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EL CAJON (4-1-10) — Five East County teams advanced to Thursday’s (Apr. 1) division semifinals of the 60th annual Lions Baseball Tournament. Of course, if you believe the weather reports these games will never happen.

Never believe a Southern California weatherman. He doesn’t know garden watering from third base. Every once in awhile they get lucky so the weather is usually nothing more than a coin flip – wet or dry.

In Division 6A at Southwestern College, Steele Canyon (6-4) will duel with Bonita Vista in the 1 p.m. semifinals for the right to play in the division finals against the Ramona-Eastlake winner at 4 p.

Upstart host Monte Vista (4-6) is in the running for the Division 4A championship and needs a victory over visiting Del Campo of Fair Oaks in Thursday’s (Apr. 1) semifinals to advance to the championship contest against the winner of the Francis Parker-Nevada Union game at San Diego High at 4 p.m.

“They talked a lot of trash,” Mishler said. “I mean, I know they were obviously into it too, and we kinda came back at them with the same thing. But we wanted to top their actions, and we did – with a win. We’re playing and they’re not.”

Down 5-3 in the 6th inning, the Cougars pushed across the tying run aided by a leadoff throwing error. Back-to-back singles by Mishler and CLAYTON ROYER produced one run.

After JESSE JENNER was hit by a pitch to load the bases with nobody out it appeared the Cougars had a chance to break the game open.

“We had to decide whether to move our infield up or back,” said Mission Hills coach Ken Putnam. “So we decided to move back and possibly give up the tying run (which they did).”

Steele Canyon cleanup hitter WES JUDISH banged into a double play, plating Mishler with the tying run.

“At the time it looked like our decision was the right one, since we got the double play,” Putnam said.

The game came down to the final frame when the Cougars received back-to-back walks after one out in the bottom of the 7th. VINNY SORRENTINO laid down a perfect bunt to load the bases.

Mishler took over from there as he spanked the first pitch from Mission Hills’ sophomore rookie pitcher Justin Hanks into right field with the game-winning hit.

Royer, who was 0-for-5 the day before, went 3-for-3 with a double and 2 RBI against the Grizzlies.

“After going 0-for-5 it feels good to have a game like this,” Royer said. “I just tried to get the barrel on the ball. For some reason I tried to hit home runs yesterday.”

“The problem is I was trying to muscle up too much,” he added. “Today all I tried to do was put the barrel on it and see where it would go.”

Royer singled in the 1st inning, doubled in the 3rd and singled in the 6th.

“We’re just trying to make an identity for ourselves,” said the Cougars’ coach TODD SNYDER. “We only played three seniors today and only two of them were starters. I guess you would say we’re a youthful team.”

VALHALLA 14, CORONADO 2 – The heavy-hitting Norsemen continued their offensive barrage in Wednesday’s (Mar. 31) pool play finale of the 60th annual Lions Tournament Premier Division.

In three tournament games the Norsemen have knocked out 46 hits while scoring 34 runs.

Valhalla used a 7-run 4th inning to put its latest victory on ice.

CHRIS WILKEY got the big inning started with a double down the left-field line. CISCO TELLEZ and BRYCE MOSIER loaded the bases with walks. AUSTIN HENSLEY plated the first run of the inning with an infield single. JOSH AUSTEL’s second sacrifice fly of the game gave the Norsemen a second run to make it a 5-2 game in Valhalla ’s favor.

A bases-loaded walk to WILL COOMBS, followed by a 2-run single by DANNY DAVIS stretched Valhalla ’s lead to 8-2. The scoring spree continued as RYAN PETERSON singled to left-center field. A Coronado error following Peterson’s hit handed the Norsemen their final run of the inning.

“We really lit it up today,” said Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON. “I’m really impressed by my boys. Right now nothing can stop them. Heck, I’ve got two guys – Cisco Tellez and Bryce Mosier – hitting.600 in the tournament.”

Tellez scattered 7 hits and allowed only 2 runs over six innings and registered his second win in three decisions.

“We know we can put up runs in bunches – we are never out of a game,” said Foothillers coach JIM EARLEY. “It was nice to see how the team responded to adversity. We learned that baseball is a 21-out game.”

TYLER TIMMER paced the Hillers’ 10-hit attack by going 3-for-4 with a double and 3 RBI. WILL SOTO was 2-for-4 with a double, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored.

The Foothillers now have their eyes focused on the Premier semifinals.

CHRISTIAN 9, ESCONDIDO 6 – Once again the Patriots got away with pitching by committee as they eliminated Escondido in Wednesday’s (Mar. 31) final round of Division 5A Lions Tournament activity.

An RBI double by CODY POTEET tied the game 3-3 in the 4th inning. After a bunt single by KENNY JENKINS, the Cougars (1-10) contributed an error to stake Christian to a lead it would not lose.

Nine Patriots contributed to a 12-hit attack. JOSH WOLFSON was 2-for-3 with a 2-run homer. KYLE HARRIS was 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and 2 RBI.

Harris, the first of four Patriots pitchers, worked the first four innings to log his second win in as many decisions. He allowed only 3 hits and one earned run.

“We threw some guys who hadn’t pitched that much,” said Patriots’ coach MIKE MITCHELL. “We scored in each of the four innings we got our leadoff batter on base. We are ready for the semifinals.”

MONTE VISTA 14, Las Vegas-DEL SOL 5 – The Monarchs scored a season-high – all in the first three innings – in Wednesday’s (Mar. 31) final pool play game of the Lions Tournament Division 4A action.

The Monarchs (4-6) snapped a 2-2 tie by scoring 9 runs in the 2nd inning.

IVAN PARMA drove in 3 runs with a single and double in the big inning. PAUL O’CONNOR also doubled in a pair.

Monte Vista ’s JOHN BALAJADIA was 3-for-3 with a double, 3 RBI and 2 runs scored. CONNOR O’GARA also had 3 hits in four at-bats with a double, a stolen base, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored.

Four Monte Vista pitchers held the Nevada team at bay with starter BENNY GUERRERO working the first four innings to earn the win.

“It’s the first game we were able to get key hits and score a lot of runs,” said Monarchs coach CHAD WILLIAMS. “We were able to get our entire roster involved in the game today. It was good to give everybody a chance to bat. We played another strong game on defense – our third straight game with no errors.”

Although Santana (7-3) finished 2-1 in pool play, Great Oak – which was also 2-1 in pool play – won the tournament tie breaker by allowing two fewer runs than the Sultans and thus will advance to the semifinals against Valhalla at USD.

“You can go back and figure out in your mind how you could have given up two less runs,” said Sultans coach LARRY OEDEWALDT.

Oedewaldt started with Wednesday’s (Mar. 31) complete game effort by senior KYLE HAYES, who logged his 4th victory in 5 decisions despite surrendering 8 hits and 5 earned runs. He struck out 8.

“Kyle was two pitches away from pitching a great game,” said Oedewaldt. “He got burned on a pair of 0-2 pitches that cost him all 5 runs. He gave up a double on a 0-2 pitch that cost him 3 runs in the 5th inning, then in the 7th inning he gave up a base hit on an 0-2 pitch that cost him 2 more runs.”

The Sultans hammered out 13 hits, led by CODY SMITH, who slugged two home runs and drove in 3 runs in four at-bats.

Hayes was 2-for-3, including a solo home run. ZACH OEDEWALDT was 2-for-2 with a pair of RBI for the Sultans.

CORY HOSFORD and JONATHAN ALEGRIA also had 2 hits apiece for Santana.

MT. CARMEL 5, WEST HILLS 4 – Although first-year coach JASON FOWLER has done an amazing job of rekindling the Wolf Pack, Wednesday’s (Mar. 31) final round of pool play in Division 5A of the Lions Tournament had to be a biting defeat.

The Wolf Pack led 4-0 behind the 4-hit pitching of junior NICK PEASE. When Pease left the mound the bullpen collapsed, allowing the visiting Sundevils to score all their runs in the top of the 7th and steal the victory.

“We played six innings of good baseball – we just couldn’t finish it off,” lamented Fowler. “This one hurts. It feels like a punch in the stomach. This was the second time we’ve blown leads for Pease in the 7th.”

On the upside sophomore catcher MIKE CARLIN was 3-for-4 with a home run, a double and 3 RBI to pace the Pack. ALEX PARSONS was also 2-for-3 for West Hills.

ELK GROVE 5, GRANITE HILLS 2 – Senior JARED HUNT, who is known more for his infield work, stepped to the mound and turned in an impressive start against heavy-hitting Elk Grove in Wednesday’s (Mar. 31) Lions Tournament Classic Division game.

In 6 2/3 innings Hunt allowed only 6 hits and 2 earned runs against the visiting Thundering Herd from Sacramento.

“We could have won that game if we could’ve hit, but Hunt threw a heckuva game,” Eagles coach JAMES DAVIS said.

Granite Hills (3-6) was limited to 5 hits by two Elk Grove pitchers. But once the Eagles fell behind 4-1 in the 3rd inning the game was all but over.

“When you can’t hit it’s hard to come back,” Davis noted.

TUCSON MAGNET (Ariz.) 13, HELIX 3 – Don’t blame the “stinking Badgers” (6-8) from Arizona for making Wednesday’s (Mar. 31) opener of the Cherry Field Classic at Tucson (Ariz.) a smelly affair for the visiting Highlanders. Perhaps the stench was blowing downwind, like, say, toward La Mesa, CA.

“We’re not a very good team right now,” said a dismayed Helix coach COLE HOLLAND.

The Badgers blistered Helix’s best pitcher and capitalized on four errors to send the Highlanders (4-3) to a resounding defeat.

If there was a highpoint for the Highlanders it was the batting of DYLAN NICKERSON and MAURO OLIVARRIA at the top of the batting order. They each had two hits.

The Matadors rallied from a 3-1 deficit to tie the game in the 6th. But LJCD regained the lead with a run in the bottom of the 6th only to have Mount Miguel tie it in the 7th. Unfortunately for the Spring Valley Nine, the Torreys had the last word and advanced to Thursday’s (Apr. 1) Division 3A semifinals.

Mount Miguel ace RUDDY ACOSTA turned in a complete game (6 1/3 innings) and was tagged with his third loss in four decisions. No other details were reported by Mount Miguel coach BYRON GRIGSBY.

EL CAJON VALLEY 11, CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN 7 – Ironically, El Cajon Valley posted its lone Lions Tournament Division 2A pool play win over pool winner Capistrano Valley (10-3-1) on Wednesday (Mar. 31) at Hoover.

The lone highlight reported by Braves coach MIKE RUPP was that JIMMY CATLETT was the winning pitcher. El Cajon Valley improved to 3-8. No other details were reported.

BRAWLEY 13, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 2 – The Knights fell to the Wildcats from the Imperial Valley in Wednesday’s (Mar. 31) final round of Lions Tournament Division 3A pool play. No other information was reported.

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EL CAJON (3-31-10) — Color the Valhalla Norsemen hot – white hot. The Norsemen’s bats have taken a liking to the Lions Tournament Premier Division, producing 20 runs, 28 hits and 2 victories.

“As long as we keep hitting we’ll be OK,” said Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON.

Senior BRETT MILLER was 3-for-4, including a 3-run homer to spark the Norsemen’s 15-hit attack in a 13-4 victory over Granada Hills Kennedy on Tuesday (Mar. 30).

Jezierski surrendered 9 hits but only 3 runs while striking out 5 to earn his 3rd win without a loss. NINO TUTINO finished the job by pitching 1 2/3 shutout innings.

“We came out and played with a little more fire today,” Wilson said. “I know it takes time for kids to get used to a new coach. I think we’re getting pretty close.”

But Tuesday’s (Mar. 30) Lions Tournament Premier Division game belonged to the pitching of STEVEN BRAULT, who scattered 5 hits in a complete game pitching victory over the Pumas from Temecula.

“Steven did a great job today. He threw all his pitches for strikes. They only hit two balls hard all game,” said Grossmont coach JIM EARLEY.

It wasn’t until the Hillers rang up five runs in the 6th inning that Brault knew he had a chance to pick up the victory.

In that breakout inning Etherton provided the spark with a double into the left-field corner. After JOE MUSGROVE walked, pinch-hitter ALEX CONNOR doubled into the right-field corner, scoring Etherton.

“Connor’s double in the 6th was the key hit – it took some of the pressure off us,” Earley said.

WEST HILLS 3, CALEXICO 1 – Junior right-hander ALEX PIERCE took a no-hitter into the 7th inning as the surprising Wolf Pack posted its 6th win in nine starts in Tuesday’s (Mar. 30) Lions Tournament Division 5A contest.

The Bulldogs (2-6) spoiled Pierce’s no-hit bid and erased his shutout but could not knock him out of the game.

“Pierce was awesome today,” said West Hills coach JASON FOWLER. “And our defense played really well behind him – no errors. It’s good to get back on the winning side. It puts you in a much better mood.”

West Hills scored all the runs it would need in the 1st inning. DAVID BRYAN opened the game with a double down the right field line. MIKE CARLIN followed with a triple to right-center field. ANDREW MOHRE plated Carlin with a sacrifice fly to center field.

The Pack tacked on an insurance run in the 5th inning as once again Mohre hoisted a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring TONY SPEARS (single).

SANTANA 3, CARLSBAD 2 – Santana senior southpaw ZACH OEDEWALDT was gnashing his teeth after he saw Carlsbad ’s Josh Walker bloop a bases-loaded single in the 5th inning that made it 2-2 in Tuesday’s (Mar. 30) Lions Tournament Premier Division contest.

No doubt all Oedewaldt could think about was if Walker was using a wooden bat instead of an aluminum one, it would have been an inning-ending out.

Welcome to today’s game where all bats are metal.

“The odd thing about it is I fisted him with a curveball,” said Oedewaldt. “I got more on the handle than I thought.”

It didn’t matter though, as it was the last pitch Oedewaldt would throw in the game. Santana head coach LARRY OEDEWALDT, Zach’s father, made a pitching change at that point and brought in JIMMY ELIAS.

Elias blanked the Lancers on one hit over the final 2 1/3 innings while striking out 4 to earn his first varsity win.

Pitcher Oedewaldt allowed only 2 hits and 2 runs while walking 3 and striking out 3. He no doubt deserved a better fate.

“It’s probably the best outing I’ve had so far,” said Oedewaldt. “I might have been getting tired there in the 5th and started short-arming my pitches. Fortunately Elias came up big for us.”

Santana (6-3) scratched out a 1st inning run on a one-out single by CODY SMITH, a double by CHRIS CAMARDA and a sacrifice fly by KYLE HAYES.

In the 3rd inning Smith was once again the catalyst as he was hit by a pitch. Smith and Camarda executed a hit-and-run single to put runners at the corners. Hayes followed with a double to cash in Smith and put two Sultans in scoring position with only one out.

That’s where Santana’s offense stalled.

The Sultans produced the winning run in the 6th inning. CAMERON BALOUGH laced a one-out double and ZACH BREIDT pinch ran for him. Breidt advanced to third base on AUSTIN SEIDEL’s groundout. JONATHAN ALEGRIA hit a 2-hopper to shortstop and it appeared the game would remain tied, except the Lancers’ shortstop bounced the throw to first base, allowing Breidt to score what proved to be the winning run.

The Cougars scored twice in the top of the 7th and appeared to have victory in hand. But they surrendered three runs in the bottom of the frame to force extra innings.

ANDREW KING led Steele Canyon ’s 14-hit attack with a 4-for-5 effort that included a double and 2 RBI. WES JUDISH was 3-for-6 with 2 runs scored.

“I told the team after the game that whenever you have a team down, you have to step on their throat and not let them get up,” said Steele Canyon coach TODD SNYDER.

It should be a sound lesson, considering the Cougars held leads of 5-0 and 8-5 before pulling out the victory.

ANTHONY SORRENTINO, who was 2-for-2, blasted a 2-run homer to key the Cougars’ 5-run first inning.

TREVOR McKINLEY pitched 3 1/3 innings of 1-hit shutout relief to earn his second win in three decisions for the Cougars.

CHRISTIAN 9, CULVER CITY 8 (8 inn.) – Christian is one team that is definitely ready for clear weather for the rest of the week, as the Patriots – thanks to an extra inning victory over Culver City – have already won their pool in the Lions Tournament Division 5A bracket.

The Patriots (7-3), who were the visiting team in a game played at Chula Vista, tied the game with sacrifice flies by ERICK ALLEN and KENNY JENKINS in the top of the 7th to force overtime.

Christian won the game an inning later. With two outs and nobody on base JOSH WOLFSON lined a single up the middle. MICHAEL GRUBER walked. MICHAEL POTEET hit a ground ball in the hole. The shortstop threw it away, allowing Wolfson to score what proved to be the winning run.

Wolfson also pitched 4 innings, allowing only 5 hits and 2 runs as he earned his 3rd win without a loss.

The Patriots may never have made it to extra innings had it not been for some slick fielding in the bottom of the 7th.

With one out and the score tied at 8-apiece, Culver City ’s leadoff runner got a single. A bunt sent him to second and a bloop single to right field put runners at the corners. Christian pulled off a 4-6-3 double play (MICHAEL POTEET to JOSH SUFFERIDGE to Allen) to send the game into extra innings.

“That was huge,” understated Mitchell. “If we don’t get the double play they score and the game is over.”

Not to be overlooked was Sufferidge’s 3-run double to give Christian a 4-2 lead in the 2nd inning.

“We never had a 1-2-3 inning,” said Mitchell. “They had guys left on base in every inning. We didn’t deserve to win but we didn’t deserve to lose either.”

