Introduction to the Regional Playoffs
The Southern California regional baseball and softball playoffs kicked off on a dramatic note, with rain and lightning disrupting the opening games. The unusual June weather brought surprises and challenges for the teams and spectators alike.
Disruptions and Delays
The Division 1 baseball game between Patrick Henry and host Santa Margarita was halted in the fourth inning due to lightning, with Patrick Henry leading 2-0. The game will resume on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Division 1 softball game between Poway and Ayala was postponed because of rain. Despite the disruptions, most games eventually proceeded and were completed.
Baseball Highlights
Point Loma 6, El Camino Real 4: The City Section Open Division champions, El Camino Real, gave Point Loma a scare in the bottom of the seventh inning, scoring three runs and loading the bases with two outs. However, Hunter Weller ended the game with a strikeout. Point Loma, the Division I champion from the San Diego Section, had Druw Frost with three hits, and a three-run seventh aided by an El Camino Real error. Phoenix Brant struck out five in 6 1/3 innings, while RJ De La Rosa, JJ Saffie, and Gavin Farley had RBI singles for El Camino Real.
St. John Bosco 2, St. Augustine 1: Jack Champlin picked up the save after strong pitching from Griffin Tagliaferri and Brayden Krakowski. Moise Razo gave the Braves the lead in the third with an RBI double. St. John Bosco will host Villa Park on Thursday in the Division I semifinals.
Villa Park 5, Granite Hills 4: Villa Park prevailed on the road in nine innings. Nate Lewis had four hits and three RBIs, including the tiebreaker in the top of the ninth.
Crespi 4, Mater Dei 3: Mikey Martinez hit a three-run home run, and Jackson Eisenhauer threw two hits of shutout relief with four strikeouts. Crespi will play the winner of Santa Margarita-Patrick Henry on Thursday.
University City 5, Birmingham 2: The Patriots gave up four runs in the seventh to fall in a Division III opener. University City will play Dos Pueblos, a 10-2 winner over St. Anthony.
Venice 5, Trinity Classical 2: Canon King had a double and triple, and Daniel Quiroz added two hits and two RBIs for Venice, which will play at Mt. Carmel on Thursday.
Banning 3, Lemoore 2: The Pilots won their Division IV opener, with Angelo Duarte having a walk-off single in the seventh. AJ Herrera had two hits and two RBIs.
Softball
Westlake 5, Rancho Bernardo 3: The Warriors won in Division II and will host Eastlake in the semifinals. Olivia White had a home run.
Legacy 5, Elsinore 4: Isabella Medina had two doubles in the Division III win. Breann Lipold hit two home runs for Elsinore. Legacy will play at St. Bonaventure, a 6-5 win over Southwest EC.
Conclusion
The opening day of the Southern California regional baseball and softball playoffs was marked by unexpected weather conditions, leading to game disruptions and delays. Despite these challenges, the teams showcased their skills and determination, setting the stage for an exciting tournament.
FAQs
Q: Which games were disrupted due to weather conditions?
A: The Division 1 baseball game between Patrick Henry and Santa Margarita, and the Division 1 softball game between Poway and Ayala, were disrupted due to lightning and rain, respectively.
Q: Which teams won their respective games?
A: Point Loma, St. John Bosco, Villa Park, Crespi, University City, Venice, Banning, Westlake, and Legacy won their respective games.
Q: What is the schedule for the upcoming games?
A: The game between Patrick Henry and Santa Margarita will resume on Wednesday, while other games will proceed according to their scheduled dates and times.
