El Camino Real Celebrates First Victory in Exciting Matchup with Birmingham
Birmingham Patriots Fall to El Camino Real in League Showdown
In a disappointing matchup, the Birmingham Patriots unable to secure a West Valley League title under head coach Matt Mowry, lost to the defending City champion El Camino Real Royals on Tuesday. Since taking the reins in 2007, Mowry’s record stands at 0 for 18 in league title attempts, despite achieving five City titles.
The game did not start well for the Patriots as the Royals, boasting a 10-3 record and a 4-0 league standing, opened with an explosive first inning. They scored five runs on six hits, ultimately leading to an 8-3 victory over Birmingham, whose record now stands at 10-2 and 3-1 in league play.
Key moments in that first inning included an RBI double from JJ Saffie, a two-run double by Blake Dubin, and an RBI single from Ryan Hauptman. In a continuation of recent struggles, Birmingham pitcher Nathan Soto was unable to complete the first inning for the second consecutive game. On the opposing side, El Camino Real’s starter, Jackson Sellz, celebrated his 17th birthday by delivering six solid innings before Hauptman came in to secure the save. The Royals also showcased strong offensive performances, with Ryan Glassman, Macai Friedman, and Shane Bogacz each contributing two hits.
Looking ahead, Birmingham anticipates reinforcements as transfers Masen Ruiz, Toni Mendoza, and Larkin Fleming become eligible on Friday. All three athletes have the potential to be immediate starters. The two teams are set to meet again twice next month.
In other league action, Fullerton defeated Ocean View 7-5, fueled by Luke Gonzalez’s two doubles. The Los Alamitos team secured a shutout against Marina with a 4-0 win, thanks to Ryan Deck’s seven strikeouts and a solid performance from Cruz Derrico, who recorded three hits.
St. Bernard edged past Bishop Amat 5-4, with Juan Sandoval striking out five in a complete-game effort. Newport Beach dominated Edison 9-0, led by Gavin Guy’s six strikeouts and a three-run homer. Santa Margarita blanked Servite 2-0, with sophomore Tyler George striking out four while contributing a home run.
In further contests, Santa Monica triumphed over Leuzinger 10-1, Oaks Christian defeated Newbury Park 5-2 with notable contributions from Luke Puls, Ryan Sheffer, and Oliver Dauskurdas. Calabasas handed Thousand Oaks their first defeat, winning 10-9 in a thrilling opening to Marmonte League play, while Sherman Oaks Notre Dame shut out Crespi 10-0. Sierra Canyon emerged victorious against Chaminade 8-2, with Isaias Tirado and Aiden Jahng hitting home runs.
In softball, Huntington Beach’s Bree Carlson made headlines by hitting three home runs in a 20-0 rout of Fountain Valley. Murrieta Mesa’s Lilly Hauser also stood out, pitching 13 strikeouts and hitting a two-run double to lead her team to a 7-0 victory over Great Oak.