MONTE VISTA 3, CASTLE PARK 1 – Monte Vista ’s 6-foot-5 left-hander NICK SABO spun a 2-hitter as the Monarchs posted their second straight Lions Tournament Division 4A pool play victory Tuesday (Mar. 30) over the visiting Trojans.

“It was a pretty dominant effort for Sabo – he had all his pitches working,” said Monte Vista coach CHAD WILLIAMS. “Our defense was solid (only one error). The bottom of our order did a great job of getting involved offensively.”

After falling behind 1-0, freshman PAUL O’CONNOR’s RBI single tied the game in the 3rd.

In the 4th inning JOEY GONZALVEZ singled in JOHN BALAJADIA (single) with the go-ahead run.

Two innings later Balajadia would steal home for the Monarchs’ final run.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 11, OLYMPIAN 1 – The Knights snapped a 6-game losing streak in resounding fashion in Tuesday’s (Mar. 30) Lions Tournament Division 3A game.

A complete game pitching effort by DEREK DEYLING and a 3-run homer by CODY LEWIS no doubt stunned host Olympian.

BRANDON JAROSIN’s RBI single gave the Knights the early 1-0 lead in the 2nd inning. Then Lewis provided his second home run of the season, and suddenly the Knights led 4-0.

Foothills Christian (2-10) put together a 2-out rally in the 4th inning that was buoyed by a 3-base error by the Eagles (6-6).

Deyling allowed only five hits as he went the distance.

“Derek Deyling threw a great game for us,” said Knights coach DAVE LEWIS. “Our defense did really well and we had great pitching.”

JR ATTERBURY was 2-for-3 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored, while AJ HOFFMAN contributed a 2-run single in the 4-run 5th inning.

“We have lost so many close games, so the kids had fun today,” said Lewis. “We beat a 6-6 team and it kinda gave the kids confidence.”

MOUNT MIGUEL 13, EC-SOUTHWEST 6 – A 9-run second inning propelled the Matadors to their second straight Lions Tournament Division 3A pool play victory Tuesday (Mar. 30) and third win in four starts.

“We came out flat,” Mount Miguel coach BYRON GRIGSBY said. “I gave them a talking to before the second inning. It seemed to wake them up.”

ANTHONY ORTEGA was 3-for-4 with a triple and three RBI to spark the Matadors. BRENT LEASK also had three hits with a double and two RBI.

The Matadors stole 8 bases, including 2 each by JULIAN CHARLES, Ortega and JUWUN McCRAY.

“We are finally taking advantage of our speed,” Grigsby said. “We are a threat to steal at any time.”

RANCHO BUENA VISTA 16, GRANITE HILLS 7 – Believe it or not, this was a close game.

That is until the 7th inning when the roof caved in on host Granite Hills (3-5). At that point the No. 7-ranked Longhorns (10-3) sent 14 batters to the plate and scored 10 runs to snap a 6-6 tie and turn Tuesday’s (Mar. 30) Lions Tournament Classic Division encounter into a rout.

RBV punched out 8 hits in the final frame and the Eagles contributed two errors.

“When you play like that you should expect what is going to be the end result,” Granite Hills coach JAMES DAVIS said.

Eagles starter DANIEL STARWALT was tagged for 10 hits, but only 2 earned runs in 6-plus innings.

“Daniel really did pitch well,” Davis said. “If we could just play throw and catch the results might have been different.”

Things started out well for the Eagles, who scored 5 runs in the opening frame. DOUG BRANNVALL lined a shot off the leg of RBV ace pitcher REED REZNICEK that ricocheted into the outfield for two RBI and tied the score 2-2. TYLER JOWORSKI’s single gave the Eagles a 3-2 edge. Brannvall scored on a passed ball and MIKE CRABB doubled in a 5th run.

CRAWFORD 6, EL CAJON VALLEY 4 – The Braves simply ran out of time and innings in Tuesday’s (Mar. 30) Division 2A Lions Tournament game against Crawford at Granite Hills.

The Braves fell behind 4-1 after three innings, but kept fighting back.

EFFREN PADILLA’s triple keyed a 2-run 5th inning as the Braves (2-7) pulled to within two runs of the Colts (1-3) but could draw no closer. Padilla finished 3-for-4 with an RBI and one run scored.

DAVID SANCHEZ was 2-for-3 with two runs and two steals for the Braves.

Despite collecting eight hits, coach MIKE RUPP was not pleased.

“We’re not hitting in key spots,” Rupp said. “We made too many errors and gave away too many runs. We are not helping our pitchers at all.”

BROPHY PREP (Ariz.) 14, EL CAPITAN 2 (5 inn.) – Slow starts are beginning to bug El Capitan coach STEVE VICKERY.

Sure, the Vaqueros have won seven of 10 games. By the same token, they have surrendered 48 runs in the first three innings of seven of their games to date.

In Tuesday’s (Mar. 30) second round of the Horizon Tournament in Scottsdale, Ariz., the host Brophy Prep Broncos scored 10 runs in the 3rd inning to turn a 4-2 game into a rout halted after five innings by a tournament mercy run rule.

“Our starting pitching just hasn’t been very good,” Vickery said. “That is something we have to work on.”

To make matters worse, the Vaqueros mustered only a double by JOSH TULLEDGE and a single by TYRONE WIGGINS.

East County Linescores PLACE YOUR AD HERE
Tue., Mar. 30 60th annual Lions Tournament
Classic Division LONGHORNS 16, EAGLES 7 Rcho.BuenaVista (10-3) Granite Hills (3-5) 200 200 (10)-16 18 2 500 100 1 - 7 10 5 Reznicek, Guzzon (5) and Pimental. Starwalt, Joworski (7) and McClanahan. L-Reznicek (4-0). L-Starwalt (2-2). Premier Division SULTANS 3, LANCERS 2 Carlsbad (4-6) Santana (6-3) 000 020 0 - 2 3 1 101 001 x - 3 7 0 Hepner and Eshelman. Oedewaldt, Elias (5) and Balough. W-Elias (1-0). L-Hepner (1-3). FOOTHILLERS 7, PUMAS 1 Temecula Chaparral (5-7) Grossmont (9-1) 000 100 0 - 1 5 3 000 205 x - 7 8 0 Smallen and Podratz. Brault and Sos. W-Brault (3-0). L-Smallen (2-1). HR-Nilson (Chap) 4th, solo; Etherton (G-2) 4th, one on; WSoto (G-1) 6th, two on. NORSEMEN 7, DOLPHINS 6 Pacific Palisades (3-6) Valhalla (5-4) 033 000 0 - 6 05 1 030 103 x - 7 13 5 Flores, Jeffers (6), Poulos (6) and Jacobson. Austel, Tutino (7) and Hawksley, Mosier (3). W-Austel (1-1). L-Jeffers. S-Tutino (1). 6A Division COUGARS 9, SAINTS 8 (10 inn.) Steele Canyon (5-4) St. Augustine (5-5) 500 001 200 1 - 9 14 1 005 000 300 0 - 8 11 4 Boehmke, McKinley (7) and Jenner. Medina , Plein (4), Lowell (8) and Coyne. W-McKinley (2-1). L-Lowell. HR-ASorrentino (SC-3) 1st, one on. 5A Division WOLF PACK 3, BULLDOGS 1 Calexico (2-6) West Hills (6-3) 000 000 1 - 1 1 1 200 010 x - 3 6 0 Martinez and Arreola. Pierce and Carlin. W-Pierce (2-0). L-Martinez.	PATRIOTS 9, CENTAURS 8 (8 inn.) Christian (7-3) Culver City (6-5) 130 020 21 - 9 10 6 203 102 00 - 8 12 2 CPoteet, Wolfson (5) and Gruber. Mark, Andrews (4) and Garrett. W-Wolfson (3-0). L-Andrews. 3A Division KNIGHTS 11, EAGLES 1 Foothills Christian (2-10) Olympian (6-6) 013 340 0 - 11 9 2 000 001 0 - 01 5 3 D.Deyling and Lewis. Webb, Perez (5), Lozier (6) and White. W-D.Deyling (1-4). L-Webb. HR-Lewis (FC-2) 3rd, two on. MATADORS 13, EAGLES 6 Mount Miguel (3-6) EC-Southwest (2-10) 090 200 2 - 13 10 1 300 003 0 - 06 10 3 Beltran, N/A and Hernandez. Simpson, JqnIbarra (6) and Ortega. W-Simpson (1-2). L-Beltran (0-1). 2A Division COLTS 6, BRAVES 4 El Cajon Valley (2-8) Crawford (1-3) 010 120 0 - 4 8 3 112 200 x - 6 9 0 Barraza, Rue (5) and Padilla. Nguyen and Halloway. W-Nguyen. L-Barraza (0-2). Horizon Tournament At Scottsdale, Ariz. BRONCOS 14, VAQUEROS 2 (5 inn.) Brophy Tech (10-3) El Capitan (7-3) 40(10) 00 - 14 11 0 110 00 - 02 02 3 Called after 5 innings; run rule. Maxon and Rapisarda. Conyers, Mariscal (3), Peck (5) and Whismore, Lozano (4). W-Maxon. L-Conyers (2-1). HR-Steimel (B) 1st, one on.

© East County Sports.com
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (3-30-10) — When it comes to tournament play, the champion is usually determined by the team with the most pitching depth.

In some cases, the championship edge comes from the knowledge and experience of the coach who knows how to juggle his pitching staff in order to play six games in four days.

Enter El Capitan coach STEVE VICKERY. A veteran of more than three decades, Vickery proved that theory to be true in Monday’s (Mar. 29) Horizon Tournament opener won by his Vaqueros over Eagle (Idaho) 9-5.

El Capitan senior MIKE WIDDOWSON survived a rocky 1st inning in which he gave up four runs. The 5-foot-10, 155-pound right-hander blanked the Mustangs over the next four innings before running out of gas in the 6th.

“You’ve got to give credit to Widdowson,” Vickery said. “Because he settled down after a tough 1st inning and carried the game into the 6th inning for us. That’s what we needed from him because now we have our pitching lineup for the rest of the tournament.”

On the offensive side, the Vaqueros came out hammering for the first three innings. They were aided by sloppy pitching by the Mustangs who basically handed the Vaqueros three runs in the 1st inning.

Freshman ERIC LOZANO had the only hit – a single that drove in the final run of the frame. The Eagles pitching staff hit three Vaqueros with pitches, walked one while the shortstop kicked a ball and the catcher was tagged with two passed balls.

SHELDON GABRIELS blasted a solo home run – his 3rd of the year – to tie the game 4-4 in the 2nd frame.

The Vaqueros went back to work in the 3rd inning with more help from the Eagles’ pitching staff. Without swinging the bat the Vaqueros picked up a run on three walks and a balk.

Junior JOSH TULLEDGE then slashed a 2-run single, giving the Vaqueros a 7-4 advantage. TYRONE WIGGINS capped the 4-run frame with an RBI single.

El Capitan’s final run came in the 4th inning on back-to-back doubles by TROY CONYERS and Lozano.

Sophomore southpaw LUIS LEBRON, who has been victimized by faulty defense throughout his varsity career, was finally supported by a stonewall defense as he completed a 5-hit shutout.

Monte Vista (2-6) scored all the runs it needed early on.

In the 2nd inning CARLOS OCHOA laced a leadoff single and moved to third on

a double to right field by KEVIN STARLING. He scored on a base hit by RICHIE BALAJADIA.

In the 3rd inning the Monarchs picked up an insurance run. IVAN PARMA doubled, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on a single by PAUL O’CONNER.

“In terms of pitching and defense this was easily our best game of the year,” said Williams. “It’s the first game we’ve played without making an error and it’s the first time we’ve only had one guy strike out all day. If we can keep this up it should be a pretty good year.”

MOUNT MIGUEL 9, LINCOLN 4 – Junior CHRIS MAPLES had one of those games most players only dream about in Monday’s (Mar. 29) Lions Tournament Division 3A opener.

Not only did Maples pitch 1 2/3 innings of shutout relief to earn the save, he was also 3-for-3 with 4 runs scored and 2 RBI as the Matadors (2-6) swatted the Hornets (2-8).

Trailing 2-1 Mount Miguel forged in front with a pair of runs in the 4th. At the forefront of the rally was Maples with a leadoff single. He advanced to second on a wild pitch and scored on an error to tie the game at 2-apiece.

JUWUN McCRAY, who reached base on the error, stole second and third, eventually scored on a safety squeeze by BRENT LEASK with the go-ahead run.

Mount Miguel added three insurance runs in the 5th inning. Maples’ 2-run double was the key blow. Before the inning was over ANTHONY ORTEGA picked up Maples with an RBI single to left.

“We got off to a rocky start again today,” said Mount Miguel coach BYRON GRIGSBY. “We’re still making too many mental mistakes. Our pitching is keeping us in the games until the offense comes around. When we get the lead man on, we score.”

STEELE CANYON 5, GRANADA HILLS 1 – Look out for the Steele Canyon Cougars – they’re just about ready to turn the corner. The Cougars lent indication of that in Monday’s (Mar. 29) Lions Tournament Division 6A opener.

The Cougars pounced on Granada Hills (6-4) for four runs in the top of the 1st inning, and that was plenty of offense for pitchers MICHAEL CEDEROTH and TREVOR McKINLEY, who combined to fire a 5-hitter.

CLAYTON ROYER singled to center with one out in the 1st inning to provide the spark for the Rancho San Diego Nine. Base hits by JESSE JENNER and WES JUDISH loaded the bases. BRAD BOEHMKE continued the shower of singles with a shot to center field, driving in two runs. ANDREW KING capped the productive opening frame with a 2-run single.

A two-out solo home run by Jenner completed the scoring in the top of the 7th.

“We played good defense today,” noted Cougars assistant coach MARK BRUDER.” It’s the best defense we’ve played all year. When you put good pitching and good defense together, and then add timely hitting it makes things much easier.”

VALHALLA 7, PACIFIC PALISADES 6 – First-year Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON is pretty doggone proud of his Norsemen, who survived five errors to pull out a come-from-behind victory over Pacific Palisades in Monday’s (Mar. 29) Lions Tournament Premier Division opener.

The Norsemen (4-4) wiped out a 6-4 deficits with three runs in the bottom of the 6th inning. It was a classic rally, started by DANNY DAVIS’ single. AUSTIN HENSLEY followed with a walk. RYAN PETERSEN then singled to load the bases. WILL COOMBS followed with a base hit that scored two runs and tied the game at 6-6.

Pitcher JOSH AUSTEL, who was victimized by porous defense all afternoon, stroked his third single of the game to drive in Petersen with what proved to be the game-winning run.

“Austel pitched a tremendous game,” said Wilson of the 6-foot-7 right-hander, who surrendered only five hits and no earned runs in six innings to earn his first victory in two decisions.

NINO TUTINO retired the Dolphins in order in the top of the 7th to earn his first varsity save.

As sweet as the victory was for Valhalla, there was some bad news. Versatile senior DANNY HAWKSLEY suffered a dislocated shoulder while diving into second base. He’s expected to miss at least two weeks of the season, according to Coach Wilson.

CISCO TELLEZ, BRYCE MOSIER and BRETT MILLER each contributed two hits to Valhalla ’s 13-hit attack.

Grossmont counterpunched in the bottom of the 1st with RBI singles by CODY SOS, JOE MUSGROVE and TYLER TIMMER.

After making it 5-2 in the 2nd on STEVEN BRAULT’s 2-run triple, the Foothillers pulled off a little magic in the 3rd inning. Musgrove walked and ROBBY NESOVIC followed with an apparent home run between the old and the new scoreboards in left-center field.

However, Nesovic’s shot did not count as San Ysidro’s pitcher Diego Piceno was called for a balk, which sent Musgrove to second base and brought Nesovic back to the plate. It was declared “no pitch.”

Piceno’s very next pitch to Nesovic was hammered into the middle of the junior varsity infield beyond the left field fence. This one counted and Grossmont led 7-2.

Not to be overlooked was the pitching of EVAN POTTER. The senior, who is easily East County’s best-fielding shortstop, blanked the Cougars (2-9) on one hit while striking out three in three shutout innings to earn his first varsity save.

Brault finished the day 3-for-4 with a double, a triple and 2 RBI.

COLTER RIOS was 2-for-3 with 3 runs scored and an RBI.

CHRISTIAN 8, CHULA VISTA 0 – Three Patriots pitchers combined to spin a 4-hit shutout at host Chula Vista in Monday’s (Mar. 29) Lions Tournament Division 5A opener.

Starter MICHAEL POTEET and middle reliever ERICK ALLEN – who picked up his second win – held the Spartans hitless through four innings. MICHAEL KAUFMANN pitched the final three frames to earn the save.

KENNY JENKINS’ RBI single gave the Patriots (6-3) the only run they would need in the 2nd inning.

The Patriots tacked on two more runs in the 4th as Allen doubled and scored on a single by JOSH SUFFERIDGE. CODY POTEET then doubled in Sufferidge for a 3-0 lead.

Christian scored four runs on only one hit to break the game open in the 5th inning. For good measure the Patriots added a run in the 6th as BRENDAN RYAN singled and scored on a two-out triple by Michael Poteet.

SCRIPPS RANCH 8, WEST HILLS 7 – The Wolf Pack couldn’t hold a 4-run first inning lead in Monday’s (Mar. 29) Lions Tournament Division 5A game at Scripps Ranch.

The two teams battled back and forth before the Falcons (8-2) pushed across the winning run with one out in the bottom of the 7th.

