Laguna captured another Orange Coast League pennant, their fifth in a row, with a sweep last week of the Costa Mesa series coupled with a similar sweep by Calvary against Estancia. Breakers held a four game edge over Estancia and five over Calvary entering the final week of league play.
The Division 2 playoff schedule will post on Monday, May 15, at cifss.org.
Against Mesa on Wednesday, May 3, Laguna held a 6-1 advantage entering the sixth inning but usually steady Jack Loechner gave up five runs to allow the visiting Mustangs to tie the contest. The Breakers ended Costa Mesa’s upset dream, scoring seven runs in the bottom of the inning including a home run by Loechner. Lance Stewart closed out the game facing five batters to preserve the 12-6 victory.
On Friday, May 5, Breakers struggled at Mesa (10-17, 5-8) but were able to use a four run inning in the fourth inning and survive a Costa Mesa rally in the bottom of the seventh to escape with a 5-4 win. Breakers gave up 11 hits and used six different pitchers with Remy Mackel ending up with the win credit.
Dante Faicchio as expected broke the career games played record on Friday, May 5, when he passed Chris Paul’s record of 113 contests. In Wednesday’s game, Faicchio hit a school record tying three doubles to bring his season total to 20, passing the school season record of 19 by Grant Wilhelm in 2014 and moved Dante into a career tie with Chris Paul at 49. The career total ranks third all-time in the Southern Section and the season total ranks fourth. Faicchio has at-least three games remaining.
Statistical Leaders after 26 Games:
Batting Average: .442 Dante Faicchio, .436 Dustin Angus, .410 Kolton Freeman, .408 Grady Morgan
Hits: 42 – Dante Faicchio, 41 – D. Angus,
Doubles: 20 – Faicchio
Runs: 42 – Faicchio
Stolen Bases: 12 – Anthony Norelli
RBI – 22 – Jeff Bruyntjens (Fr)
Appearances: 13 – Lance Stewart, 12 – Blake Burzell, 10 – Jack Loechner
Pitching Wins: 6 – Loechner & Burzell
Innings Pitched: 48.1 – Burzell, 47.2 – loechner, 19.2 – Mackel, 18 – Stewart
ERA: 2.50 – Loechner, 2.72 – Stewart, 2.90 – Burzell
Strikeouts: 55 – Burzell, 44 – Loechner
Team Batting Ave is .368
Team ERA is 3.17
