News Summary
Saddleback High School’s baseball team achieved a historic victory by defeating Ambassador Christian 17-0 in the CIF Division 9 playoffs. This marks their first playoff appearance since 2006, improving their season record to 14-10-1. The Roadrunners delivered a powerful performance, with standout contributions from players and a stellar pitching display by senior Diego Enriquez. Despite a subsequent loss to Coastal Christian, the season showcased significant growth and potential for the team’s future.
Santa Ana, CA – Saddleback High School’s baseball team achieved a remarkable milestone on Thursday by defeating Ambassador Christian 17-0 in the opening round of the CIF Division 9 playoffs. This victory marks the team’s first CIF playoff appearance since 2006, improving their season record to 14-10-1.
The Roadrunners displayed a dominant performance, with a strong offensive showing that included scoring five runs in the first inning, one in the second, five in the third, and four in the fourth. This led to a total of 20 hits in the game, while Ambassador Christian was limited to only four hits and committed four errors. Senior pitcher Diego Enriquez contributed significantly to the victory, throwing a complete game shutout and striking out 12 batters. Earlier in the season, he had achieved a no-hitter, underscoring his role as a key player throughout the year.
Following this emphatic victory, the Roadrunners are set to face Coastal Christian in the second round of the playoffs on Tuesday, where they will continue as the home team.
Key Performers in the Opening Round
Several players stood out during the game against Ambassador Christian. Ricardo Marquez led with a 2-for-4 batting performance, contributing four RBIs and scoring three runs. Anthony Lopez also had a strong showing with four hits in five at-bats, scoring three runs. Additionally, Andy Aguilar went 3-for-3, driving in five runs while crossing the plate once himself. Other notable contributions came from Joaquin Cornejo with two hits and four runs scored, along with Jerry Arevalo-Reyes, who added two RBIs to the team’s total.
Season Overview
The Roadrunners finished the regular season in a promising second place in the Orange League, highlighting a significant turnaround for the program following a challenging two-decade period. This playoff appearance marks a renewed hope and direction for Saddleback’s baseball team.
In a subsequent matchup against Coastal Christian, the Roadrunners put forth a valiant effort but ultimately fell short, losing 4-3. The game featured a strong comeback from Saddleback, who managed to tie the game 3-3 in the sixth inning after initially trailing 3-0. However, Weston Barker from Coastal Christian had a notable performance, pitching six innings and achieving three hits, which included two RBIs, securing the victory for his team and propelling them to the semifinals.
Insights from the Season
Although the season ended with a record of 14-11-1, Saddleback head coach Joseph Najera expressed pride in the team’s perseverance and the character development witnessed throughout the year. The focus of the coaching staff has been not only on winning but also on fostering personal growth and leadership qualities in the players. Senior catcher Ricky Marquez highlighted the lessons learned under Coach Najera’s guidance, emphasizing how the season has contributed to their development as individuals.
As the Saddleback High School baseball team reflects on this historic season, there remains a sense of optimism for the future, reinvigorated by their performance and the experiences gained while competing at the CIF playoff level.
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Additional Resources
- OC Sports Zone: Saddleback Celebrates First Trip to CIF Playoffs
- OC Register: Saddleback Baseball in CIF-SS Playoffs
- OC Sports Zone: Diego Enriquez Tosses No-Hitter
- Google Search: Saddleback Baseball News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
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