“It’s frustrating when you put up a 4-spot in the 1st and then let them right back in the game,” said West Hills coach JASON FOWLER. “I really felt we would score in the 7th. We put up a good battle. I told the players after the game that this game was an example of how things might be in league.”

THOMAS HEGNER’s three hits led a 9-hit attack for West Hills (5-3), which had won its last five in a row.

The Pack took the early lead on an RBI double by Hegner, a bases loaded walk by TIM SEABOCH and a 2-run single by ALEX PARSONS.

Scripps Ranch scored five runs in the next two frames, leaving the Pack one down.

Following two walks and a strikeout, OSCAR ANDRADE hit a single to left to score AARON STARNS to tie the game. It was Andrade’s first hit of the year and he got his second hit in the 7th, which enabled West Hills to tie the game again.

“He’s finally off the schneid,” said Fowler.

Andrade scored the tying run in the 7th on a two-out double by TONY SPEARS, but the Pack could do no more and the Falcons flapped away with the victory.

OTAY RANCH 6, GRANITE HILLS 1 – Talk about frustration... Granite Hills out hit undefeated Otay Ranch in Monday’s (Mar. 29) first round of the Lions Tournament Classic Division in El Cajon.

Facing the returning Mesa League Pitcher of the Year ­– Alex Perez – the Eagles ripped off 10 hits compared to 8 for the visiting Mustangs (11-0), who are ranked No. 2 in the San Diego CIF.

That so-called advantage didn’t matter as the Eagles (2-4) went begging for the clutch hit against Perez who logged the complete victory. Granite Hills left a whopping 14 runners on base. They left the sacks full in the 4th and 7th innings.

Granite Hills’ lone tally came in the 1st inning on a double by LOREN GREENWOOD and a single by DYLAN GARCIA.

DOUG BRANNVALL was 3-for-4 for Granite Hills. TYLER JOWORSKI and Garcia had two hits apiece for the Eagles.

KEARNY 4, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 3 – Five errors spelled doom for Foothills Christian in Monday’s (Mar. 29) Lions Tournament Division 3A opener.

The Knights (1-10) erased a 1-0 deficit with three runs in the 3rd inning before the defense played give-away in the 4th when the Komets rang up three to regain control.

CODY LEWIS and ZACH CUMMINGS each slashed an RBI single in Foothills’ lone scoring frame. The third tally was the result of an error.

Lewis pitched a strong complete game for the Knights, allowing just 5 hits and 1 earned run in a 6-inning stint.

Cummings and Lewis had two hits apiece for the Knights, who have dropped two one-run decisions to Kearny.

“We gave them 13 freebies (as in base runners),” Santana coach LARRY OEDEWALDT said. That is the Sultans’ pitchers walked seven, hit one batter and the defense caved in for five errors. “You can’t win ballgames doing stuff like that.”

To boot the Sultans left 13 runners on base.

A pinch single by AUSTIN SEIDEL accounted for the only run for Santana, which has lost three of its last four after a 5-0 start.

Sherman Oaks BUCKLEY 5, EL CAJON VALLEY 3 – No information reported on this Lions Tournament Division 2A game.

© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (3-28-10) — Not many San Diego CIF coaches have participated in more spring recess baseball tournaments than El Capitan skipper STEVE VICKERY.

Vickery began his taste of tournament play as a sophomore for El Capitan in 1967 when the Vaqueros competed in the San Diego Lions Invitational. The main stage for this event, which celebrates its 60th year this spring, was the San Diego Navy fields located at the ocean front at the foot of 32nd Street.

The pro scouts loved the Navy Fields because they could count on three games being played simultaneously – three times a day.

“It was a haven for major league scouts,” Vickery said.

Vickery and his teams had plenty of opportunities to audition.

“We opened up with Mar Vista and went 15 innings and lost 6-5,” he recalled. “I caught the first 10 innings and pitched the last 5.”

Vickery and the Vaqueros proved they had plenty of resilience. On Day 2 the Vaqueros outslugged Coronado 13 -10 and advanced to the consolation semi-finals on Day 3.

“In the morning game we beat Lincoln 4-2 in 11 innings,” Vickery continued. “Once again I caught all 11 innings. We advanced to the consolation finals in the afternoon at Hoover High and I pitched the first 5 innings and caught the last two in losing to Castle Park 4-3.

“So in three days I caught 30 innings of baseball and pitched 10 innings.”

Vickery, who finished his playing career at San Diego State, is still an Ironman as a coach, with a record of 568 wins, 328 losses and 5 ties in 31 years.

“El Capitan won the Lions AAAA in 1997 beating USDHS and my teams at Valhalla won it twice, once in 1983 (AA) and 1984 (AA),” noted Vickery. “ El Capitan also won it in 1973 when EDDIE OLSEN was the skipper. Great memories.”

One of those memories was the concession stand at the Navy Fields, which was really a bowling alley. Players, fans and coaches looking for snacks had to go to this archaic building to purchase a soda and maybe a hotdog or two or whatever they were selling.

“The menu was limited, to say the least,” Vickery laughed.

Vickery’s teams have participated in the Lions Tournament for more than two dozen years.

“There’s no doubt that the competition in the Lions Tournament is awesome,” he said. “The Lions people bring in teams from all over the country and it’s always an interesting challenge.”

So why is El Capitan leaving town on occasion to compete in out of state tournaments such as Arizona and Nevada? The Vaqueros have also competed in the Upper Deck Classic and the Phil Nevin Classic, both in Fullerton, in past seasons.

This year, they will travel to Scottsdale, Ariz., and compete in the Horizon Tournament.

“The reason we go out of town sometimes is because it’s a great educational experience for our kids, playing out of state,” Vickery explained. “Once in awhile I think it’s good for our kids to go out of town. It’s all about bonding and some teams need bonding more than others. It’s not like we think the Lions Tournament is inferior or anything like that.”

For the record this year’s Lions Tournament includes 112 teams, including two entries from Florida and one from Virginia.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-26-10) — Grossmont High’s No. 5-ranking hardly scared visiting El Cajon Valley in Thursday’s (Mar. 25) Grossmont Conference Hills-Valley Tournament encounter at Joe Gizoni Field.

The Foothillers (6-1) had their eyebrows raised somewhat as they were clinging to a 6-5 edge after 4 ½ innings. It was not until Grossmont cashed in 10 runs in the 6th inning that the Foothillers could bury the Braves (2-6).

“We almost got bit two or three times today,” admitted Grossmont coach JIM EARLEY. “They just kept battling back. (Braves coach) MIKE (RUPP) did a good job having them ready to play. They gave us everything we could handle.”

“In the 6th inning, our kids actually woke up a little bit,” Earley said. “They flipped a switch and said ‘Hey – we’re running out of outs here.’”

JOE MUSGROVE drove in three runs in the 10-run blowout frame. He doubled in a run in his first at-bat of the inning and then capped the frame with a three-run home run.

WILL SOTO tripled and scored on Musgrove’s first hit. MATT HEMPHILL slashed an RBI double into the left field corner and then rode home on MARK VASQUEZ’ two-run double. The parade continued when JON HOWARTH doubled a run and coasted home on Musgrove’s three-run shot.

“Potter had a big game today and so did STEVEN BRAULT (2-run homer),” said Earley. “They have both been struggling a little bit so it was nice to see them get back on track.”

After a rocky start when he surrendered three runs to El Cajon Valley, Grossmont sophomore pitcher ROBBY NESOVIC retired 11 batters in a row.

Grossmont outfielder Colter Rios gets some air to rob an El Cajon Valley batter in a 19-10 win. (Photo by Tim Soto)

“It was real good at the beginning, then it went south at the end,” said Rupp. “We played good. We just kinda had a bad inning and made a couple of errors. (One, officially.) We battled through and scored some more runs at the end of the game. We came within two or three plays of having a chance to win. We played good defense the whole game but we made some mistakes in the 6th inning.”

And Grossmont made the Braves pay.

“Their center-fielder made two or three awesome plays, and their right-fielder made a diving play to save a hit,” said Rupp. “We hit a lot of balls hard that they were able to get.”

“Not too many teams have scored 10 runs against Grossmont. If we can hit like that against Grossmont we should be OK in the Lions Tournament.”

Apparently Valhalla pitcher FRANCISCO TELLEZ has not been reading the El Capitan press clippings. Fact is the junior left-hander limited the Vaqueros to five singles as he pitched a complete game shutout while walking only two and striking out five in Thursday’s (Mar. 25) Grossmont Conference Hills-Valley Tournament.

Valhalla improved its record to 3-4.

“Cisco pitched a complete game and kept their hitters off the bases. El Capitan is a very good, very solid baseball team. When you have to battle against a team like that you’ve got to play seven innings. We literally played mistake-free baseball – we got hits in timely situations… we advanced runners. I’ve got a ton of respect for Coach Vickery. We had a tough beginning of the season. To be able to come back and win today was great.”

Back-to-back doubles by WILL COOMBS and JOSH AUSTEL gave Valhalla a 1-0 lead in the 2nd inning.

The Norsemen added to their lead in the 3rd inning. RAMSEY ROMANO led off with a line drive single to left. He moved into scoring position on Tellez’ ground ball single over the first baseman’s head. DANNY HAWKSLEY picked up the RBI with a base hit to right-center field.

In the 5th inning Tellez walked, advanced to second on BRYCE MOSIER’s infield hit and scored on a bloop single to left by AUSTIN HENSLEY.

“This was a huge game for Cisco,” Wilson noted. “We made some mistakes behind him against Poway and RBV. He’s my big game guy. He’s a wonderful kid, very coachable. He’s 5-tooled and he’s well grounded.”

The hardluck loser for El Capitan was MICHAEL FLORES, who scattered seven hits in a complete game effort.

“I was happy with Mike Flores,” said Vaqueros coach STEVE VICKERY. “I thought he threw an outstanding game. I was really, really happy with the way he battled and competed.”

El Capitan had scored 58 runs in its first seven games – an average of 8 markers per outing. The Vaqueros didn’t get a sniff against Tellez.

“Two of the runs…to me… well, sometimes the ball has eyes, and that’s kinda what happened today,” said Vickery. “We just didn’t put enough pressure on them. We just couldn’t come up with enough productive bats in a row. I kinda rolled the dice in a couple of situations.

“ Valhalla is very impressive with the bat. I told (coach) Mike (Wilson) after the game I’m really impressed. His whole lineup is aggressive with the bats. We kinda let them get off the hook in the last couple of innings. We just couldn’t get the big hit to chase them.”

KYLE HAYES and ZACH OEDEWALDT combined to handcuff Steele Canyon, allowing only seven hits while striking out seven. Hayes was awarded his third win in four decisions while Oedewaldt picked up the save.

The Sultans (5-2) broke a scoreless tie with four runs in the 3rd inning.

Hayes slashed a one-out single to left field and scored on a double by CODY SMITH off the right-center field wall. CHRIS CAMARDA followed with a double to right-center to make it 2-0. CAMERON BALOUGH kept the rally going with a home run over the right field fence, which made it seem like the game was turning into a rout.

That wasn’t the case, however, as Steele Canyon starter BRAD BOEHMKE put the brakes to Santana’s onslaught. In fact Boehmke did not allow another run over the next three innings before giving way to reliever TREVOR McKINLEY.

Steele Canyon (3-4) attempted to fight back starting with the 4th inning when CLAYTON ROYER led off with a line-drive double down the right field line. JESSE JENNER followed with a base hit over the third baseman’s head to score Royer. But that would be all the Cougars would get in that frame.

Not to be denied, the Cougars came right back in the 5th as GARRETT GANDOLFO led off with a double to left-center field. ANDREW KING followed with a walk. One out later TAYLOR MISHLER singled up the middle to load the bases. Royer hoisted a fly ball to center field to score Gandolfo, but that was all Steele Canyon could muster.

After that Steele Canyon was shut out by reliever Oedewaldt on one hit.

“(After the 3rd inning) we had no other threats,” said Sultans coach LARRY OEDEWALDT. “I think they had opportunities to score in the 4th, 5th and 6th but we were able to ration them to two runs.”

Asked why he thought the scoring was so low in the game, Oedewaldt replied, “All the pitchers threw very well. Both teams played well enough to win. We were fortunate to bunch our hits together.”

GRANITE HILLS 8, MONTE VISTA 3 – JARED HUNT blasted a three-run home run and finished 3-for-4 with 4 RBI and LOREN GREENWOOD went 3-for-4 as host Granite Hills clubbed Monte Vista in Thursday’s (Mar. 25) Grossmont Conference Hills-Valley Tournament contest.

The Eagles (3-3) used a 5-run 4th inning to erase a 3-2 deficit to pull out the victory in the decisive 5th.

DANIEL STARWALT allowed only two earned runs in six innings while striking out seven to pick up the victory. TYLER JOWORSKI pitched a 1-2-3 seventh inning, including two strikeouts.

“Daniel Starwalt pitched well today,” said Eagles coach JAMES DAVIS. “We got some big hits in the middle innings.”

DANIEL VINTON was 2-for-3 in the bottom of the Granite Hills’ order, which Davis was glad to have.

“Daniel Vinton returned to the lineup, after being out for two years and after three shoulder surgeries and several seizures,” said Davis. “He was just amazing. It was like the old Daniel Vinton. He got a lot of applause for his performance.”

Monte Vista ’s NICK SABO was 2-for-3 with an RBI as a batter but he struggled as a pitcher. Even so, Davis sees a lot of potential in the young hurler.

“Sabo is a tough pitcher to hit against,” Davis said. “It’s hard to stay patient against him. He’s a tough pitcher – one of the best in East County.”

WEST HILLS 8, MOUNT MIGUEL 6 – The Wolf Pack appeared to be on its way to an easy victory in Thursday’s (Mar. 26) Grossmont Conference Hills-Valley Tournament contest.

That is, until the 7th inning when the missing Matadors scored 5 runs and had the Wolf Pack on the ropes.

No doubt the Pack was sweating even though it was leading 8-1 going into the final frame. An inning opening error opened the door for Mount Miguel and the Matadors weren’t afraid to take advantage.

RUDDY ACOSTA singled to right to score a run. DEANDRE SIMPSON doubled to right to score another marker. After CHRIS MAPLES grounded out, surrendering the Matadors’ second out of the inning and allowing Acosta to score, ANTHONY ORTEGA tripled to left-center field to score Simpson.

In an effort to try to nail Ortega at the plate West Hills muffed the relay. Suddenly the West Hills lead had shrunk to 8-6.

The Matadors weren’t finished however, as JUWUN McCRAY singled to center, but that’s when the curtain fell on the Matadors as JOSH IBARRA grounded out to end the game.

“For the first five innings we looked like a good ballclub,” said Wolf Pack coach JASON FOWLER. “The players were not happy with how the game ended.” (Not happy with how they played in the 7th inning.)

Wolf Pack pitcher NICK PEASE had a one-hit shutout going after four innings.

“Nick was hitting his spots all day – he had command of all his pitches,” noted Fowler.

The same could not be said of the three West Hills relievers. However, JARROD ROWSON got the final out to earn the save, giving Pease his second win in three decisions.

Of West Hills nine hits, seven went for extra bases.

Mount Miguel collected eight hits.

“We had our opportunities to score but we could not get any key hits when we needed them,” said Mount Miguel coach BYRON GRIGSBY. “We left the bases loaded in the 5th and 6th innings.

“Our defense was pretty sharp today,” Grigsby said. “Defense has been our strength all season.”

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-25-10) — When CODY POTEET has the beat he’s hard to beat.

The 6-foot-0, 170-pound sophomore right-hander was completely in tune as he left visiting St. Augustine off-key in Wednesday’s (Mar. 24) 2-0 City Conference Tournament victory.

Poteet had more than perfect pitch as he followed a single by MICHAEL KAUFMANN (PHIL JOHNSTON pinch ran) with a booming 2-run homer to right-center field in the bottom of the 6th.

JOSH WOLFSON could not maintain the no-hitter as he allowed two hits over the final two innings to earn the save. Wolfson was also 3-for-3 at the plate for the Patriots (5-3).

Due to a prior basketball commitment, Poteet is not off to as fast a start as he would like. This was his first win in two decisions. A year ago, Poteet was 9-1 with a 1.56 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 72 innings. He wasn’t too bad as a hitter either. He produced a .394 batting average with 9 home runs and 31 RBI.

“It’s great to have Cody back because we certainly need good pitching,” said Mitchell. “Cody’s home run was only our second one of the season (in eight games). That puts a lot of pressure on our pitchers when we can’t hit any better than we’ve been doing.”

“It seems like everybody in our lineup is trying to yank everything. After about five innings of watching that today I brought the kids together and told them, ‘OK, we’ve tried it your way and it’s not working, so now we’re going to do it my way.’ I told them we’re going to work at trying to hit the ball to the opposite field.”

“Not to brag or anything, but sometimes what the coaches says is right.” Mitchell said.

HORIZON 12, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 1 – The visiting Knights had one rocky inning – in fact, it cost them 12 runs – in the 4th frame of Wednesday’s (Mar. 24) La Jolla Country Day Classic.

It took three Knights pitchers to finally douse the Panthers fire. Foothills Christian avoided the shutout in the 5th inning.

JOE CANTOR hit a fly ball to the left-center field gap that was dropped and he ended up on second base on a 2-base error. HENRY LUSCHEI singled Cantor to third. ZAC CUMMINGS drove a fly ball to left field to score Cantor.

Foothills Christian coach DAVE LEWIS noted that seven of Horizon’s runs in the 4th inning came after two outs.

