Scores from Wednesday’s Central Coast Section, North Coast Section Baseball, Softball Semifinal Playoff Games
Wednesday night was a thrilling night for high school baseball and softball fans in California as the Central Coast Section (CCS) and North Coast Section (NCS) semifinal playoff games took place. The games were full of excitement, tension, and some surprises as teams battled it out for a spot in the final.
In the CCS baseball semifinals, top-seeded Valley Christian continued their impressive run and defeated St. Francis 6-2. It was a dominant performance by Valley Christian, who have been on top of their game throughout the season. Their dynamic offense was on full display as they scored in every inning except the first.
Another standout performance came from Archbishop Mitty, who defeated Willow Glen 7-1. Mitty’s starting pitcher, Kyle Harrison, had a fantastic outing, striking out 11 batters in six innings. The team’s offense also made a strong impact, with senior Nate Decker hitting a home run in the fourth inning.
The third semifinal game in CCS saw an intense battle between Serra and Aptos. Both teams fought hard, but it was Serra who came out on top with a 5-2 victory. Serra’s starting pitcher, Jack McGrew, was in top form, striking out 14 batters in seven innings. The team’s offense also contributed with senior Roman Propstra hitting a home run in the fifth inning.
In the NCS baseball semifinals, there were some surprising results. Top-seeded De La Salle suffered a shocking defeat against Clayton Valley Charter, with the final score being 2-1. It was a tight game throughout, but Clayton Valley Charter’s starting pitcher, Michael Decker, put on a fantastic performance, throwing a complete game and striking out seven batters.
The second NCS semifinal game saw a dominant performance from California High School, who defeated Granada 9-1. California’s starting pitcher, Brady Huchingson, had a great outing, striking out 10 batters in five innings. The team’s offense was also in top form, scoring seven runs in the third inning.
The last semifinal game in NCS was between Santa Rosa and Acalanes, and it proved to be an intense battle. Santa Rosa stayed consistent and sealed a 5-2 victory, with their starting pitcher, Samuel Hearn, throwing a complete game and striking out eight batters. Senior Luke Cole also made an impact with a home run in the sixth inning.
Moving on to softball, CCS semifinals saw top-seeded Carlmont securing a spot in the final by defeating Santa Teresa 9-0. Senior starting pitcher, Evelyn Smith, put on a fantastic performance, throwing a no-hitter and striking out 12 batters. The team’s offense was also impressive, with senior Amanda McBride hitting two home runs.
The second CCS softball semifinal game saw a dominant performance from Gilroy, who defeated San Benito 12-2. Gilroy’s starting pitcher, Cherish Burks, had a solid outing, allowing only two runs and striking out six batters. Their offense was on fire, scoring in every inning except the first.
The final CCS softball semifinal game was a close one between Carondelet and Los Gatos. Both teams gave it their all, but it was Carondelet who came out on top with a 3-2 victory. Junior Claire Schilling was on fire, pitching a complete game and striking out 13 batters. The team’s offense also contributed, with senior Kaitlin James hitting a home run in the third inning.
In the NCS softball semifinals, top-seeded Foothill had a dominant outing and defeated Liberty 11-2. Their starting pitcher, Katelyn Jackson, pitched a complete game and struck out 13 batters. The team’s offense was also impressive, with senior Mackenzie Murphy hitting two home runs.
The second NCS softball semifinal game was a closely contested one between Heritage and Pinole Valley. In the end, it was Heritage who secured a spot in the final with a 3-2 victory. Senior Maddy Bundy threw a complete game and struck out six batters, while junior Mackenzie Vandenburg hit a pivotal home run in the sixth inning.
The last NCS softball semifinal game saw a dominant performance from
