Lakewood vs. Chaparral
3:15pm @ Lakewood High School
The Story: The Lancers finished the Moore League undefeated and outscored their opponents 239-64 this season.
The Opponent: The Chaparral Pumas come into the bracket as the No.3 seed from the talented Southwestern League. Even though they hovered above .500 all year, coach Aaron Slojkowski has his team peaking at the right time and the Pumas haven’t lost in a month. Pitcher Paige Lewis has led the late charge from inside the circle and has only given up five earned runs over the last four weeks.
The Key To Victory: Lakewood needs to take advantage of the Puma style. Chaparral has given up a lot of hits, but good defense has played a huge role. The Lancers need to keep the ball on the ground, hit the ball hard, and play the odds. If they advance, they’ll play the winner of California/Mayfair.
Wilson vs. Laguna Hills
3:15pm @ Laguna Hills High School
The Story: Only two losses to Lakewood marred the Bruin league record and they earned the second seed, but got an extremely tough first-round draw for a second place team.
The Opponent: The Hawks have made a living on the three stellar arms of Terry Rahe, Chelsea Bertoglio and Christine Gomez, who have combined for a 0.79 team ERA. Gomez led the way, tossing 130 innings to 425 batters, while only allowing 85 hits and eight earned runs. Lauren Lastrapes leads the way at the plate with team highs in runs scored (31) and RBI (29).
The Key To Victory: It’s all about the Rother battery for Wilson. The senior pitcher Linzy and sophomore catcher Lacey have been the best in the Moore League at times. Linzy has a 1.19 ERA and a .418 bating average while Lacey leads the team with 23 RBI. If they advance they’ll face the winner of Canyon Springs/Wild Card winner.
Poly vs. Redlands
3:15pm @ Redlands High School
The Story: The Moore League’s third-place finisher was able to beat everyone in the league except Wilson and Lakewood, and now they have to go on the road without their starting pitcher Ashley Betance-Kearn. The ace is still sidelined after getting hit by a line drive a few weeks ago.
The Opponent: The champion of the Citrus Belt league, Redlands didn’t lose a league game and have rattled off six straight victories. Thanks in most part to senior captain Kim Bruins. The pitcher has tossed a team-high 137 innings, carrying a 1.33 ERA and tallying 128 strikeouts. At the plate, Bruin’s average is .411 and she has 32 RBI and 8 doubles.
The Key To Victory: The young Rabbits have had a tough time scoring against the good teams in the Moore League, but did a better job threatening in more innings with more quality at-bats. Today, they need to keep the pressure on Bruin for as much of the game as they can. If they advance they’ll play the winner of Norwalk and Don Lugo.
Millikan vs. Vista Murrieta
3:15pm @ Vista Murrieta High School
The Story: The Rams are playing their best ball of the season right now and are coming off a wild-card win on Tuesday. With Elizabeth Gonzalez throwing from the circle like she has been, the Rams have made a habit of staying in games.
The Opponent: The top seed in the entire bracket isn’t just handed out for any reason. Coach Dan Torres has his Broncos playing like a baseball team, mashing the ball around the park and winning on pure athletic ability. Already, eight players from this year’s team have already decided on a verbal commitment for college.
The Key To Victory: Every single bounce needs to go the Rams’ way, especially early. If they can stay close with this new found confidence, you just never know.