Vaqueros skipper Steve Vickery (center) captured his 500th victory for the Black & Gold. (ECS file photo, 2009)

Steele Canyon Cougars at El Capitan Vaqueros (Slideshow by Mark Gabriels)

© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (3-24-10) — Milestones are nothing new to El Capitan veteran head coach STEVE VICKERY, who is in his 31st season of patrolling high school dugouts.

The knowledgeable skipper reached another coaching pinnacle Tuesday (Mar. 23) as the Vaqueros made a miraculous come-from-behind charge to erase a 9-0 deficit and down visiting Steele Canyon 12-10 in a Grossmont Conference Hills-Valley Tournament victory.

“It was one of the best comebacks I’ve ever experienced, and it was against a real quality team,” said Vickery. “We just kinda hung in there and didn’t panic – at least the players didn’t.”

For the record Vickery’s ledger stands at 568-327-5 overall, which includes six seasons at Valhalla. Now in his 26th year at El Capitan, the Vaqueros have posted a record of 500-277-5.

Not one of Vickery’s victories has been any tougher to obtain than Tuesday’s triumph over Steele Canyon.

“I’m not sure if they were aware that I was going for my 500th win at El Cap – nor do I think they cared,” Vickery said. “Given the kind of start we had, I’m not so sure that a lot of the people who came to see if we could get that 500th win were in their cars by the 2nd or 3rd inning. I mean, who could blame them?”

Whether Steele Canyon realized it or not, they went about their business and took a 5-0 lead in the 1st inning

JESSE JENNER, who had an RBI single in the 1st inning, followed through with a base hit in the 2nd to make it 7-0. WES JUDISH, who doubled in a run in the 1st, make it 8-0 with an RBI double in the 2nd.

The top four hitters in Steele Canyon ’s batting order were collectively 13-for-17 with 13 runs scored and six RBI. Even that onslaught was not enough to deny the Vaqueros and Vickery his 500th win.

The Vaqueros broke a 9-9 tie on an RBI single by BRAD MITCHELL in the 4th inning.

ELDEN WHISMAN homered to left-center field in the 5th inning to extend the Vaqueros lead to 11-9.

CURREN FACER doubled in the 6th inning, advanced to third on a groundout and scored on a wild pitch. That was a key run, considering Steele Canyon put forth a serious challenge in the 7th.

That’s when the Vaqueros used their defense to shut down the Cougars. Shortstop TYRONE WIGGINS ignited a nifty double play by going behind second base to glove the ball and flip it to second baseman SHELDON GABRIELS, who made a perfect pivot to throw a strike to first baseman TROY CONYERS to end the game.

Not to be overlooked for Steele Canyon (3-3) were the 4-hit output of Mishler and Jenner. Judish also had two doubles and a pair of RBI for the Cougars.

“We definitely swung the bats well to start off the game, which we haven’t done in awhile,” said Cougars coach TODD SNYDER. “It was pretty encouraging. We have been consistently shooting ourselves in the foot – we lost the games. The other teams didn’t beat us. We’re very young. I’m only starting two seniors. In a lot of ways we’re still learning the game of baseball.

“This league is a very competitive league. Anybody can win at any time. It’s good quality baseball.”

In no doubt its biggest win under the rookie skipper’s reign, the Pack sacked No. 6 ranked Santana by breaking a 1-1 tie with three runs in the 8th inning of Tuesday’s (Mar. 23) Grossmont Conference Hills-Valley Tournament opener.

At the forefront of the Wolf Pack upset was junior pitcher ALEX PIERCE, who scattered four hits and allowed only one run in five innings.

Picking up the pace from Pierce was reliever JARROD ROWSON, who did not allow a hit over the final three innings as he collected his first varsity win.

“This was Alex Pierce’s first varsity start,” said Fowler. “He really stepped up today, he threw well. Jarrod Rowson threw his first meaningful innings this year. He was on top of his game.

“This game was very important for our pitching rotation. The kids are starting to believe in themselves, especially in pressure situations.”

Inspired by superb pitching, West Hills’ bats came alive in the 4th inning. MIKE CARLIN walked, stole second and scored on a base hit by THOMAS HEGNER, which tied the game at 1-1.

The Pack put the game away in the 8th inning. DAVID BRYAN had an infield single that the Santana third baseman threw away to allow Bryan to reach third base. Carlin then dropped a bunt single up the first base line to put runners at the corners with nobody out.

After an intentional walk to TONY SPEARS which loaded the bases, Hegner followed with a two-run single to left field. ANDREW MOHRE kept the rally alive with an RBI single to right.

That would be all West Hills pitchers needed to send the Sultans (4-3) flailing.

Things started out OK for Santana, which produced half of its offense in the 1st inning. CODY SMITH hit a one-out single and scored on a double by CHRIS CAMARDA.

After that the Sultans’ offense fizzled as they collected only two hits in their final eight turns at bat.

“We are not a good baseball team right now,” said Santana coach LARRY OEDEWALDT. “We are not hitting at all and our defense is not good. We are putting too much pressure on our pitching.”

Acosta turned in a rare complete game, scattering seven hits while striking out five and stunned No. 12 ranked Helix in Tuesday’s (Mar. 23) Grossmont Conference Hills-Valley Tournament opener in Spring Valley.

Actually it was a come-from-behind effort for the Matadors (1-5). Trailing 2-0 Mount Miguel broke through against Helix ace right-hander JAKE REED to slice the lead in half in the 4th.

Acosta led the charge with a single and a stolen base. PATRICK ROUSE took over as pinchrunner at second base, and eventually scored on a Highlanders misplay at first base.

Mount Miguel put together a winning rally in the 6th inning, scoring four times. With one out Acosta, CODY SIMPSON and CHRIS MAPLES singled to load the bases. ANTHONY ORTEGA then lined a single to left field to score Acosta with the tying run.

With two outs JOSH IBARRA sliced a single to right field to score two runs. When the Helix right fielder had trouble coming up with the ball Ortega scored from first, giving the Matadors a 5-2 lead.

“Both pitchers pitched well enough to win,” said Matadors coach BYRON GRIGSBY. “It was a great pitching performance. We finally have started to hit the ball where it’s pitched. We did a good job of clutch hitting and making the key plays late in the game.”

All seven of the Highlanders’ hits were singles. They were a team looking for a big hit that never came.

“It was ugly. When you make five errors in a game you are not going to beat anybody,” said Helix coach COLE HOLLAND. “Jake Reed deserved a better fate today. He pitched too well to get a loss. Our hitting and defense are putting too much pressure on our pitching.”

Reed, who only allowed two earned runs, struck out 12 and walked none.

“It was hard to come back after we were shut out like we were on Saturday by Montgomery,” said Foothillers coach JIM EARLEY. “But we battled our way through it and that’s a good sign. I don’t care what Monte Vista’s record is (1-5), they’re better than people think they are, and they’re gonna prove it before the season’s over.”

Grossmont took a 1-0 lead in the 2nd inning as CODY SOS doubled and scored on a single by ROBBY NESOVIC.

In the Grossmont 3rd EVAN POTTER reached base on an error but was forced out at second on COLTER RIOS’ ground ball. STEVEN BRAULT kept the inning alive with a base hit to right field, sending Rios to third.

With two outs Timmer singled to right, scoring Rios. Monte Vista misplayed the relay throw, allowing Brault to score. Etherton followed with a line drive double down the right field line, scoring Timmer and giving Grossmont a 4-0 lead.

Grossmont broke the game open with six runs in the 5th inning. Brault doubled to start the onslaught and scored on Timmer’s single. The Foothillers loaded the bases on a single by Etherton and a walk to JOE MUSGROVE.

The Monarchs mishandled a ground ball by Nesovic, handing the Hillers two more tallies. MARK VASQUEZ and WILL SOTO added RBI singles in the frame. Vasquez scored when the Monte Vista catcher tried to nail Soto at second base and the ball sailed into center field.

After the dust cleared Grossmont led 10-1, which all but ended the game.

Musgrove pitched the first five innings to log his 3rd win without a defeat for the Foothillers.

Monte Vista never quit. The Monarchs picked up their first run on IVAN PARMA’s sacrifice fly in the 3rd inning. Parma picked up his second RBI with a base hit in the 5th.

Monte Vista made a belated comeback in the bottom of the 7th, scoring three runs. JOHN BALAJADIA and KEVIN STARLING got RBI singles and RICHIE BALAJADIA walked with the bases loaded for a third RBI.

Brault came out of the Grossmont bullpen to throw three straight strikes to end the game and earn the save.

VALHALLA 21, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 (6 inn.) – After a season-opening series of hard-fought losses against some of the San Diego County elites, the Norsemen took vengeance on East County rival El Cajon Valley Tuesday (Mar. 23) in the

Grossmont Conference Hills-Valley Tournament.

Valhalla’s CHRIS WILKEY paced the Norsemen (2-4) by going 3-for-4 with a 2-run homer and four RBI.

AUSTIN HENSLEY provided Valhalla with a jump start as he whacked a 2-run homer in the 1st inning and went on to finish with two hits and four RBI.

That was more than enough offense for pitcher TYLER JEZIERSKI (2-0), who blanked the Braves on four hits while striking out three.

Valhalla batted around in four innings: the 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th and finished with 13 hits.

“We played a full six innings today,” said Valhalla coach MIKE WILSON. “It was a complete game in all phases.”

The umpire and the coaches agreed to halt the game after six innings.

About the only highlight for the Knights (1-8) was CODY LEWIS’ drive to dead center field with A.J. HOFFMAN (single) aboard for a two-run home run that staked Foothills Christian to a 2-1 edge in the 3rd inning.

After that, the Foothills’ offense went flat. The Torreys (5-2) tied the game 2-2 in the 4th and pulled way with 5 runs in the 4th inning.

“We were playing really good until the 4th inning,” Foothills Christian coach Dave Lewis said. “We got two outs and then LJCD started hitting the ball – they hit it where we weren’t. That’s when the game got away from us.”

“I was happy with our defense. We have two of our basketball players back and we hope to have another one on Friday. That should help us.”

© East County Sports.com
LA JOLLA (3-23-10) — Foothills Christian, which has undergone a turbulent start to the 2010 season, suffered a bit more frustration in Monday’s (Mar. 22) non-league duel with The Bishop’s School.

Visiting Foothills, now under the leadership of DAVE LEWIS and assisted by former Monte Vista and Steele Canyon coach PHIL MITTRY, came within inches of knocking off host The Bishop’s School before falling 4-2.

“We just got our guys out from basketball and that’s really helped strengthen our defense,” Lewis said.

“J.R. laid out as far as he could for the ball and almost got it,” Lewis said. “It was a great effort that was inches away from being a great play.”

The hard-luck loser was DEREK DEYLING, who went the distance scattering six hits.

Foothills Christian (1-7) erased a 1-0 deficit in the 3rd inning when A.J. HOFFMAN singled up the middle and scored on a double by Atterbury. The East County Knights took the lead on JORDAN LANCASTER’s single an inning later.

“I’m proud of our guys,” Lewis said. “Deyling did a great job pitching and deserved a better fate. We just didn’t score enough runs.”

Foothills Christian travels to La Jolla Country Day for a non-league game on Tuesday (Mar. 23) at 4 p.m.

Patrick, who hoisted his record to 4-0 by rationing Christian to one hit in a complete-game effort, whacked the Patriots (4-3) with a walk-off home run and notched the win in relief in Saturday’s (Mar. 20) championship game of the Christian Patriot Invitational.

Only two runners reached base against Patrick on Monday. ERICK ALLEN walked in the 2nd and MICHAEL GRUBER singled with one out in the 4th.

MICHAEL POTEET was the hard-luck loser for the Patriots.

“In his 10 varsity starts over the last two years, Michael has given up unearned runs in 9 of those games,” Christian coach MIKE MITCHELL said. “That has caused him to throw a lot more pitches.”

Christian hosts St. Augustine on Wednesday (Mar. 24) in a City Conference Tournament game at 3 p.m.

© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (3-21-10) — Just call it the Great Escape for the El Capitan Vaqueros who squeaked out a 4-3 victory over Cathedral Catholic in Saturday’s (Mar. 20) championship game of the Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament in South Bay.

“(Cathedral) Coach (Gary) Remiker and I were talking after the game and decided if we had a film of this game, we’d burn it,” said Vaqueros coach STEVE VICKERY. “It was that ugly. But hey, we’ll take it.”

Vigil arrived on the scene in the 6th with the bases loaded and one out and El Capitan leading 4-2. By the time he got the final two outs in that inning Cathedral had shaved the deficit to 4-3.

Vigil got two quick outs in the 7th but Cathedral refused to go quietly, as Stephen Haviar and Tommy Valles collected back-to-back soft singles. El Capitan ’s second error of the game loaded the bases for the Dons.

“Our last two wins (over St. Augustine and Cathedral) were critical because we’re all in Division III,” said Vickery. “Come playoff time they could have a lot of bearing on the seedings.”

The Vaqueros broke a 1-1 tie on a rather bizarre hit by ELDEN WHISMAN. The junior catcher smashed a line drive off the foot of Cathedral shortstop Nick Fornaca that ricocheted into center field, allowing SHELDON GABRIELS (double) and BROOKS NOBLE (hit by pitch) to score.

Vickery credited the Vaqueros defense for helping save the victory for sophomore starting pitcher TROY CONYERS (2-0).

“We picked a guy off base and cut down another runner at the plate,” Vickery said. “Those things make the difference in a game like this.”

Conyers allowed only four hits and struck out five, but had to survive six walks and one hit batter.

MADISON 7, CHRISTIAN 6 – After clawing back from a 5-2 deficit Christian High walked in the tying run in the 6th inning and then surrendered a walk-off home run to Taylor Patrick in the bottom of the 7th inning. That blast gave the Warhawks (6-0) the championship of the Christian Patriot Invitational Saturday (Mar. 20) afternoon.

Patrick’s game-winning blow came off Patriots’ ace CODY POTEET.

“It wasn’t one of those ‘oh wow’ home runs,” Christian coach MIKE MITCHELL said. “It was more like ‘uh-oh.’”

Patrick’s blast set off a World Series-type celebration as the Warhawks swarmed their conquering hero after he circled the bases and arrived at the plate.

“They always like to beat us, as we like to beat them,” said Mitchell, recalling how the Patriots (4-2) captured the San Diego CIF Division IV championship 5-4 a year ago, extending Madison ’s spell without a section title to 34 years. “We are two very, very even teams. Even though we’re not in the same league it’s still quite a rivalry.”

Fact is Christian travels to Madison on Monday (Mar. 22) in the opening round of the City Conference Tournament.

“That ought to be fun,” Mitchell said.

Christian didn’t have many laughs on Saturday. It helped beat itself by stranding 11 base runners – 8 of them in scoring position. The Patriots left the bases-loaded in the top of the 7th inning.

With the score tied 1-1 the Patriots loaded the bases with nobody out in the 3rd inning but could push across only one run. That marker came across on a sacrifice fly by KYLE HARRIS.

A 2-run homer by Corey Oswalt ignited a 4-run 3rd inning for Madison, which was greatly aided by two Christian errors.

The Patriots tied it in the 4th on RBI singles by JOSH WOLFSON and MICHAEL GRUBER.

It was Wolfson and Gruber again in the 6th as each contributed RBI doubles to move Christian in front 6-5.

Gruber finished 4-for-4 to pace the Patriots’ 11-hit attack. Wolfson added 3 hits to the totals.

MONTGOMERY 2, GROSSMONT 0 – The host Grossmont Foothillers had no answer for the dealings of Montgomery senior right-hander Agustin Lopez in Saturday’s (Mar. 20) Aztec-Foothiller Tournament championship at Joe Gizoni Field.

Oh sure, the Foothillers put men on base as Lopez never retired more than seven batters in a row.

Only twice did the Foothillers get their leadoff man on base. ROBBY NESOVIC led off the 3rd with a double but was eventually picked off by Aztecs catcher Marco Arellano.

Pinch-hitter WILL SOTO led off the 7th inning with a single to right-center, scampered to second on a wild pitch and advanced to third on an infield groundout, but JOE MUSGROVE was called out on strikes to end the game.

“We made a couple of mistakes that hurt us,” noted Foothillers coach JIM EARLEY. “Getting the guy picked off at second killed us, and dropping a third strike to allow a guy to reach first base didn’t help either. Those are little things that add up and make you end up on the wrong side against a good team like Montgomery.”

The Foothillers, who scored 36 runs in their first five games, were limited by Lopez to four hits.

Grossmont had won this tournament three years running, but never seriously threatened Lopez, although they had two runners on base in two different innings.

“I’m not mad about losing,” Earley said. “I’m glad those things are occurring now so we can clean them up so they don’t come back to haunt us in May or June.”

© East County Sports.com
KEARNY MESA (3-19-10) — El Capitan pounded its way into the finals of the Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament on Thursday (Mar. 18) by smothering St. Augustine, 17-4, at Hickman Field.

The Vaqueros will take on Cathedral Catholic in the championship game of one of the most prestigious preseason tournaments on Saturday (Mar. 20) at Hilltop at 11 a.m.

BROOKS NOBLE crashed a home run and three singles to log five RBI as the Vaqueros smacked the Saints (3-4).

The game, however, was decided in the 1st inning when the Vaqueros sent 11 men to the plate with 8 of them scoring. The key blow was SHELDON GABRIELS’ grand slam home run to left-center.

CHARLES MOORMAN, Noble and CURREN FACER also contributed RBI singles in the big inning. ERIC LOZANO took one for the team as he was hit by a pitch to account for the other RBI.

