Local baseball, softball teams advance to CIF quarterfinal action
The baseball and softball teams from Mira Costa and Redondo all lived to play another day with wins that propelled them into the CIF-SS quarterfinals.
In baseball, Jared Karros’ pitching performance allowed Mira Costa (23-8) to advance in the Division 1 playoffs. With the Mustangs holding a 2-1 lead, Notre Dame/Sherman Oaks had its leadoff batter reach base in the top of the 7th inning.
Karros proceeded to strike out the next three batters to claim the victory for Mira Costa, finishing with one unearned run and four hits allowed while striking out 10.
“Jared Karros was dominant,” Coach Keith Ramsey said. “A complete game with no walks and 10 Ks is impressive. Nick Carpino drove in the game winning run in the bottom of the 5th. Dylan Dennis had two hits and an RBI and Kyle Karros had two hits as well.”
Carpino tied the game in the bottom of the first on Dennis’ RBI single, then drove in the second run in the fourth when Jonah Storey scored.
Mira Costa will travel to take on third-seeded La Mirada (25-6) on Friday.
Redondo (23-9) claimed a 5-1 victory over ML King behind home runs by Liam Critchett, Brett McCauley and Max Zamarripa and strong pitching performances by Jake Thau (four innings) and Matthew Dalquist (three innings).
Redondo will host Oaks Christian (17-5) in the quarterfinals on Friday.
“The boys are playing great ball,” Redondo coch Andy Diver said after the game. “I am excited about the way we are playing right now. We are getting quality starts in the mound from Jake and Drew (Dalquist), we have played solid defense, and our offense is really firing on all cylinders. Each day we have a different group of players that step up. We are focused on one game at a time, and look forward to playing a home game this Friday.”
In other games, El Segundo (21-8) won its Division 2 game with a 3-2 victory over top-seeded Arcadia in 11 innings. The Eagles will travel to face Santa Margarita (23-11) in the quarterfinals.
Torrance (18-9-1) advanced in Division 3 with a 3-0 win against host San Juan Hills and will play at Oak Hills (19-7) on Friday.
Softball
Mira Costa (15-11) beat visiting Diamond Bar, the fourth seeded team, 4-2 and will play at Diamond Ranch (11-14-3) in the Division 3 quarterfinals Thursday at 3:15 p.m.
Pitcher Katie Katsuyama went the distance striking out seven while Emma Fong and Amanda Siegel each had two hits.
Diamond Bar had the top of the order begin the 7th inning but Katsuyama did not allow a baserunner.
“Although Costa struck first and never lost their lead, it was a tight game,” coach Brittany Gardner said. “Diamond Bar threatened a few times.”
Redondo (11-14) shutout University Prep 10-0 Tuesday and will take on Flintridge Sacred Heart (18-5) at home in the Division 5 quarterfinals Thursday at 3:15 p.m.
The Sea Hawks had a superb performance from pitcher Carly Koltko who allowed only one hit and struck out 11 batters in six innings without allowing a run.
Maddie Larkin, Dara English and Amy Simonek each had two RBIs in the victory.
“We had so many great at bats and Carly’s one hit shutout for the win,” Redondo coach Jennifer Dessert said.
Also in Division 5, top-seeded Torrance (21-9) defeated Yucca Valley 4-2 and will take on No. 9 Quartz Hill (17-4) on Thursday.
In Division 2, South Torrance (22-6) defeated No. 2 seeded Lakewood 3-1 and will play at No. 8 California (21-3) on Thursday.