Breakers Shake a Losing Streak

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Breakers capture their first season title

Chris Paul, Laguna’s only two-time all-CIF player, in action against Nogales last Friday. Photo by Robert Campbell

No question, the 2011 edition of Laguna baseball appears to be the best team in the 73-year history of the program.  This past week Laguna capped a record 5-0 start with a resounding 8-0 romp over Nogales in the finals of the Costa Mesa division of the Newport Elks Tournament, played last Friday afternoon at Skipper Carrillo Field.

The victory captured the first in-season tournament in the school’s baseball history and set a school record for opening wins, snapping the 4-0 start for the 1957 league championship squad.

Steve Harrison (Fr) home run was the big blast of the game in the rout of the Nobles (4-1). Chris Paul (2-0) went the distance striking out 12 giving up only four hits in the outing.

Breakers have played in the tournament the past 16 seasons but had never won more than three games. The 68-school classic is organized into four divisions under the management of Foothill High School. J Serra captured the Division I unit, Corona del Mar took DII, Laguna D-III and Valley Christian  defeated Calvary Chapel for the D-IV crown.

Breakers advanced to their first title game by beating Segerstrom 12-6 on Wednesday, March 9, at the local field. Laguna used four pitchers in the contest with Jack Pillsbury receiving the win and Keaton Jones the save in relief. Breakers were down 4-1 before a six-run, fourth inning allowed Laguna to take control of the contest. A three-run, sixth inning outburst sealed the win.

Laguna returned to action this past Tuesday  in a double-header at Loara  (3-2) in Anaheim. The Saxons hold a 6-1 series advantage. The 15-game league season opens today at Estancia (3-2), which along with Calvary Chapel will challenge the Breakers for the Orange Coast League pennant. Calvary (4-1) comes to Laguna on Tuesday for their first meeting of the season. Breakers play all league teams three times between today and the last league contest on May 12.

All-time series records against Orange Coast League squads are as follows: Estancia 36-23, Calvary Chapel 14-12, Costa Mesa 40-46, Godinez 5-1, Saddleback 10-10.  Breakers will play during Spring Break, April 4-8, in the very challenging Anaheim Lions Tournament.

D-IV Southern Section CIF Poll for March 14: 1 – Palm Desert, 2 – Torrance, 3 – Bishop Amat, 4 – Indio, 5 – Oaks Christian, 6 – Chino, 7 – Laguna Beach, 8 – El Segundo, 9 – Savanna, 10 – San Dimas, Also receiving votes: Nogales, Troy, Calvary Chapel/SA.

Player Statistical Leaders (Thru five games) – details at Max Preps.com

Batting Average:                  .529 Chris Paul, .500 J. Herbert, .412 Austin Paxson, .400 Larry Stewart

Hits:                                    9 – Chris Paul, 7 – Austin Paxson

Runs Scored:                  7 – Keaton Jones

RBI’s:                                    10 – Chris Paul

HR:                                    1 – Chris Paul, Steve Harrison, Travis Clawson

Stolen Bases:                  3 – Chris Paul

Innings Pitched:                  13 – Chris Paul

Wins:                                    2 – Chris Paul

Saves:                                    3 – Keaton Jones

Strikeouts                  21 – Chris Paul

ERA:                                    0.00 – Chris Paul

 

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