A sacrifice fly by JOSH TULLEDGE gave El Capitan a 9-2 lead in the 3rd inning.

The onslaught continued in the 4th as ELDEN WHISMAN walked and advanced to third on a double by RYAN McBURNEY.

For some reason the Saints decided to pitch to Noble again. It proved to be a mistake as the 6-foot-5, 190-pound outfielder laced a line drive over the left-field fence, making it 12-2.

El Capitan sent 10 batters to the plate in the 7th inning. Key hits in that fiasco included a 2-run single by Whisman and a 2-run double by Facer.

Explosive as El Capitan ’s offense was in this encounter, Vickery was equally if not more impressed with the Vaqueros’ pitching. Junior right-hander MICHAEL FLORES scattered five hits and allowed two runs over five innings while striking out five to earn his first victory.

“I’m tickled with our starting pitching,” Vickery said. “I think we have three solid starters – probably as good as I’ve ever had here.”

GRANITE HILLS 8, MISSION BAY 1 – Senior southpaw BRANDON NAGER pitched a complete game 4-hitter in Thursday’s (Mar. 18) Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament game as Granite Hills posted its second straight victory after a 0-3 start over the visiting Buccaneers.

“We need Nager to be our No. 2 starter,” said Granite Hills coach JAMES DAVIS. “He pitched well today and that’s what we need.”

Granite Hills scored all the runs it needed when it rang up a 5-spot in the bottom of the 3rd.

After LOREN GREENWOOD was hit by a pitch he scored on a double by JARED HUNT. DANIEL STARWALT’s groundout advanced Hunt to third, and he scored on a single by DYLAN GARCIA.

DOUG BRANNVALL kept the rally going with a basehit, sending Garcia to third. MIKE CRABB tripled to make it 4-0. Crabb then scooted home on TYLER JOWORSKI’s sacrifice fly.

The Eagles kept coming in the 4th inning as they hung three more on the board. Catcher RYAN McCLANAHAN, who rarely gets a chance to hit, slugged a leadoff single. One out later Hunt walked. Starwalt then doubled, scoring McClanahan. After Garcia walked to load the bases Brannvall was hit by a pitch to force in a seventh run. A throwing error by Mission Bay handed the Eagles their eighth run.

“We’re playing a lot better,” said Davis. ‘We’re slowing the game down, trying not to rush everything. I think that’s working for us.”

CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC 5, VALHALLA 4 – The Norsemen were primed to play spoiler in Thursday’s (Mar. 18) Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament action as they led the Dons 4-3 after four innings.

But Cathedral (4-1) scored two runs in the bottom of the 5th to advance to Saturday’s (Mar. 20) finals of the tournament at Hilltop against El Capitan.

“Cathedral is the school where I coached (baseball) for 12 years,” said Valhalla first-year head coach MIKE WILSON. “It was fun to go back to the school today. They welcomed and treated me well. But it sure felt strange to be sitting in the visitors’ dugout. Both sides battled hard – we just came up short.”

Although the Norsemen (2-3) out-hit the Dons 11-6, they left 11 runners on base, which led to their defeat.

Valhalla wasted another solid pitching performance by FRANCISCO TELLEZ, who allowed only one run and three hits over four innings. However, the Valhalla bullpen was a little soft, allowing the Dons to steal the victory.

Things started out on the upside for Valhalla, as the Norsemen put together four singles for two runs in the opening frame. Tellez started the rally with a basehit and BRYCE MOSIER followed with a single. DANNY HAWKSLEY singled in Tellez and JOSH AUSTEL brought in Mosier with a basehit.

With the game tied at 2-2 after three innings Valhalla barged in front again with two runs in the fourth.

RAMSEY ROMANO blooped a single to right field and scored on one of two doubles by Tellez. AUSTIN HENSLEY then singled in Tellez, staking the Norsemen to a 4-2 lead.

That didn’t hold up, thanks to a couple of back-breaking errors and so-so relief pitching.

“We need to improve our hitting with runners in scoring position,” said Wilson. “We had two runners on base in the 7th inning but could not score them. They were able to take advantage of our mistakes.”

SWEETWATER 3, MOUNT MIGUEL 2 – The visiting Matadors turned a near victory into a hard-luck loss in Thursday’s (Mar. 18) Andy Sanchez-Bully’s Tournament final pool play contest in National City.

Trailing 3-0 entering the top of the 7th DEANDRE SIMPSON slashed a one-out single to left. CHRIS MAPLES and ANTHONY ORTEGA duplicated the feat with base hits to left to load the bases. JOSH IBARRA kept alive what had become a two-out rally with an RBI single.

Mount Miguel then received a freebie when DOMINIK SAWYER drew a bases-loaded walk, driving in a run to cut Sweetwater’s edge to 3-2. But that would be as far as the Matadors (0-5) would get as JULIAN CHARLES rolled into a game-ending ground out.

“DOMINIK SAWYER is the littlest guy (5-foot-5) on our team but he has the most baseball knowledge of anybody on our team,” said Mount Miguel coach BYRON GRIGSBY. “In the 7th inning, with bases loaded, he was down 0-2, and he worked it back and got a walk to drive in the second run.”

The 0-5 start hasn’t dampened Grigsby’s enthusiasm.

“We’ve been in every game,” he said “Once our team learns to take what we do in practice into a game we will be OK.”

Maples allowed only three runs and three hits over four innings.

“He was lights out today,” Grigsby said. “He did not deserve to lose this game.”

SAN DIEGUITO 5, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 0 – Once again there was no report from Foothills Christian, which suffered a 3-hit shutout (thank you, North County Times).

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-18-10) — The Grossmont Foothillers and Christian High Patriots have secured berths in the finals of their respective tournament championship games slated for Saturday (Mar. 20).

Grossmont (5-0) will host Montgomery (5-0) in the 11th Annual Foothiller-Aztec Tournament title bout at Joe Gizoni Field at 10:30 a.m. Later in the day, Christian (4-1) will entertain Madison (5-0) at 2 p.m. for the Patriots Invitational championship.

In another game for the books in the Christian Patriot Invitational at El Cajon Valley on Wednesday (Mar. 17), the Braves scored 9 runs with two outs to stun visiting Lincoln 12-11.

EL CAJON VALLEY 12, LINCOLN 11 – Maybe El Cajon Valley coach MIKE RUPP isn’t Irish, but he might have a relative or a good friend of that nationality as the Braves certainly had their share of luck in stinging the Hornets in the St. Patrick’s Day final game of pool play in the Christian Patriot Invitational.

“This is the biggest win since I’ve been here,” said Rupp, who is in his third year as the Braves’ boss. “It was unbelievable. I mean, there we were… down by eight runs in the bottom of the 7th with two outs.

“The amazing thing is when we were down 7-3 I could see the kids start to hang their heads. We started to fall apart. But I kept telling them the game wasn’t over.”

And so it wasn’t.

MELVIS CARREON led off the record-breaking 9th with a base hit. DAVID SANCHEZ followed with a double. The next Braves made outs, so the game was all but over.

Fortunately for El Cajon Valley, the Lincoln pitchers lost their focus and began issuing walks. Consecutive free passes to JOVANI BARRAZA and ESTABAN HERRERA cashed in a run.

CASEY RIVERA kept the rally alive with an RBI single. Walks to OMAR CERVANTES, JIMMY CATLETT, Carreon and Sanchez pulled the Braves to within 11-9. Padilla then slashed a two-run single to tie the game.

Sanchez then scored the winning run on a wild pitch.

“We had a lot of walks in there but it wasn’t because the pitchers couldn’t throw any strikes,” Rupp commented. “Our batters showed patience at the plate and the umpire did a good job not just ringing up our guys because we were so far behind. Our guys fouled off a lot of pitches.”

Half of the six walks came on 3-2 counts.

Carreon, Sanchez and Padilla collected three hits apiece for the Braves, who finished with a total of 11. Carreon and Sanchez scored three runs each and Padilla plated three.

Another thing noteworthy about the victory, the Braves played without ANTHONY JACKSON and KENDALL CONLEY, who were taking mandatory CPR classes during the game.

CHRISTIAN 6, HORIZON 2 — The Patriots welcomed back three of their top pitchers who were on a barnstorming club basketball tour back East.

The trio – CODY POTEET, ERICK ALLEN and SHANE DILLION – will certainly make a difference. They proved that in Wednesday’s (Mar. 17) Christian Patriot Tournament contest against visiting Horizon.

Allen blanked the Panthers on two hits over three innings while striking out 3. Poteet picked up the ball from there and surrendered two runs – only one earned – in a two inning stint that garnered him the pitching nod.

Dillon finished the job with two hitless innings and four strikeouts for the save.

“When we have those three guys it is a whole different attitude out here,” Christian coach MIKE MITCHELL said. “We just have a lot more confidence.”

Offensively, Christian capitalized on 5 Horizon wild pitches for two runs. Fact is, none of the Patriots’ runs came on base hits. JOSH WOLFSON plated a run with a groundout to make it 3-0 in the 3rd inning. MICHAEL KAUFMANN and Cody Poteet brought in runs with scoring fly balls. The Patriots’ tally came across when a squeeze play backfired in the 6th but Allen, who reached on a double, beat the tag at the plate.

Allen was 3-for-3 in his senior debut.

The Patriots stole 7 bases, including two by KENNY JENKINS.

Reliever JOE MUSGROVE pitched three shutout innings and struck out 7 to pick up a save and CODY SOS drove in runs with RBI singles in the 1st and 3rd innings.

“It wasn’t anything pretty, but we proved that we can manufacture runs against a pretty darn good pitcher (KYLE HAYES),” said Grossmont coach JIM EARLEY. “It seemed like every time we turned around we had a guy at second base, but Hayes managed to keep the guy there. We just couldn’t get the knockout hit.

“This is one of those games we just had to grind it out.”

Grossmont took the early lead in the 1st inning as COLTER RIOS walked to second on STEVEN BRAULT’s groundout and scored on a basehit by Sos.

Grossmont doubled its pleasure in the 2nd inning as BRETT ETHERTON singled, stole second and scored on a basehit by Musgrove.

Once again it was Rios who supplied the spark in the 3rd inning with a double to left-center. He scored on a single by Sos. An error in the outfield allowed Sos to score, making it 4-0.

Santana (4-1) fought back with 3 runs in the bottom of the 3rd. CORY HOSFORD was hit by a pitch to get the Sultans’ comeback in motion. Hayes singled to right to put runners at the corners. CODY SMITH hit into a force play, scoring Hosford while the Foothillers got Hayes out at second base.

Then came Santana’s biggest blow of the game. CHRIS CAMARDA belted a 2-run homer to right-center field.

Santana’s offense went into silent mode after that.

Grossmont picked up insurance runs in the 4th on Rios’ ground ball and ALEX CONNOR’s sacrifice fly in the 7th.

Nickerson, a senior right-hander, allowed only one earned run in 10 innings.

He retired the side in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th innings.

“He’s not necessarily overpowering. He just gets people out,” said Helix coach COLE HOLLAND of Nickerson, who has won 10 games in the last two years.

Nickerson ignited Helix’s 1st inning rally with a base hit. After a walk to MAURO OLIVARRIA, TYLER SOTO singled to left, scoring Nickerson.

In the 5th inning Helix made it 2-0. CASEY SMITH singled and advanced to 2nd on AUSTIN GONZALEZ’s sacrifice bunt. With two outs Olivarria singled, scoring Smith.

Helix counts on its defense, as it should, considering the Highlanders (4-1) have committed only one error in five games.

“We’re still struggling offensively but I know we’re gonna break out,” Holland said.

Helix has given up only eight runs in five games.

But the bottom line for the Pack came in the 9th inning. With one out DAVID BRYAN singled but was cut down at second on a force play on a ground ball hit by MIKE CARLIN.

The Wolf Pack could have folded then but did not. Spears double to left field, scoring Carlin to break the tie. THOMAS HEGNER singled to center to score

Spears, staking West Hills to a 7-5 lead.

Reliever BRANDON BYRD pitched two shutout innings to pick up his first varsity win.

Spears’ totals included a solo home run in the 3rd inning that gave West Hills a 4-1 lead at the time.

“Tony Spears has been a great leader – has been starting on the varsity since he was a freshman,” said first year Wolf Pack coach JASON FOWLER. “He showed today how he is the player the others look up to. He is well respected by everybody.”

Monte Vista tied the game 5-5 with two runs in the bottom of the 7th.

Monarchs sophomore pinch-hitter LUIS LEBRON led off with a solo home run to left. IVAN PARMA followed with a walk, advanced to second on a bunt by JOEY GONZALVEZ and scored on a single by NICK SABO.

Sabo was 3-for-4 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored. He was a double threat as he allowed only one run in 3 1/3 innings of relief pitching.

“We have been unable to get the key hit so far this season and it really hurts us,” said Monte Vista coach CHAD WILLIAMS. “Sabo had a big game for us today, both at the plate and on the mound.”

West Hills out-hit Monte Vista 12-9.

“We were up 5-3 in the 7th before they tied the game,” said Fowler. “I’m happy with the way we responded after that. When they didn’t score in the 8th it felt like the momentum had switched. We came out aggressive in the 9th and we were able to score two runs.”

STEELE CANYON 8, CORONADO 1 – ANTHONY SORRENTINO slugged a 3-run homer and WES JUDISH hit a solo shot, propelling Steele Canyon to a lop-sided victory over visiting Coronado in Wednesday’s (Mar. 17) Foothiller-Aztec Tournament.

The circuit clouts backed up the 4-hit pitching of TREVOR McKINLEY and FRANK CALIFANO. McKinley worked the first five frames and struck out six in his first victory, while Califano spun two innings of hitless relief to pick up the save.

With the game tied 1-1 Steele Canyon turned two Coronado errors and a walk into the go-ahead marker in the 3rd.

The Cougars (3-2) put together doubles by RAY GOMEZ and JESSE JENNER to make it 3-1 in the 4th.

Judish hit a leadoff homer over the left-center field fence in the 5th to make it 4-1.

Sorrentino homer capped the victory in the bottom of the 6th.

© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (3-17-10) — ANTHONY VIGIL is making a major transition in his senior year at El Capitan.

That is, he’s become a starter rather than East County’s best reliever, which he was as a junior.

At first Vigil wasn’t sure he wanted to make the change.

“Since I was mainly a reliever last year it’s been difficult to get the hang of being a starter,” he said.

“I think it’s pretty much mental, but now that I’ve done it a couple of times I would rather start than relieve,” he said. “There’s something about starting out fresh with a wind-up and nobody on base.”

Vigil’s two starts this season have been anything but smooth but both have resulted in victories, including Tuesday’s (Mar. 16) win over Rancho Bernardo, 7-5, in the Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament.

“We spotted RB five runs and then came back and got ‘em,’” El Capitan coach STEVE VICKERY said. “In both games, including the opener against Mission Bay, Vigil had a little bit of a rough start but I liked the finish. He gave up five runs in the first three innings – twice – but he doesn’t panic, just keeps attacking the strike zone. In his first game he retired 14 of 16 batters, and today he retired 15 of 16.”

“The only guy who got on base got there on a base running mistake and was later called out.”

In the 1st inning Rancho Bernardo scored two runs off a Brad Haynal towering home run to left center.

“In the beginning of the game I hung a few too many curveballs and they made me pay for that,” Vigil said. “But I didn’t panic. I never do that.”

In the 3rd inning Vigil surrendered a 2-run triple to Brandon Berry to dead centerfield, staking the Broncos (2-2) to a 5-0 lead.

After that the game belonged to Vigil.

“In the 4th inning I got control of my curveball and changeup and got them to swing at a lot of pitches in the dirt,” he said.

In the 7th inning the Broncos’ Anthony VanRoy hit a single to centerfield and on a pickoff attempt at first base, Vigil threw the ball away down the right field line. VanRoy tried to go from first base to third but – as the Vaqueros’ skipper recalled – “he missed second base by 3 feet.”

Vickery appealed and the runner was ruled out. Vigil then retired the next two batters.

“The guy got on base but he got himself out,” said Vickery.

Vigil recorded a career-high 9 strikeouts against the Broncos.

“Once again Vigil showed his toughness out there and kept battling,” Vickery noted. “He showed what a great competitor he is.”

El Capitan rallied with four runs in the 4th inning to tie the game. The key blow was SHELDON GABRIEL’s 2-run homer.

The Vaqueros took the lead in the 5th inning on a solo home run by TYRONE WIGGINS – his 2nd of the year.

“Our kids had some great at-bats down the stretch. It’s a sign of a very good team – not losing your composure when you get down,” Vickery pointed out.

Clinging to a 3-2 lead, the Eagles erupted for eight runs in 7th inning to finally break into the win column after three straight losses.

LOREN GREENWOOD singled in NATE HUFF to make it 4-2. JARED HUNT then doubled in Greenwood. TYLER JOWORSKI had a 2-run single to cap the big inning.

Six of the Eagles’ 11 hits came in the wild 7th inning.

Greenwood, Hunt and DOUG BRANNVALL each contributed a pair of RBI in the victory.

Eagles coach JAMES DAVIS said, “We finally had a few balls drop in for us. We had some key hits, especially in the 7th inning.”

DANIEL STARWALT turned in a complete game pitching performance for the Eagles, allowing just four hits, two runs and one walk while striking out six. He also contributed two doubles and scored twice for Granite Hills.

“Starwalt threw only 85 pitches,” Davis added. “He was ahead in the count and was throwing strikes. He had control of the tempo of the game.”

