WEST L.A. — For a team playing its first ever baseball season, Pacifica Christian appears to be bucking the trend and actually succeeding on the diamond.
The latest triumph for the Seawolves came Thursday against Mulholland League rival Westview. Pacifica Christian romped to a 17-0 win that was called after five innings due to the mercy rule.
“They look really good, especially for a young team,” Head Coach Julian Chavez said. “Their bats are responding better than we have been all year.
“But, it’s pitching that keeps us in every ball game.”
With the win, the Seawolves improved their record to 4-2 overall and 4-1 in league play. The top three teams will make the playoffs from the seven-team league.
Keenan Pierandozzi-Howes started the game for Pacifica and went the first three innings to collect the win, his second this season. Kevin Hammer came in and pitched the final two frames.
On offense, a trio of homers paced the Seawolves to the victory. Freshmen Athen Shelp, Austin Wilson and Pierandozzi-Howes all hit round trippers. Each was of the inside-the-park variety. Chavez said this is the first time his team has accomplished the feat.
“This is a good first year, we’ve been able to get our feet under us,” Chavez said. “Next year, we’ll be much tougher.”
Samohi baseball falls to Dana Hills<p>
A streaky season continues for Santa Monica High School’s baseball team.
The Vikings lost to Dana Hills, 4-9, on Wednesday.
The game was the team’s second loss in a row following a three-game winning streak. Dax Bonney, a junior who was recently called up from the junior varsity team, got the start. He went four and a third innings and gave up five earned runs. He was relieved by Brandon Hirschberger and Troy Harrington.
On offense, Samohi collected six hits. Logan Whitchurch was the lone Viking to collect two hits. It was the first action in a week for the slick hitting Whitchurch. He also scored a run and drove one in.
With the loss, Samohi is now 9-9 on the season and 1-1 in league play. Next up for the Vikings is a road game at Palisades High School on Saturday at 11 a.m.
The game is part of the Redondo Tournament.
daniela@www.smdp.com
