Update: Huerta strikes out 14 in 4-1 win over La Puente.
Feature on Sierra Vista junior pitcher Christian Huerta, who threw a no-hitter and struck out 18 against Workman earlier this season.
Today’s Big Showdowns
Del Rey League
Bishop Amat (19-5, 8-0) at St. Paul (14-10, 7-1): Bishop Amat won the first meeting 1-0, and does not want to return home on Friday with a do-or-die game against the Swordsmen. If they take care of business today, Friday’s a moot point. The pick: St. Paul.
FINAL SCORE: Bishop Amat 7-1, Paul Paez pitched another complete game, allows five hits and strikes out 11 as the Lancers inch closer to the Del Rey League title. Freshman Rio Ruiz hit a deep two-run homer and finishes with three RBIs and three hits.
Montview League
La Puente (11-5, 7-1) at Sierra Vista (16-5, 9-1) — The Dons can close in on the title and have their ace in Huerta starting for them at home. They have played two-more league games but are even in the loss column. The Warriors, who played Bishop Amat tough last year, won’t go easy. The Pick: Sierra Vista.
FINAL SCORE: Sierra Vista wins 4-1 as Huerta, who struck out 18 in a game earlier this season, finished with 14 strikeouts to continue his amazing season.
Sierra League
Damien (17-5, 7-4) at Diamond Bar (11-10, 5-6) — The Brahmas must win the first of a home-and-home at home. If they lose, they can start kissing any playoff plans goodbye. The Pick: Diamond Bar
FINAL SCORE: Damien 4, Diamond Bar 1, which moves the Spartans a game out of first place, and with another win at home against the Brahmas and a win by Glendora, and the Spartans will be tied for first going into the final week.
Glendora (14-7, 6-5) at Chino (18-5, 9-2) — The rest of the Sierra League is pulling for the Tartans to knock off Chino on the road so they don’t run away with the title. The Tartans need to win to make sure they don’t slip out of playoff contention. The Pick: Chino
FINAL SCORE Glendora 3, Chino 1. Backs against the wall, no problem. This makes Friday’s rematch even better. Another Tartans win sets up a crazy final week.