Valhalla got on the board first, scoring two runs in the 1st inning. BRYCE MOSIER provided the spark as he singled and stole second base. DANNY HAWKSLEY followed with a double, scoring Mosier. AUSTIN HENSLEY then singled in Hawksley.

Hilltop (2-2) tied the game with an unearned run in the 2nd inning and a bases loaded walk in the 6th.

Valhalla regained the lead in the bottom of the 6th as pitcher CISCO TELLEZ scored on a double play ball after reaching on a Hilltop 2-base error.

Hilltop retaliated in the top of the 7th with three runs to win the game.

Valhalla’s pitching deserved a better fate. NINO TUTINO allowed only one hit and no earned runs in the first four innings. WILL COOMBS surrendered two runs and two hits in 2 1/3 innings before JOSH AUSTEL took over. Austel gave up four hits and two earned runs in the final frame to be tagged with his second loss in as many decisions.

Acosta (0-2), a 6-foot-6 right-hander, struck out eight and walked only two in a complete game effort.

“We need to execute better,” said Matadors coach BYRON GRIGSBY. “We are not hitting well in clutch situations. We’re putting too much pressure on our pitchers. I thought Acosta pitched well today. He’s coming back gradually. When he makes it all the way back then we’ll be a better club.”

In the bottom of the 1st inning Acosta helped his own cause by driving in JULIAN CHARLES with a base hit to centerfield to tie the game 1-1.

University City pecked away for a run in the 4th and two in the 6th to hand the Matadors their fourth straight loss.

Mount Miguel produced three more hits – a double by DEANDRE SIMPSON in the 4th inning, a single by JOSH IBARRA and a single by BRENT LEASK in the 7th – but could not bunch their hits against Centurions pitcher Ryan Kleinpeter.

MORSE 14, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 0 – The visiting Morse Tigers scored in six of the seven innings as they flattened Foothills Christian in an Andy Sanchez-Bully’s East Tournament game at Barona on Tuesday (Mar. 16).

No other information was available.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-16-10) — The host Christian High Patriots got a lift from the bottom of their batting order Monday (Mar. 15) as they downed visiting El Cajon Valley 13-4 in a Christian Patriot Invitational game.

Junior BRENDAN RYAN, batting in the No. 8 spot, drove in five runs with a double and two singles, while No. 9 hitter MICHAEL KAUFMANN cashed in three runs with a home run and a double, propelling the Patriots to the decisive victory.

It’s a good thing for Christian (3-1) these two underclassmen enjoyed a career day. The top three hitters in Christian’s batting order were a collective 1-for-9, but did score four runs and stole two bases between them.

Not to be overshadowed was winning pitcher MICHAEL POTEET, who limited the Braves (1-4) to three hits and one earned run in six innings. In two starts this season Poteet has posted a 0.64 ERA through 11 innings.

Poteet gave the Patriots a 1-0 lead with a sacrifice fly in the 1st inning.

The Braves bounced back for four runs in the 2nd inning.

DAVID SANCHEZ started the rally with a walk and advanced to second on JOVANI BARRAZA’s bloop single to right. The runners advanced on EDWIN TORRES’ sacrifice bunt. CASEY RIVERA then walked to load the bases.

Sanchez scored the tying run on a wild pitch.

Poteet struck out the next batter before walking KENDAL CONLEY to reload the bases. Yet it appeared Poteet was going to escape further damage when ANTHONY JACKSON hit a foul pop-up that looked like it would end the inning.

Christian dropped the ball for an error.

Two pitches later Jackson doubled to left center to drive in three runs.

Christian tied the game in the bottom of the 2nd on an RBI double by Ryan and a 2-run homer by Kaufmann.

“Brendan is one guy who benefitted greatly from having our three guys still in basketball,” said Mitchell. “He no doubt has earned himself more playing time.”

Christian needs a win over Horizon at home on Wednesday (Mar. 17) to gain a berth in Saturday’s (Mar. 20) finals of the Patriot Invitational at 2 p.m. at Christian.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-14-10) — Two familiar rivals locked up in a game that seems to always result in a strange brew Saturday (Mar. 13) at Granite Hills.

The latest encounter in the Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament produced the same thing.

El Capitan generated just six hits compared to Granite Hills’ 11 safeties and escaped with a 6-5 victory.

“This was hardly a game of perfection,” El Capitan coach STEVE VICKERY said. “We took advantage of their errors (3) and were fortunate enough to produce a lot of pop-fly hits to give us the runs we needed.”

Fact is, the Vaqueros (2-1) never trailed. They scored two runs in the 1st inning without benefit of a hit and tacked on two more with only one hit in the 2nd inning.

In the 5th inning, the Vaqueros added two more runs to their totals thanks to RBI singles by CURREN FACER and ERIC LOZANO to extend their lead to 6-2.

Granite Hills scrambled back with two runs in the bottom of the 5th. DYLAN GARCIA, who was 4-for-4, ignited the rally with a single to right field.

LOREN GREENWOOD then singled to left, putting runners at the corners. Garcia scored on an infield groundout by DOUG BRANNVALL. TYLER JOWORSKI followed with a single to score Greenwood, cutting El Capitan’s lead to 6-4.

Granite Hills (0-3) continued its comeback bid in the 6th inning. With one out JARED HUNT reached base on an infield single. DANIEL STARWALT also reached base on an infield hit. Garcia blasted a base hit to score Hunt, but the Eagles offense folded after that.

TROY CONYERS surrendered 11 hits and 4 earned runs in six innings but still came away with the victory. ANTHONY VIGIL pitched a hitless 7th to earn his first save while securing Conyer’s first win.

“On paper if you look at his statistics, it appears that Conyers didn’t pitcher very well,” Vickery said. “But he only gave up four hard hit balls all day. He kept on fighting and never gave in.”

Steele Canyon (2-2) pushed across the winning run in the bottom of the 8th. TAYLOR MISHLER led off with a single and ANDREW KING followed with a base hit, putting runners at first and second. CODIE SIMMONS laid down a bunt and Westview threw to third in hopes of nailing Mishler, but the toss was too late, leaving the bases loaded.

CLAYTON ROYER then lifted a fly ball to centerfield. It dropped in for a single, allowing Mishler to score the winning run that ended the game.

The Cougars made the most of nine hits to make a winning pitcher of BRAD BOEHMKE, who pitched the final three innings to run his record to 2-0. Boehmke was charged with one unearned run but he also struck out five.

As a batter Boehmke ripped an RBI triple to centerfield in the 5th inning that gave the Cougars a 3-2 edge.

Corner infielder JESSE JENNER went 3-for-3 to pace the Cougars 9-hit attack.

Foothiller-Aztec Tournament contest.

After falling behind 5-0 after one inning, the Sultans bounced back to knot the count a 5-all in 2nd frame. From there it was punch, counter punch.

Santana snagged the lead for keeps with 2 runs in the 3rd inning.

AUSTIN SEIDEL slapped a one-out single and advanced to second on ZACH OEDEWALDT’s groundout. Seidel scored on CORY HOSFORD’s base hit. Hayes then double home Hosford to stake Santana to a 7-5 edge it would lose.

Home runs by Camarda, KEVIN FERRERIA and CAMERON BALOUGH all slugged home runs for Santana (4-0). Vista fell to 3-1.

Hayes included 2 doubles in his totals.

“I was proud of how we bounced back in the 2nd inning,” Santana coach LARRY OEDEWALDT said. “The top of the lineup is hitting well.”

HELIX 1, EASTLAKE 0 (9 inn.) – Pitching rich Helix was tested to the limit Saturday (Mar. 13), but ace JAKE REED and reliever DYLAN NICKERSON combined to deal a 4-hit shutout at host Eastlake in a Foothiller-Aztec Tournament contest.

Reed allowed only three hits while striking out 5 in 7 innings. Nickerson surrendered 1 hit and fanned 2 in two relief frames to pick up the win.

The Highlanders (3-1) pushed across the only run in the 9th as Reed doubled and advanced to 3rd on TYLER SOTO’s sacrifice bunt. Reed raced home with the game-winner on BRENNAN INGRAM’s double to right field.

Helix has allowed only seven runs in four games. At the same time the Highlanders have committed only 1 error in four games.

“We’ve had great pitching and defense so far,” Helix coach COLE HOLLAND said. “The trouble is we’ve struggled offensively.”

Soto contributed 2 hits to Helix’s 5-hit attack.

WEST HILLS 3, SAN YSIDRO 2 – Three Wolf Pack pitchers combined to spin a 2-hitter against San Ysidro in Saturday’s (Mar. 13) Foothiller-Aztec Tournament game in Santee.

Trailing 2-1 the Wolf Pack (2-2) pushed across the tying and winning runs in the bottom of the 3rd. DAVID BRYAN ignited the 3rd inning rally with a base hit. MIKE CARLIN followed with a single, leaving runners at first and second. TONY SPEARS doubled in Bryan to tie the score at 2-2.

THOMAS HEGNER then drove in Carlin with a sacrifice fly to center.

“We did all the little things that we needed to do to win games… bunts, moved runners over, sacrifice flies, good defense and good pitching,” said Wolf Pack coach JASON FOWLER.

Fowler was extremely pleased with the pitching of KYLE WEINRICH, who allowed one hit and two runs while striking out five in five innings. He received his first varsity win for his efforts.

“Weinreich had a pretty good outing,” Fowler said. “He was in complete control.”

The Norsemen (1-3) batted around, sending 12 batters to the plate during a 7-run 6th inning to turn the game into a rout. BRYCE MOSIER capped the big inning with a 2-run double.

DANNY HAWKSLEY and TREVOR MESSENGER, along with Austel, each had an RBI in that inning.

Valhalla accumulated 13 hits – 4 of them of the extra base variety.

TYLER JEZIERSKI pitched the first four innings to earn his first varsity win. Messenger pitched three shutout innings to earn his first varsity save.

Mosier, Hawksley and Austel contributed 2 hits apiece to Valhalla ’s 13 hit attack.

Shortstop RAMSEY ROMANO drove in 3 runs, had a double and 3 RBI.

RAMONA 2, MONTE VISTA 1 – Sophomore LUIS LEBRON deserved a better fate as the Monarchs fell to host Ramona in Saturday’s (Mar. 13) Foothiller-Aztec Tournament contest at Ramona.

Monte Vista cut the lead in half in the 6th inning as IVAN PARMA walked, PAUL O’CONNOR was hit by a pitch and NICK SABO hit into a force play, leaving runners at first and third.

CARLOS OCHOA then singled in Parma but that would be all that Monte Vista could do offensively.

None of the runs allowed by Lebron were earned. He walked none and struck out three.

“On the good side it was nice to have LUIS LEBRON throw a 2-hitter in his first varsity outing… he throws strikes,” said Monarchs coach CHAD WILLIAMS.

EL CAJON VALLEY 3, THE BISHOP’S 1 – The Braves scored 2 runs in the top of the 7th inning to snap a 1-1 deadlock of Saturday’s (Mar. 13) Christian Patriot Invitational to post their first victory in four starts.

With two outs, EDWIN TORRES doubled. CASEY RIVERA singled to put runners at the corners. Freshman OMAR CERVANTES walked to load the bases.

That set the stage for ANTHONY JACKSON, who slashed a game-winning 2-run single.

Jackson, who was a standout receiver for the Braves’ football team, is using his speed to make El Cajon Valley a threat in baseball. Not counting a 14-1 loss to La Jolla Country Day, when no stats were reported, Jackson is batting .375 with six steals and four runs scored.

Torres pitched a complete-game 3-hitter with two walks and five strikeouts against host Bishop’s.

“That’s the best game he’s pitched in a long time,” said El Cajon Valley coach MIKE RUPP. “We only had 11 players but we were playing hard. Our players were excited with this late inning win.”

But this game was more about the Hillers’ pitching than hitting. Sophomore right-hander ROBBY NESOVIC blanked the Spartans on two hits over five innings in his first varsity start and then relievers JARED OULETTE and TYLER MUTTER each spun a scoring frame to complete the job.

Five Grossmont batters punched out two hits apiece, including CODY SOS, who also drove in 2 runs. STEVEN BRAULT, ALEX CONNOR, WILL SOTO and MATT BARANOWSKI also chipped in two hits apiece to Grossmont’s 13-hit total.

OTAY RANCH 14, MOUNT MIGUEL 0 – Nothing went right for the visiting Matadors Saturday (Mar. 13) as they got railroaded by Top 10 foe Otay Ranch in an Andy Sanchez-Bully’s Tournament game.

The Mustangs scored 7 times in the 3rd inning to take an 8-0 lead and never looked back.

“We had our chances in each of the first three innings, but could not produce,” Mount Miguel coach BYRON GRIGSBY said.

Mount Miguel’s paltry offense generated a pair of singles by JULIAN CHARLES and DEANDRE SIMPSON and a double by ANTHONY ORTEGA.

LINCOLN 10, CHRISTIAN 6 – The Patriots suffered their first loss in three starts Saturday (Mar. 13) as they succumbed to host Lincoln in Christian Patriot Invitational action. No other information was available.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN at KEARNY – No report received on this Andy Sanchez-Bully’s Tournament ballgame.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-13-10) — A year ago Grossmont High pitcher JOE MUSGROVE couldn’t find a spot in the Foothillers’ pitching plans, thus spending the majority of the season toiling for the junior varsity.

Now Musgrove is making a pitch to be the Foothillers ace chucker. He made that clear in Friday’s (Mar. 12) Foothiller-Aztec Tournament 2-1 victory over visiting Westview.

The 6-foot-5, 230-pound right-hander needed 78 pitches to fire a complete game 4-hitter against the Wolverines in the friendly confines of Joe Gizoni Park.

“We have three guys trying to establish themselves as our No. 1 guy,” said Grossmont coach JIM EARLEY. “Going into the season we didn’t have a clear No. 1 but Musgrove certainly made a case for himself.”

Musgrove had to be pinpoint perfect as the Foothillers – who had scored 33 runs on 36 hits in their first two games – were limited to six singles against Westview.

“I was living on my fastball and changeup until I found my curveball about the 4th inning,” said Musgrove. “I hadn’t thrown that many innings in quite awhile but I was able to get away with a minimum number of pitches because our defense was pretty big today.”

Grossmont took a 1-0 lead in the opening frame. EVAN POTTER and COLTER RIOS began the inning with back-to-back singles. Groundouts by STEVEN BRAULT and CODY SOS produced the Foothillers first run.

Grossmont pushed across the winning tally in the bottom of the 6th courtesy of faulty defense by Westview. Sos hit a mile-high fly ball to left field that the Wolverines’ left fielder allowed to bounce off his glove for a 2-base error.

ROBBY NESOVIC then ripped a groundball that the Westview shortstop kicked for an error, leaving runners at first and third. BRETT ETHERTON was issued an intentional walk to load the bases. TYLER TIMMER then lifted a fly ball deep enough to allow Sos to score what proved to be the winning run.

“This is a good learning experience for our kids, that we’re not going to get 21 hits every game,” said Earley. “Winning games is just not that easy. But this is a big win for us considering Westview was the No. 4 seed in Division II last year. If it comes down to it at least we know we have a win over them.”

MONTE VISTA 10, SAN YSIDRO 8 – After being outscored 25-3 in their first two games the Monarchs located their hitting shoes in the 1st inning of Friday’s (Mar. 12) Foothiller-Aztec Tournament game against visiting San Ysidro.

Things didn’t start off well for the Monarchs as the Cougars’ leadoff hitter Ivan Zaizor led off the game with a home run. San Ysidro went on to score another run in the opening frame.

Instead of fretting due to the early deficit, the Monarchs struck gold in the bottom of the 1st, ringing up seven runs on six hits.

Senior IVAN PARMA, who 3-for-4 with 2 RBI on the day, ignited the rally with a leadoff double. He scored on a basehit by NICK SABO. CARLOS OCHOA followed with a base hit and RICHIE BALAJADIA blasted a 2-run single to give the Monarchs the lead.

Following a San Ysidro error, JUSTIN AQUINIGOC ripped a 2-run single to extend the Monte Vista advantage. The Monarchs were really having some fun at this point.

A two-out RBI single by JOEY GONZALVEZ and Parma ’s second double of the inning put the Monarchs on top by 5.

“It was kind of interesting, coming off a big loss,” said Monarchs coach CHAD WILLIAMS, who celebrated his first varsity win. “They started the game with a home run and it was kinda nice to answer back with seven runs. It gave our pitchers a chance to settle in and get comfortable. “

Sabo came within one out of a complete game pitching effort, allowing four earned runs while striking out eight. Parma got the final out for the save.

“Sabo was around the plate all day and worked hard,” noted Williams. “If it wasn’t for a couple of defensive miscues he probably wouldn’t have given up a run the rest of the game. It’s always good to get on the other side, get that first victory.”

The Monarchs hammered out 11 hits.

“ Parma has been struggling a little bit,” said Williams. “He kinda set the tone in the 1st inning with two doubles. When he gets on he can make things happen.

Offensively we did a good job getting our leadoff man on, and cutting down on strikeouts.”

SANTANA 7, MATER DEI 3 – The name Fleer is famous for bubble gum and baseball cards. For Santana junior pitcher JAYLEN FLEER, it was all about dealing – balls and strikes in Friday’s (Mar. 12) Foothiller-Aztec Tournament.

Fleer limited Mater Dei to four hits and three runs over six innings as he logged his first varsity win. Relievers CHRIS CAMARDA and KYLE HAYES finished the job, with the latter getting the final out to earn his first save.

