HS BASE: Simi Valley readies for DI championship game

It's a dream come true for every high school baseball player to play in Dodger Stadium, but Simi Valley High isn't satisfied to just be one of the finalists in the Southern Section Div. I championship Friday at 7:30.

The Pioneers (24-8) have every intention and not just showing up but of defeating defending champion Long Beach Wilson and its superstar pitcher, Aaron Hicks, who throws 95 mph is an almost certain first-round Major League draft pick this coming Thursday.

"We're very excited about this game. I can't wait," said Simi Valley's Jonathan Meyer, who has nine home runs and 43 RBIs. "Hicks is pretty intimidating, but we just need everyone to keep a cool head and stay on his fastball, and hopefully see the ball better than normally."

In four playoff games, Long Beach Wilson (28-5-1) has not allowed more than three runs in a game, while Simi Valley has averaged more than 11 runs in the postseason.

Something has to give.

The tough part for Simi Valley will be contending with Hicks, who defeated Hart of Newhall, 4-2, in the quarterfinals, then earned the save Tuesday in a 5-3 semifinal victory over Norco. The 6-foot-1 right-hander is 8-1 with a 1.09 ERA and 104 strikeouts in 64 innings - an average of 11.4 per seven innings.

"I think we can do it. We just need to stay disciplined," Simi Valley's Nick Russo said. "Everyone on this team wants to win this game. We've grown up playing together together, and this would be a nice way to end."

Drew Sandler is scheduled to oppose Hicks. Russo and Meyer, two of Simi Valley's top pitchers, pitched Tuesday in a 6-5 11-inning victory over Mater Dei of Santa Ana, but they're available if needed.

The marathon, 3 ½ hour victory over Mater Dei has brought the team closer than ever, Russo said.

"A win like that just shows what happens when you've been playing together a long time like we have," Russo said.

Hicks, who has signed with USC, is also a top hitter and center fielder - he projects as an outfielder professionally - who is batting .489 with four home runs, 23 RBIs, 50 runs and 36 walks. He also has 37 stolen bases.

Long Beach Wilson's other top players include (.485, five home runs, 43 RBIs) and David Tarrazas (.370, 25 RBIs). The Bruins are 4-0 this season against local competition - all from Santa Clarita - with victories over Hart, Saugus (twice) and Valencia.

But playing in a place like Dodger Stadium can make all the difference in the world, and it can go both ways: add some adrenaline or perhaps heighten the nerves.

"I'm just pumped to play in Dodger Stadium," Russo said. "Everyone is excited. We can't wait to get out there."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com