a win-win situation for him,” Granite Hills coach JAMES DAVIS said of Humphries, who batted .456 (52-for-114) with 26 RBI and 11 steals as the Eagles’ junior leadoff man.

Humphries, who already owns Granite Hills career records for hits (137 in three seasons), and doubles (34), is easily one of the top defensive outfielders in the SDCIF. His glove and speed running the bases makes him a standout. His consistency as a hitter remains his top attribute.

“He’s the complete package,” Davis said. “Yeah, I think he’s a pro prospect.”

For the moment, Humphries’ focus is on his senior season and a college career.

“The main thing is I’m happy to have this behind me,” Humphries said. “I’m glad to have a plan for my future. I’m happy with my decision.”

Humphries’ college opportunities stretched nationwide. Iowa, Kansas State, Jacksonville and the majority of Ivy League schools made pitches for his talents, but only those on the West Coast caught his attention.

UCLA, Arizona, Cal State-Fullerton, Arizona Stat , Long Beach State, UC Riverside and UC Irvine were among the area colleges wooing Humphries. He visited UCR and UCI as well as Pepperdine before drawing a conclusion.

“I just love the school, the location and the coaching staff,” Humphries said of Pepperdine. “It’s a place where I’ll have a great opportunity to play as a freshman.”

Humphries said he does not plan to play basketball his senior season at Granite Hills so as to concentrate exclusively on baseball.

© East County Sports.com
TORRANCE (7-6-07) -- Capped by its CIF San Diego Section Division I championship, the Granite Hills Eagles received one final award for the 2007 baseball season, ranked 36th in the nation in the CalHiSports' Fab 50 rankings.

Horizon High (Scottsdale, Ariz.) was declared the nation champions by CalHiSports after posting a 33-3 overall record, nipping three other teams in consideration: Sarasota (Fla.), Seton Hall Prep (West Orange, N.J.) and Wilson (Long Beach, CA).

Under the leadership of coach JAMES DAVIS, Granite Hills became the first team to supersede any ballclub from the North County to take a Division I title in nine seasons. This drew attention from the voters, which placed the Eagles in 10th place in the West Region (covering Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming), and 4th-best in the state, behind only Wilson (4th in the nation), Chatsworth (10th) and San Jose-Valley Christian (16th).

Catcher TRAVIS TAIJERON led the way with 11 homers, while pitcher ERIC KRAUSE was 12-1, picking up a save in the section title deciding game, and ending with 123 strikeouts in 88 innings.

Krause was later named both East County Player of the Year, while both were first-team All-San Diego Section selections by the media. Outfielder BRIAN HUMPHRIES earned a second-team berth.

Grossmont, which like Granite Hills raced through the playoffs with an unblemished record, failed to make the publication's list.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (6-15-07) — More changing of the guard occurred in East County baseball circles this week.

Valhalla principal LARRY MARTINSEN has appointed MIKE WILSON as the Norsemen’s baseball coach, while LARRY RINEHART stepped down after five seasons as the Monte Vista Monarchs baseball skipper. Monte Vista athletic director ZACH PECK is out of town, but reported by email no successor has been named.

Wilson, who has been an assistant coach under JAMES DAVIS at Granite Hills the past two seasons, is a product of East County high schools. He graduated from Granite Hills in 1998 after helping the Eagles capture the San Diego CIF Division I championship.

An 8th round pick of the Phillies in the summer of ’98, Wilson pitched for seven seasons in the Philadelphia and San Francisco minor league chains. His career was cut short by injuries and three arm surgeries.

Although Wilson said his future sights included a chance to be a varsity head baseball coach, the Valhalla position was an unexpected opportunity presented to him by Martinsen.

“This is something I’ve always wanted to do,” said Wilson, who is a site support technician at Valhalla.

Rinehart posted a 53-86-1 record during his tenure at Monte Vista. His best season was 2004 when the Monarchs finished 16-16.

“This is just another chapter in my life that I’m so thankful to have had,” said Rinehart, a teacher at Helix High. “It’s just time to move on.”