Birmingham’s Carlos Acuna Leads Baseball Race, Just One Game Behind ECR
Birmingham Baseball Team Contends for League Championship
Birmingham High School’s baseball team is making noteworthy strides in the West Valley League, closing in on first-place El Camino Real. The Patriots secured an impressive 8-0 victory over Granada Hills on Tuesday, keeping them just one game behind their rivals.
In the game against Granada Hills, pitcher Carlos Acuna excelled, allowing only one hit over six innings while striking out 11 batters. He also contributed offensively with two hits. Teammates Sebastian Valadez and Toni Mendoza matched his effort, each recording two hits and two RBIs.
The anticipation is building as El Camino Real and Birmingham are set to face each other in a two-game series beginning April 29.
In other league action, Harvard-Westlake triumphed over St. Francis with a 2-0 score. Junior Justin Kirchner delivered an outstanding performance, pitching six scoreless innings with 14 strikeouts. Ira Rootman supported the win by hitting a home run and driving in two runs.
Loyola defeated Bishop Alemany 9-3, showcasing a potent offense led by sophomore Austin Junk, who had a three-run home run and a double. Luca Marucci also contributed with a homer, while Mikey Martinez homered for Alemany.
Chaminade registered a 12-5 victory against Crespi, powered by home runs from Bronson Jackson, Isaiah Hearn, and Robby Morgan. Kystan Bell had three hits for Crespi.
In a dominant display, St. John Bosco shut out Servite 6-0. Julian Garcia starred on the mound, striking out 12 batters while allowing just two hits. Jaden Jackson added two hits and two RBIs to the Braves’ winning effort, reinforcing their position at the top of the Trinity League.
Orange Lutheran edged out Santa Margarita 6-3, scoring four runs in the seventh inning to turn the game around. Hamilton Friedberg and CJ Weinstein each had significant contributions with three hits.
Newbury Park edged Calabasas 6-5 in a thrilling eight-inning contest, thanks to Jack Laubacher’s two hits and three RBIs.
Westlake maintained its lead in the Marmonte League with a 5-3 victory over Thousand Oaks. Jaxson Necklen delivered a standout performance with two home runs, while Blake Miller added another home run along with a double, a single, and two RBIs.
In the Sunset League, Newport Harbor bested Fountain Valley 8-1, with Gavin Guy throwing six innings. Huntington Beach defeated Los Alamitos 6-3, remaining unbeaten in the league, highlighted by Jared Grindlinger’s two doubles.
Gahr secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Warren, driven by Andres Gonzalez’s two-run home run in the first inning. La Mirada bested Downey 6-1, with Michael Burgueno going four for four and Jacob Oropeza contributing two doubles.
San Clemente rounded out the day with a 4-1 victory against Aliso Niguel, featuring Bob Erspamer’s complete game, in which he struck out six batters while allowing only two hits.
