It is once again it is time for the big Battle of the Baseline League with all six teams playing on the same day in the same venue – LoanMart Field in Rancho Cucamonga.
It is always a memorable experience for the players involved but the fact that these games are so important in the league race will make for an even better day.
Here’s the schedule and a look at each game:
Damien (8-13, 6-6) vs. Los Osos (9-13, 6-6), 11 a.m.
These two teams are currently part of a three-way tie for third. Few probably expected Damien to be in this position after the Spartans got off to a 3-11 start on the season but the Spartans have won five of the last seven games to surge into contention.
Sophomore right-hander Isaiah Paige will be on the mound for Damien which has wins this season over Los Osos by scores of 3-1 and 1-0.
The Spartans have also gotten steady production from sophomore third baseman Harrison Spohn, senior catcher Andrew Garcia and junior outfielder Daniel Benedict.
Senior Kyle Robeniol (.440) has been the top hitter and pitcher for Los Osos and will be on the mound. Senior third baseman Niko Navarro (.323) is the other big contributor.
Etiwanda (16-5, 8-4) vs. Chino Hills (14-8, 7-5), 2 p.m.
The Eagles are in first place, one game ahead of the Huskies so this one will either give Etiwanda a two-game lead or allow Chino Hills to pull even with two games left.
Chino Hills will have ace Bailey Falter (4-1, 0.93) on the mound for the first time since April 15. He has been away from the team for disciplinary reasons.
Senior right fielder Chris Ceballos (.379, 14 RBI, 6 HR) and senior designated hitter Konnor Zickefoos (.500, 6 HR, 21 RB) have been the catalysts of the offense.
Etiwanda will have Aaron Sheridan (3-2, 4.14) on the mound. Sophomore Tyler Freeman (.400) and senior Kyle Isbel (.381, 24 RBI).
Chino Hills beat Etiwanda 6-4 in eight innings on Wednesday while Etiwanda won the first game between the teams 10-9.
Upland (14-9, 6-6) vs. Rancho Cucamonga (13-11, 3-9), 5 p.m.
Upland is the third team in the three-way tie for third while Rancho is the only team not playing for anything but pride. The Cougars did pull the 6-4 upset on Wednesday while Upland won the first game between the two 1-0.
The biggest problem for the Cougars has been offense. Junior Tyler Lawson (4-5, 2.29) will be on the mound though and he doesn’t need much when he is on.
Upland will also have its top pitcher on the mound in senior Jeff Kross (4-4, 3.76). Connor Shepherd (.468, 17 RBI) and junior Skyler De Los Reyes (.358) are catalysts of the offense.
