HS BASE: What a trip for Royal, Moorpark

The Southern Section quarterfinals are on Friday, and Div. I entrants Royal of Simi Valley (24-6) and Moorpark (23-8) must do some major driving. Royal plays at San Clemente (19-10) and Moorpark plays at Dana Hills of Dana Point (18-12) - two of the Southernmost opponents in the Southern Section.

"It's going to be a long trip. I don't understand how we have so many traveling games," Royal coach Dan Maye said. "I can't figure out the format with these coin tosses. Plus, it's a three-day weekend, so we should hit more traffic on the way there, but I hope it will be pleasant -- especially on the way back."

Moorpark first baseman Marc Palacios is looking on the bright side.

"I'm excited we get out of school at 10 a.m. to go play baseball. What could be better than that?" Palacios said. "I think we have a good chance, too."

Royal and Moorpark continue to represent the Marmonte League, while every entrant from the Mission League and the Foothill League has been eliminated.

"That's what's expected when you come out of the Marmonte League," Palacios said.

The Royal-San Clemente matchup should be low-scoring, as Royal ace Cody Buckel (11-1, 0.48 ERA) faces Kyle Friedrichs (8-4, 2.20 ERA).

"I know Cody Buckel is good, I know he throws hard with a great curveball, and I know it's 50-50 whether you're going to score an earned run," San Clemente coach David Gellatly said. "He's a darn good pitcher, and we're going to have a battle on our hands."

San Clemente's top hitter is catcher Aaron Jones (.472, nine home runs, 35 RBIs), though he is 1 for 11 over the past three games.

Moorpark is trying to advance to the semifinals for the first time in school history. The Musketeers have won seven of their past eight, while holding five opponents to two runs or fewer.

-- Gerry Gittelson