“Fleer spotted his fastball well and was able to throw his changeup for strikes in key situations,” said Santana coach LARRY OEDEWALDT.

Santana erased a 1-0 Mater Dei lead with two runs in the 2nd inning. CAMERON BALOUGH singled to right and ZACH BREIDT doubled to right, placing runners at second and third with nobody out.

It appeared that Santana was going to blow the scoring opportunity as the next two players made outs. Junior JIMMY ELIAS, who was 8-for-6 in the last two games, blooped a double down the right field line, giving the Sultans the lead.

Santana extended its advantage to 5-1 in the 4th. COREY POE ripped a RBI single to left-center and then coasted home on a home run by SEAN ROSS.

The Sultans made it 7-1 in the 5th on RBI singles by Balough and Breidt.

WEST HILLS 15, SAN DIEGO 2 – After scoring only one run in its first two games, the Wolf Pack erupted for 16 hits in Friday’s (Mar. 12) Foothiller-Aztec Tournament rout of the Cavers at San Diego.

Sophomore ALEX PARSONS led the assault, driving in 5 runs with a pair of doubles and a single.

The Wolf Pack got a lending hand to start the onslaught thanks to a 1st inning error by the Cavers, putting DAVID BRYAN on base. The senior centerfielder then stole second and third and scored on a sacrifice fly by sophomore MIKE CARLIN.

The West Hills’ opening inning rally continued on singles by TONY SPEARS and THOMAS HEGNER. ANDREW MOHRE then doubled in Spears, staking the Pack to a 2-0 lead.

West Hills broke the game open with 6 runs in the 3rd frame. The key blows were 2-run singles by Parsons and Spears. Parsons added a 2-run double in the Wolf Pack’s 4-run 7th.

Junior left-hander NICK PEASE worked five innings, allowing just 6 hits and 2 runs as he balanced his record at 1-1. He was supported by one hitless inning of relief apiece by TREVOR CLIPPINGER (who had 2 strikeouts) and ALEX PIERCE.

Carlin finished 2-for-4 with a double and 3 RBI. Spears was 3-for-5 with 2 RBI and a pair of thefts.

AARON STARNS went 2-for-4 with a triple, an RBI and 2 runs scored. Bryan also had 2 hits, scored 3 runs and stole 3 bases.

CHRISTIAN 16, MOUNTAIN EMPIRE 8 – This game was over by the 2nd inning as the visiting Patriots built a 13-0 lead in Friday’s (Mar. 12) Christian Patriot Invitational over Mountain Empire in Pine Valley.

“After that we started going station to station,” said Christian coach MIKE MITCHELL.

The Patriots (2-0) jumped on top 3-0 with three runs in the 1st inning. JOSH WOLFSON drew a one-out walk and raced to third on a double by MICHAEL POTEET.

MICHAEL GRUBER, who was 3-for-3 with 6 RBI, 3 doubles, 2 sacrifice flies and doubled in the two runs. MICHAEL KAUFMAN then singled in Gruber.

Christian turned the game into a blowout in the 2nd frame, collecting 10 runs on 9 hits, 2 walks and an error. Freshman STEVEN JOHNSTON, JOSH SUFFERIDGE, Wolfson and Gruber each had 2 hits in that frame.

Poteet was 4-for-5 with a double, a triple, 4 RBI and 3 runs scored. Wolfson was 3-for-4 with 4 runs scored and 2 RBI, while KENNY JENKINS was 3-for-4 with 2 stolen bases.

Sufferidge and Johnston also contributed 3 hits apiece to Christian’s 20 hit attack.

Sophomore KYLE HARRIS picked up the win, scattering 4 hits and striking out 7 while not allowing an earned run over four innings.

VISTA 6, STEELE CANYON 5 – Those in the know don’t place much weight on Steele Canyon ’s 1-2 start this season. The Cougars are expected to run with the elite by the time all is said and done.

Steele Canyon tested powerful Vista in Friday’s (Mar. 12) Foothiller-Aztec Tournament in North County. After falling behind 3-0 in the first two innings due to defensive lapses, the visiting Cougars fought back to tie it by the 5th inning.

JESSE JENNER was the driving force. The junior catcher drove in Steele Canyon ’s first run with a sacrifice fly in the 3rd, and then plated two more runs with a base hit to right center in the 5th.

The Cougars’ porous defense helped the Panthers regain control with three runs in the bottom of the 5th.

Steele Canyon attempted another comeback in the 7th, cutting the deficit to one on WES JUDISH’s 2-run single to right. The Cougars left the bases loaded after that.

Cougars’ junior MICHAEL CEDEROTH, who is regarded as one of the up and coming pitchers in the San Diego CIF, was tagged with the loss but only two of the six runs he allowed in five innings were earned.

“It was a pretty good pitching performance by Cederoth,” said Cougars assistant coach MARK BRUDER. “He did not deserve to lose today.”

“Errors killed us – four of the runs were unearned. Vista is currently ranked No. 10 in the state and third in San Diego.”

None of the Panthers’ runs were earned, as the Braves (0-3) failed to hold leads of 3-0 and 6-4.

“We’re playing short-handed right now,” Braves coach MIKE RUPP said. “Four of our kids had some academic problems and that has caused me to move several of the remaining players out of position. We had only 10 players for today’s game, but we will have 12 for Saturday (Mar. 13).”

EFREN PADILLA laced a 2-run double and scored on a single by JOVANI BARRAZA in the 1st inning. That lead lasted only until the 2nd inning as Horizon took a 4-3 advantage.

ANTHONY JACKSON, who had sparked the 1st inning rally with a single and a stolen base, pulled a similar number in the bottom of the 2nd. He was hit by a pitch and stole second.

DAVID SANCHEZ singled in Jackson to tie the game at 4-4. After advancing to second on a passed ball Sanchez scored the go-ahead run on a base hit by EDWIN TORRES.

The Braves extended their advantage in the 3rd inning as KENDAL CONLEY tripled and scored on a groundout by Jackson.

“We killed ourselves with dropped fly balls, two dropped third strikes and a couple of key infield errors,” Rupp said. “Our pitchers walked five guys and all of them scores because of the errors.”

As the sun was setting the Braves attempted a comeback in the bottom of the 6th. For the second time in the game Jackson was hit by a pitch and then proceeded to steal his third base. Sanchez singled him home and then stole second. Padilla drove in his third run of the day with a base hit, but the Braves could muster no more.

MONTGOMERY 2, HELIX 0 – The Highlanders wasted a strong pitching performance by MAURO OLIVARRIA Friday (Mar. 12) as they suffered their first loss in three games of the Foothiller-Aztec Tournament.

“It was a typical Montgomery game,” said Highlanders coach COLE HOLLAND. “Any time you play Montgomery you know it’s going to be low scoring.”

Agustin Lopez limited the Highlanders to 3 hits and struck out 8 in a complete game performance.

It was a frustrating setback for Helix, which left four runners in scoring position. The Highlanders only hits were a double by AUSTIN GONZALEZ in the 3rd and singles by DUSTIN BURKE and CASEY SMITH in the 5th inning.

“We had our chances but I don’t want our shortcomings on offense to overshadow the fine pitching of Olivarria,” Holland said.

Holland wanted to note that Helix played its third straight error-free game.

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (3-12-10) — Fledgling Foothills Christian finally found the key to victory Thursday (Mar. 11) as the visiting Knights clobbered host Hoover 13-2 in an Andy Sanchez-Bully’s Tournament contest.

Senior CODY LEWIS pitched a 3-hitter and the Knights knocked out 14 hits as they posted their first win in four starts. Neither of the two runs allowed by Lewis were earned, as he struck out 6 in his complete game performance.

Foothills Christian scored in five of its six turns at bat.

Foothills Christian’s RYAN EDMISTON was 2-for-4 with 3 RBI, including a 2-run single in the 6th inning.

JR ATTERBURY was 2-for-3 with a double, 2 stolen bases and 3 runs scored for the Knights.

Lewis proved he could do more than pitch as he was 1-for-2 with 2 runs scored, an RBI and 2 stolen bases.

Leadoff hitter DEREK DEYLING was 2-for-4 with a run scored and 2 stolen bases.

Basically, it was a breakout game for the Knights except for the six errors they committed.

“Our defense is suffering due to a shortage of players – there are four of our guys still on the basketball team,” said first-year head coach DAVE LEWIS. “Our pitching was overpowering. We hit the ball well too. I’m pleased with our overall effort.”

BONITA VISTA 7, EL CAPITAN 6 – The visiting Vaqueros appeared to have their second win in as many starts locked up Thursday’s (Mar. 11) Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament game as they led 6-3 in the 6th inning.

However, Bonita Vista (3-1) erupted for four run in the bottom of the 6th to steal the victory from El Capitan.

“The disturbing thing about today’s game is that we were 4-for-7 with runners in scoring position and still lost,” said Vaqueros coach STEVE VICKERY. “Every batter seemed to have one bad at-bat in the game, and it seemed to come during their at-bat with runners in scoring position.”

To show how inconsistent El Capitan ’s offense was, their No. 9 hitter SHELDON GABRIELS was 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. The remainder of the Vaqueros lineup batted only .179 (5-for-28).

El Capitan’s defense committed only three errors but they cost the Vaqueros four unearned runs.

“We are very shoddy on defense,” Vickery said. “Our defense made our pitchers work too hard.”

ST. AUGUSTINE 5, GRANITE HILLS 4 – Visiting St. Augustine (1-1) scored four runs in the top of the 1st inning and the Eagles never could recover in Thursday’s (Mar. 11) Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament action.

“We were in catch-up mode after the first inning,” said Granite Hills coach JAMES DAVIS. “When you get behind right off the bat it puts a lot of pressure on your offense.”

The Eagles (0-2) had runners at second and third in the bottom of the 7th but were unable to get the clutch hit as the game ended.

“We’re still trying to figure out what will be our best lineup,” Davis said.

JARED HUNT was the key hitter for Granite Hills as he drove in 3 runs with a double and a home run.

DYLAN GARCIA was 2-for-3 with an RBI for the Eagles. LOREN GREENWOOD also had 2 hits for Granite Hills.

VALLEY CENTER 3, MOUNT MIGUEL 2 – After being crushed by El Camino 16-1 in its season opener, Mount Miguel regained its footing to pose a legitimate challenge to host Valley Center on Thursday (Mar. 11) in the Andy Sanchez-Bully’s Tournament contest.

The issue was decided in the bottom of the 6th when the Jaguars scored the decisive run to make a winning pitcher out of senior Jeff Allen.

Mount Miguel took a 1-0 lead in the 1st inning as JULIAN CHARLES doubled and scored on a basehit by RUDDY ACOSTA.

In the top of the 6th inning, however, Mount Miguel coach BYRON GRIGSBY lost twice to the umpires.

The Matadors BRENT LEASK walked, Acosta doubled and DEANDRE SIMPSON hit a ground ball to the shortstop, who threw the ball wide to first base, pulling the first baseman off the bag. Simpson was ruled safe as Leask scored on the play.

Valley Center coach Cliff Bernard walked out to talk to the ump and appealed the play. The plate ump ruled Simpson out for interference, saying he hit the first baseman with his elbow.

The ruling put the runners back on base at second and third. ANTHONY ORTEGA then hit a fly ball to right, scoring Leask and sending Acosta to third.

The Valley Center coach again appealed the play and the base umpire ruled Acosta out for leaving the base too soon.

“If the ump was ever going to throw me out, that was the time,” commented a frustrated Grigsby. “It was a very good game until the 6th inning. We played our type of baseball – good pitching and strong defense. We had a definite chance to win. It’s a shame the umps had to take the game away from the boys.”

Coach MIKE WILSON could have scheduled a lineup of cupcakes but did not choose to do so. Valhalla had No. 2 ranked Poway on the ropes before falling to the Titans in the final inning.

In round two of the tournament the Norsemen went toe to toe with Rancho Buena Vista (2-0). The Longhorns, ranked No. 5 in the state, relied on the shutout pitching of Reed Reznicek and Tony Wolters.

Rancho Buena Vista manufactured its first run in the 3rd on small ball style with two outs. Wolters, who was the MVP of the Aflac All-Stars game a year ago, walked, and then stole second and third before scoring on a single by Kody Marshal in the 7th inning.

Wolters added a solo home run in the 7th.

Freshman RAMSEY ROMANO was 2-for-3 for the Norsemen.

Valhalla pitcher JOSH AUSTEL allowed only two hits and one run in three innings. Reliever AUSTIN HENSLEY was equally as successful as he surrendered only four hits and one run.

FRANCISCO TELLEZ, DANNY HAWKSLEY, TREVOR MESSENGER, CHRIS WILKEY and Hensley each contributed a hit to the Norsemen’s total.

Next up for the Norsemen is a joust with Escondido on Saturday (Mar. 13) at Granite Hills.

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (3-11-10) — It’s hard to imagine that a team can win a game without having their starting pitcher deliver a single pitch.

But that’s happened when the visiting Highlanders knocked off San Diego, 8-3, in Wednesday’s (Mar. 10) Foothiller-Aztec Tournament action.

“It was kind of a weird game – you have your guy all warmed up and ready to start and then he gets hurt,” said Helix coach COLE HOLLAND.

Helix’s scheduled starting pitcher DYLAN NICKERSON never threw a pitch. He fouled a ball off his foot and hopped around for awhile then came back and finished his at-bat. He got a basehit but needed to come out of the game for pinch runner CHRIS SALTZMAN.

“We had to get sophomore BRANDON LEWIS, who wasn’t slated to pitch today, warmed up in a hurry,” Holland said.

Lewis, a sophomore right-hander, answered the bell. He pitched five innings, scattering 5 hits and striking out 8 for the win. ROMELLO CARBUCCIA blanked the Cavers over the final two frames to secure the victory.

“I was very pleased with the way Lewis stepped in, not knowing he was going to pitch and he did a great job,” Holland said. “He did a great job offensively as well, with 2 hits, 2 RBI and 2 runs.”

“What I’m not pleased with is we’ve walked nine guys in two games. But we haven’t made an error. We have to do a better job of throwing strikes.”

With two outs in the bottom of the 9th, MICHAEL GRUBER doubled off the left field fence. MICHAEL KAUFMAN ripped a ground ball to shortstop that The Bishop’s fielder booted to allow Gruber to score the game-winning run.

“The ump told us this was it – either we score or it’s going to end in a tie. It wasn’t pretty but it’s a win,” said Patriots coach MIKE MITCHELL.

The Patriots were playing shorthanded in their season opener. Three key members of the Christian ballclub are still involved in basketball. The Patriots’ cagers were committed to play in a national Christian tournament in Erie, Penn., that will last through Saturday (Mar. 13).

But the Patriots’ plight became even more challenging.

“We found out our third baseman has strep throat,” Mitchell said. “(Pinch runner) MARTIN RUIZ has never played baseball in his life but he’s fast. We’re down to nine players. On Friday (Mar. 12), we’ll be down to eight – one of our guys will be in a mandatory choir performance in L.A. ”

Thus Mitchell will have to turn to his junior varsity to fill the ranks.

“Today we got a little bit lucky, had a little bit of perseverance and a little bit of hard work,” he said.

The cornerstone of the Patriots victory was junior pitcher MICHAEL POTEET, who started the game and did not allow a hit in 5 innings but left the game trailing 1-0.

Relievers KYLE HARRIS and JOSH WOLFSON surrendered 7 hits over the final four innings but gave up only one earned run. Wolfson, a senior who primarily plays in the outfield, struck out 7 in three innings and wound up the winning pitcher.

Some might question why Mitchell would have pulled Poteet when the right-hander was working on a no-hitter.

“Our pitchers are on a pitch count so we pulled him even though he had a no-hitter going,” Mitchell said.

JOSH SUFFERIDGE ripped a pair of doubles for Christian, while Gruber and Harris also had two hits apiece.

“I’m not concerned about being good in March – we want to be good in June,” Mitchell noted.

GROSSMONT 14, CORONADO 1 – The Islanders’ cozy home ballpark is not known for being a hitter’s paradise. The wind usually cuts down anything that appears to be hit deep.

Home runs are few in these parts.

But the wall-bangers from Grossmont (2-0) riddled three Coronado pitchers for 21 hits in Wednesday’s (Mar. 10) Foothiller-Aztec Tournament blowout on the peninsula.

Leadoff man EVAN POTTER, perhaps the best fielding shortstop in the county, was 4-for-5 with two doubles and five RBI to spark the Foothillers (2-0). He also scored twice and stole a base.

Senior STEVEN BRAULT was 4-for-4 with a double and three RBI and is 6-for-6 at the plate in his first two games.

Junior TYLER TIMMER continued to wield a hot bat as he stroked two singles and a double in three at-bats while driving in one run and scoring four against the Islanders (0-2). Timmer is 5-for-5 in Grossmont’s first two games.

Grossmont broke this game open with 6 runs in the 2nd inning. The Foothillers did so by knocking out five doubles with Timmer, JOE MUSGROVE, Potter, Brault and CODY SOS driving in the runs. Brault’s two-base blow plated two markers.

Brault also held the Islanders to two hits and no earned runs to earn the pitching nod. ROBBIE NESOVIC, who was 2-for-4 at the plate, hurled two scoreless innings. Senior southpaw BRIAN PAZNOKAS struck out the side in the 7th to finish the job.

Musgrove and BRETT ETHERTON also chipped in with two hits apiece. Musgrove slugged one of Grossmont’s seven doubles in the contest.

As a team, Grossmont has scored 33 runs and banged out 36 hits in two games.

