Woodbridge captures league championship with decisive victory over Sage Hill

Woodbridge players and coaches celebrate after winning the league title Friday. (Photo courtesy Woodbridge baseball).

Woodbridge’s baseball team captured the Pacific Coast League outright championship Friday with an 18-2 victory over Sage Hill at Sage Hill.

It’s the first league championship for Woodbridge since 2023.

“Every year, we set our goals, and winning the league title is always at the top of the list,” Coach Ryan Brucker told OC Sports Zone Friday night. “I am incredibly happy for these young men and the way they have competed all season, especially during league play. We played a very solid game today, and everyone contributed to the win. Capturing the league championship is something very special for our program, and I am extremely proud of this group.

“Our pitching staff, led by Vincent DeMarco and Kyle Underwood, along with the tremendous work from our bullpen, especially Brady Beals and Caden Camacho, put us in position to win every league game we played this year. Caleb Camacho has been outstanding for us behind the plate this season and has set the table all year as our leadoff hitter.

“We struggled offensively early in the season, but we have really turned it on over these last eight league games, and the team truly came together down the stretch. Shortstop Henry Uhrik has anchored the middle of our lineup offensively and has been extremely solid for us defensively. Alex Johnson, Vaughn Tase and JJ Metcalf have been big run producers for us as well.

“Winning the Pacific Coast League championship is a tremendous accomplishment, and I could not be prouder of this team.”

Woodbridge (16-10, 12-2) outhit Sage Hill 17-2 on Friday.

Caden Camacho was 3 for 3 with three runs scored and three RBI, DeMarco was 1 for 2 with three runs scored and an RBI, Uhrik was 3 for 5 with four RBI and two runs scored, Alex Johnson was 2 for 5 with three RBI, JJ Metcalf was 1 for 4 with a run scored and an RBI, Vaughn Tase scored a run and Kyle Underwood was 2 for 3 with a run scored.

Sage Hill pitchers also had nine walks.

Underwood pitched the first 5 2/3 innings allowing two hits and two runs while striking out 10. Beals and Caden Camacho shut out the Lighting in the final innings.

Woodbridge finished a game ahead of second place Irvine which swept a series with Laguna Beach, defeating the Breakers 8-6 on Friday.

Woodbridge has one more non-league game Wednesday at Beckman before preparing for the CIF playoffs.