Sherman Oaks Notre Dame Scores Big in National Classic Opener
Sherman Oaks Notre Dame Opens National Classic with Win Over Corona Santiago
In a successful start to the National Classic in Orange County, Sherman Oaks Notre Dame secured a 7-4 victory against Corona Santiago. After attending classes in the morning, the team traveled to El Dorado High, where their offensive prowess proved decisive.
Benett Pace contributed significantly to the win with a home run, while sophomores Jason Taylor and Zane Scott each added two-run singles. The game’s final touches were delivered by closer Malakye Matsumoto, who showcased his skills in a stellar seventh inning, striking out all three batters he faced.
On the opposing side, Santiago’s Striker Pence hit a home run, and teammate Troy Randall recorded two hits.
Looking ahead, Notre Dame (13-1) is set to face Temecula Valley in the quarterfinals on Tuesday at 1 p.m. at Yorba Linda, following a shutout victory against Yorba Linda, where Mateo Mendoza and Scott Forest collaborated for a 3-0 win.
In other games from the National Classic, Arcadia triumphed over El Dorado with a score of 5-4. The Apaches rallied with three runs in the top of the eighth inning, securing the win after Matt Manzo hit a home run in the first inning, supported by Peter Cuoco’s eight strikeouts over 7⅔ innings.
Corona Centennial defeated Aquinas 6-3, led by Devin Bishop’s three hits, including a home run, and Jesse Mendoza’s two hits and four RBIs. Jaden Walk-Green struck out six in 4⅔ innings for Centennial.
In other matchups, Servite edged out JSerra 5-4, Cypress won against Damien 7-2 with Nick Nelson pitching a complete game, and De La Salle shut out Bishop Amat 6-0, with Kaleo Jones allowing only one hit over five innings.
Mountain Ridge secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Villa Park, while Corona outperformed Mt. Carmel with a decisive 12-2 win, highlighted by Trey Ebel’s three-run home run that contributed to five total RBIs.
In additional results, Norco remained undefeated in the Big VIII League with a 10-0 victory over King, featuring Landon Hovermale’s strong six-inning performance and Jordan Ayala’s four hits. Other notable outcomes included Banning defeating Durango 6-1, Cleveland’s 6-1 win over South Gate, and Calabasas topping Stockton Lincoln 9-2.
Newbury Park achieved an exciting 10-9 victory over Thousand Oaks, thanks to Carson Richter’s walk-off double in the seventh inning. Further highlights included Palisades’ tight 2-1 win over San Fernando, South Hills overcoming Poway 4-1, and Chatsworth winning 11-8 against Golden Valley.
Lastly, Cathedral achieved a remarkable feat by throwing a nine-inning no-hitter against St. Monica, with Emilio Velarde and Nathan Rodarte sharing the honors on the mound.