SANTANA 13, STEELE CANYON 5 – Santana surged to an 11-0 lead after four innings and then held on to stun Steele Canyon in Wednesday’s (Mar. 10) Foothiller-Aztec Tournament in Rancho San Diego.

Furthermore the Sultans starting pitcher, ZACH OEDEWALDT was working on a no-hitter when his father, head coach LARRY OEDEWALDT, removed him from the mound because he had reached his pitch count.

Three Sultans relievers finished the job, limiting the Cougars to 3 hits and 2 earned runs over the final three frames.

JIMMY ELIAS was 3-for-5 with a double and 2 RBI for Santana (2-0).

“Elias had a big game for us,” said coach Oedewaldt. “He came through in key spots.”

Santana took a 3-0 lead in the opening frame with benefit of only one hit – CHRIS CAMARDA’s infield single.

ZACH BREIDT’s 2-run single in the 2nd inning made it 5-0.

Santana turned the game into a blowout with three runs in the 3rd inning. Once again the Sultans did so with only one hit – a single by Elias.

“It was kind of sloppy on both sides today,” said coach Oedewaldt. “We took advantage of it better than they did.”

Steele Canyon generated only three hits – two of them by WES JUDISH, who also had 2 RBI.

Three Cougars pitcher gave up nine walks and hit five batters.

“It was a completely different team than the one that played (in a 12-3 win over Chula Vista) on Saturday,” said Cougars assistant coach MARK BRUDER.

FRANCIS PARKER 6, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 0 – Following the resignation of coach STEVE PERDUE earlier this week, the Knights suffered their third straight loss in Wednesday’s (Mar. 10) Andy Sanchez-Bully’s East Tournament at Francis Parker.

Perdue decided to step down after undergoing total shoulder replacement surgery last month. He also resigned as the Knights’ football coach.

Perdue coached football for three years and baseball for two at Foothills Christian. All of his teams were highly successful.

“The pain the past couple of years has been tremendous,” Perdue said. “I have chosen to step away from my coaching positions at Foothills in order to heal properly and thoroughly.”

DAVE LEWIS has taken over as baseball head coach, while THOM LUBIC will grab the reins of the football team. Both men were assistants under Perdue.

MONTGOMERY 15, WEST HILLS 1 – The host Wolf Pack got a taste of why Montgomery is a perennial power in the San Diego CIF section in Wednesday’s (Mar. 10) Foothiller-Aztec Tournament.

The visiting Aztecs (2-0) scored in each of the first six innings, including posting six markers in the 5th frame.

“You just can’t walk seven batters, hit three and make five errors and expect to beat anybody much less a team the caliber of Montgomery,” West Hills coach JASON FOWLER said. “We didn’t do a very good job fielding or throwing. But we will take this as a leaning experience and build from there.”

THOMAS HEGNER, ALEX PARSONS and MIKE CARLIN accounted for West Hills’ three hits.

EL CAMINO 16, MOUNT MIGUEL 0 – Used to be when Mount Miguel sent 6-foot-6 RUDDY ACOSTA to the mound the Matadors were all but assured of a victory.

That was two years ago when Acosta was a sophomore throwing 90 mph.

In Wednesday’s (Mar. 10) Andy Sanchez-Bully’s East Tournament, the Matadors surrendered a pair of 5-run innings – one at the expense of Acosta – and were never in the game.

Mount Miguel generated five hits off two El Camino pitchers – two coming off the bat of CHRIS MAPLES. JULIAN CHARLES and ANTHONY ORTEGA each slugged a double for the Matadors.

“We put the ball in play when nobody was on base,” Mount Miguel coach BYRON GRIGSBY said. “We had chances to score early in the game, but our intensity wasn’t there.”

EASTLAKE 17, MONTE VISTA 0 – It was a long afternoon for first-year head coach CHAD WILLIAMS and his youthful Monarchs during Wednesday’s (Mar. 10) Foothiller-Aztec Tournament’s second round at Eastlake.

Three Titans’ pitchers combined to spin a 1-hitter at the Monarchs (0-2).

Monte Vista ’s only hit was a one-out single by JOEY GONZALVEZ in the 3rd inning. A walk to BENNY GUERRERO preceded Gonzalvez’s base hit, but Monte Vista – trailing only 1-0 at the time – stranded the runners at second and third.

“Obviously it was a pretty humbling experience,” Williams said. “I told the kids that games like this happen to everybody. It matters how we bounce back that counts.”

LA JOLLA COUNTRY DAY 14, EL CAJON VALLEY 1 – The Braves came up short for the second time in as many starts Wednesday (Mar. 10) in the Christian Patriot Invitational. No details were reported.

© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (3-10-10) — Pitching primarily in relief as a junior, El Capitan senior southpaw ANTHONY VIGIL proved that he can go the distance in Tuesday’s (Mar. 9) season opening Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament 6-5 victory over visiting Mission Bay.

After Mission Bay scored three runs in the 3rd inning to take a 5-3 lead, Vigil settled down and retired 14 of the next 16 batters, allowing only two more base runners.

“I was impressed with Vigil today. It was outstanding the way he kept his composure,” said El Capitan coach STEVE VICKERY.

Vaqueros freshman ERIC LOZANO drove in 3 runs, including a 2-run single in the 5th inning that the game 5-5.

“For a freshman, Lozano was not intimidated at the plate,” Vickery said. “To drive in 3 runs in his first varsity game is impressive.”

El Capitan pushed across the winning run in the bottom of the 6th. TYRONE WIGGINS doubled up the centerfield bank and eventually stole third.

CHARLES MOORMAN, who started at first base rather than behind the plate as he did most of last season, hit a high chopper that bounced 15 feet in the air between the plate and the mound, allowing the speedy Wiggins to score from third.

“Wiggins is off to a good start,” said Vickery. “He shows he can beat you in so many different ways – with his bat, with his glove and with his wheels.”

Wiggins accounted for two El Capitan’s 6 hits.

Junior Robert Phiakeo drove in all five Mission Bay runs with a pair of homers.

POWAY 6, VALHALLA 3 – It was clear that the visiting Norsemen were not impressed by Poway’s preseason rankings, which included being No. 2 in the state.

Valhalla jumped on Poway ace Keegan Yuhl for 3 runs in the top of the 1st inning. BRYCE MOSIER stroked a 2-run homer over the left field fence and WILL COOMBS contributed an RBI single to pin the Titans to the mat.

Valhalla pitcher FRANCISCO TELLEZ struck out 10 in six innings but could not maintain the lead as the Titans scored three runs in the 3rd to tie it and three runs in the 6th to win it.

“We had the No. 2 ranked team on the ropes in the very first inning of the first game of the season,” said Valhalla ’s first year coach MIKE WILSON. “But we have a young team and they need to know the difference between taking an early lead and putting a team down.”

Senior Dillon Dooney led the Titans, falling a single short of hitting for the cycle. His double, triple and a home run added up to three RBI.

“We had runners in scoring position all day,” Wilson said. “We were just a hit away.”

This was the first game of the year for both squads. Held at Poway High, the younger brother of slain senior Chelsea King was the Titan’s honorary team captain and threw out the first pitch. Chelsea ’s parents were also in attendance and received a bouquet of flowers from coach Wilson, and a contribution from the Norsemen team to the Chelsea King Memorial Fund.

RANCHO BERNARDO 10, GRANITE HILLS 0 – JAMES DAVIS, who has coached baseball in San Diego County for more than a decade, knows quality when he sees it. And the Granite Hills skipper was impressed, to say the least, by Rancho Bernardo’s Trevor Williams.

Williams limited the Eagles to 2 hits and struck out 8 over six shutout innings to earn the victory in the Hilltop-Lolita’s Tournament opener on Tuesday (Mar. 9).

“They tell me he topped out at 91 mph,” Davis said. “On top of that he had a spike curve ball going. I’ll tell you this, it was one of the better pitching performances I’ve seen against us in a number of years.

“He took us to the woodshed.”

Davis said Williams reminded him of Valley Center graduate Mike Leake, who attended Arizona State and was drafted into professional baseball. Williams has also accepted a scholarship to Arizona State.

“Williams had the same type of ‘get after it’ as Leake,” Davis observed. “And DANIEL STARWALT was the only guy that hit the ball hard (a 4th inning double).”

To add insult to injury to the Eagles, Broncos reliever Max Lai struck out the side in the 7th inning.

Max Homick teed off on two Granite Hills pitchers for 2 hits, including a home run, and 4 RBI to pace the Broncos.

The only other Granite Hills hit was a single by DYLAN GARCIA.

© East County Sports.com
PINE VALLEY (3-9-10) — Because of El Niño, a warming of the Pacific Ocean centered directly on the Equator between South America and the International Date Line – espically the coastal waters off Peru – the extended rainy season in Southern California has caused several weather postponements to local sports events.

Included was Monday's (Mar. 8) Christian Patriot Invitational opener between Christian and host Mountain Empire, which was postponed due to snow. The make-up date will be Mar. 12.

El Niño winters can be two to three times wetter than La Niña winters in this region, according to the Western Regional Climate Center in Reno, Nev.

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (3-7-10) — You won’t find many players better in East County than Santana senior KYLE HAYES.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Hayes broke a 3-3 tie with a solo home run in the 5th inning as the Sultans edged visiting Westview 4-3 in Saturday’s (Mar. 6) Foothiller-Aztec Tournament opener.

In addition to his heroic home run Hayes pitched 3 innings and struck out 6 to earn his first win. He allowed 2 hits and no earned runs.

This guy Hayes just doesn’t stop. Batting at the top of the Sultans order he was 3-for-3 and scored 2 runs.

Santana struck for 3 runs in the bottom of the 1st inning. Hayes ignited the rally with a base hit and coasted home on CODY SMITH’s home run over the right field fence. The Sultans’ third run in the opening frame came on an RBI single by ZACH BREIDT.

“We made some mistakes but played well at times,” said Santana coach LARRY OEDEWALDT. “We were able to get one on board.”

GROSSMONT 19, MATER DEI 2 – A 9-run third inning by Grossmont in the Foothiller-Aztec Tournament on Saturday (Mar. 6) made it known that Grossmont will once again run with the San Diego CIF elite.

The Foothillers led 14-2 after three frames.

BRETT ETHERTON drove in 4 runs in the 3rd inning with a 3-run homer and a sacrifice fly.

Perhaps the star of the show for Grossmont was third baseman ALEX CONNOR. The 5-foot-7, 170-pound sophomore was 3-for-5 with 3 runs scored, a double and a home run.

Senior COLTER RIOS was 2-for-2 with a double, 2 runs scored and 2 RBI FOR Grossmont. TYLER TIMMER was 2-for-2 with 3 runs scored, while STEVEN BRAULT was also 2-for-2 with 2 runs scored.

Not to be forgotten was CODY SOS, who erased a 1-0 Mater Dei lead with a 3-run homer in the bottom of the 1st.

JOE MUSGROVE made his first varsity start for the Foothillers and allowed only one earned run while striking out 6 in four innings.

TYLER MUTTER, Grossmont’s football quarterback, pitched two shutout innings, while Brault finished the job by twirling a scoreless 7th inning.

Reed limited the Cougars to two hits while striking out five over five innings.

DYLAN NICKERSON and CHRIS SALTZMAN each pitched a scoreless inning as the Highlanders opened the season on a high note.

Offensively Helix hammered out 13 hits, including solo home runs by Nickerson and ARMONDO RODRIGUEZ. Nickerson also laced a double as he finished 2-for-2 with 3 runs scored and 2 RBI.

AUSTIN GONZALEZ, TYLER SOTO and Reed joined Nickerson in the multiple hit category with 2 apiece. Soto smacked a 2-run double in the 3rd inning to give the Highlanders a 4-1 lead. His RBI single in the 5th made it 6-2.

“I was really happy with our offense,” said Helix coach COLE HOLLAND. “Everybody in our lineup got at least one hit. We have four brand new guys with no varsity experience. We did a good job. It’s nice to get the first one out of the way.”

STEELE CANYON 12, CHULA VISTA 3 – The Cougars, who may be the surprise team of East County, got off to an impressive start against Chula Vista in Saturday’s (Mar. 6) Foothiller-Aztec Tournament game at Santana.

Steele Canyon put together 5-run innings in the 3rd and 5th to blow out the Spartans.

WES JUDISH led Steele Canyon’s 10-hit attack with a double and two singles as he drove in two runs.

JAKE WRAGG added a 2-run double for Steele Canyon in the 5th inning.

The Cougars ran wild against Chula Vista as they stole five bases, including two by TAYLOR MISHLER.

Junior right-hander BRAD BOEHMKE allowed four hits and one run in five innings to gain the pitching nod.

RAY GOMEZ tossed a scoreless 6th inning for the Cougars. MICHAEL CEDEROTH was tagged for two runs in the 7th without allowing a hit. Only one of the runs was earned and he struck out two.

“We haven’t been hitting so well in our scrimmages but we hit the ball well for opening day,” said Cougars assistant coach MARK BRUDER. “We had outstanding pitching. Our defense was real solid until the 7th inning when we gave up a couple of runs.”

MONTGOMERY 8, MONTE VISTA 3 – Making your coaching debut against Manny Hermosillo’s perennial power Aztecs is no picnic.

Just ask first year Monte Vista skipper CHAD WILLIAMS, who’s Monarchs clubbed two home runs yet still got spanked in Saturday’s (Mar. 6) first round of the Foothiller-Aztec Tournament.

“ Montgomery had eight returning starters and they were the CIF runner-up in 2008 and 2009,” Williams noted. “They always play very fundamental baseball. They worked the count pretty well. They did a good job hitting the ball to all fields, and defensively they made all the routine plays.”

The Aztecs built a 6-0 lead after two innings, but the Monarchs used the long ball to cut the deficit in half in the 4th inning. After IVAN PARMA reached base on an infield single, PAUL O’CONNOR hit a home run to right centerfield.

NICK SABO, who had a rough day on the mound, continued the Monarchs’ scoring parade by launching a rocket over the centerfield fence, which is no small chore at pitcher-friendly Montgomery.

O’Connor accounted for two of Monte Vista’s four hits against Aztecs starter AUGUSTIN LOPEZ, who struck out 13 and walked none in a complete game performance.

RAMONA 5, WEST HILLS 0 – Coach JASON FOWLER, a West Hills alum, had a rocky opening game in his first year as the Wolf Pack coach in Saturday’s (Mar. 6) Foothiller-Aztec Tournament at Vista.

The Pack could muster only three hits – one each by TONY SPEARS, THOMAS HEGNER and ALEX PARSONS – against two Ramona pitchers. Bulldogs starter Cody Willingham struck out 12 West Hills hitters in five innings.

“I feel like we’re close – we’re real competitive,” Fowler said. “The game was much closer than the score indicates. We get one or two clutch hits and we’re right in that game.”

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-5-10) — The pitching was sound, but the offense came up a little short as El Cajon Valley opened the baseball season Thursday (Mar. 4) by dropping a 2-1 decision to visiting San Diego High Tech High.

GIOVANNI BARRAZA and EFRON PADILLA combined to twirl a six-hitter for the Braves. Barraza allowed only three hits and two runs, but was dogged by five walks in four innings.

Padilla, a third-year varsity performer, blanked the Storm on three hits during his three shutout innings.

“Our pitchers both pitched well,” El Cajon Valley coach MIKE RUPP said. “We were a little rusty and nervous but we’ll come around. We lost some kids to grades – hopefully we’ll get them back soon.”

Senior third baseman KENDALL CONLEY, a football and basketball standout for the Braves, was 2-for-2 with a double and a stolen base.

“We didn’t hit very well,” Rupp admitted. “We had a lot of pop-ups and ground balls. Most of the time we’d expect to win, when we give up just two runs.”

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (2-11-10) — Helix High School will hold its annual Alumni Baseball Day on Sat., Feb. 27. Among the activities will be a Home Run Derby, capped by a ballgame against the 2010 Highlanders varsity.

Registration begins at 9 a.m., with a donation request of $75 from all participating alumni. For further information, contact Scotties head coach COLE HOLLAND HERE, or visit the program's new Facebook page, searching for "Helix Baseball Alumni."

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (11-10-09) — JERRY HENSON is stepping down from his Santana High baseball coaching post effectively immediately. This is not to say Henson has put a cap on his 26-year coaching career. More like a hold.

“I don’t know if I’ll ever return to coaching, but I won’t sit here and rule it out,” Henson said. “For now I need a break. I want to sit back and just sit on the sidelines and support the kids as best I can.”

The 62-year-old Henson served the Sultans as head coach for 18 seasons, guiding Santana to a 340-222-5 record. His teams won Grossmont North League championships in 1999, 2000 and 2004. Henson’s Sultans captured the 1994 Division III section crown.

“It is a lot different coaching today than it was 18 years ago,” Henson said. “There is a lot more parental influence and expectations are higher. While most of my parents were positive and supportive, there were some that believed it was my job to get their son a scholarship.”

Prior to taking over as head coach at Santana, Henson was an assistant under MARTY NELLIS for two years and then JIM SASKA for six seasons. Henson was in the coaching lines when the Sultans claimed three league titles and San Diego CIF Section crowns in 1984 and 1986.

“I have a lot of good memories of working with some great ballplayers and great coaches,” Henson said.

Under Henson’s tutelage Santana won more than 20 games in nine seasons, including five of the last six years. His 2005 club posted a 24-9 record.

“You don’t coach for the money,” Henson said. “You do it because you like kids and you are a competitive person. That’s the way it is if you expect to be successful in the Grossmont North League.”