HS BASE: Simi Valley wins DI title in nine innings

Nick Russo pitched the final two innings in relief and hit a two-run double in top of the ninth Friday to help carry Simi Valley High to a 4-1 nine-inning victory over Long Beach Wilson in the Southern Section Div. I championship at Dodger Stadium.

"This is unbelievable, but I expected us to be here," Russo said.

Long Beach Wilson's star pitcher Aaron Hicks kept Simi Valley in check for most of the evening, limiting the Pioneers to two singles and an unearned run while striking out eight through eight-plus innings.

But when Hicks hit a batter and allowed a walk to begin the top of the ninth, he was replaced by Ray Hanson, and Simi Valley (25-8) rallied for three runs, breaking the tie when Brett Hale scored from third on a botched squeeze combined with a throwing error by catcher Tanner Perkins.

With a runner on first, Russo (9-2) got Perkins on a ground out to second to end the game.

Hicks was the one with all the credentials, a star pitcher who throws 97 mph and is a top Major League prospect.

But Simi Valley's unheralded right-hander Drew Sandler, better known for his catching and hitter, matched Hicks pitch for pitch for most of the night.

Through 7 ½ innings, the score was tied 1-1, with Hicks holding Simi Valley to two hits and an unearned run while striking out eight, and Sandler limiting Long Beach Wilson to one run on four hits while striking out two.

"I was just trying to throw hard and throw strikes," Sandler said. "This is a dream come true. We wanted this and we got it. We were destined to win. I don't know what else to say."

Sandler was clutch in the bottom of the seventh, when Long Beach Wilson (28-6-1) threatened but could not break the tie. Cody Harris led off with a single to left, stole second and moved to third on pinch-hitter Chris Hubbard's sacrifice. But Alec Rosales bouncer to second couldn't move the runner, then Sander stuck out Ryan Endres looking on a 2-2 fastball, as Simi Valley's erupted in jubilation.

"Drew is a great pitcher. We had faith in him," Russo said.

Simi Valley coach Matt La Belle was hoarse and emotional afterward.

"This team is unbelievable. They just have so much heart," La Belle said. "I don't know what else to say."