Saddleback celebrates first trip to CIF playoffs since 2006 with decisive win

Saddleback coaches talk to the Roadrunners after Thursday’s milestone CIF playoff win. (Photo courtesy Saddleback Athletics).

Saddleback High School’s baseball team, making its first appearance in the CIF playoffs since 2006, according to co-athletic director Nick Diuliu, defeated Ambassador Christian 17-0 in the opening round of the CIF Division 9 playoffs Thursday at Saddleback.

Saddleback (14-10-1) moves on to the second round to face Coastal Christian Tuesday. Saddleback will be the home team.

The Roadrunners, coached by Joseph Najera, scored five runs in the first inning, one in the second, five in the third and four more in the fourth inning to break the game open. Saddleback wound up with 20 hits while Ambassador Christian was held to four hits and made four errors.

Saddleback senior Diego Enriquez pitched a complete game shutout, striking out 12. He pitched a no-hitter earlier this year.

Ricardo Marquez was 2 for 4 with four RBI and three runs scored, Anthony Lopez was 4 for 5 with three runs scored, Andy Aguilar was 3 for 3 with five RBI and a run scored, Joaquin Cornejo was 2 for 4 with four runs scored and Jerry Arevalo-Reyes had two RBI to lead Saddleback.

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