Laguna Beach and University capture victories in Ryan Lemmon Invitational (video)

Laguna Beach coach Jeff Sears talks to his players after Monday’s game (Photo Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone).

Laguna Beach scored two runs in the first inning and held on to defeat Irvine 2-0 in the Ryan Lemmon Invitational Monday night at Orange County Great Park.

The Breakers, who were without two injured starters: Eric Silva (shoulder) and Christian Holm (ankle) got a combined three-hit shutout from starter Kent Cebreros and reliever Aidan Kidd, who came on to pitch in the fifth inning to win their second straight at the tournament.

Kidd wound up with five strikeouts and struck out the side in the seventh. Cebreros struck out three.

“We’re giving him (Cebreros) the ball and on Saturday we said, ‘hey, you’re getting the ball’ and then he went out and just competed,” said Laguna Beach Coach Jeff Sears. “And Kidd came in and pitched us out of a jam. He did a great job. You throw strikes in a big yard, it’s a lot of fun.”

In the first inning, Cutter Clawson walked and Aidan Booth singled. Then Charlie Pillsbury followed with a two-run single to put the Breakers ahead.

CHECK OUT VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS COURTESY JONATHAN KHAMIS

Irvine stranded seven runners and threatened seriously to tie the score in the fifth inning. Camron Hicks walked and Edward Del Pozo reached on a bunt single. Kade Zimmerman followed with a sacrifice bunt to move the runners over.

But Kidd struck out Bubba Filia and got Grant Lockwood out on a deep fly to left field.

“It’s kind of a tale of two teams sometimes,” said Irvine Coach Gabriel Cota. “I like the fact that we never give up and we’re always right there in every single game. It was nice to see that fighting spirit and one or two guys get a big knock and it’s a totally different ball game.”

Irvine’s starting pitcher Leonard Memon was solid, scattering six hits and striking out five.

“He was awesome for us, he’s been great the whole year,” Cota said. “It was good for him to keep that competitive spirit.”

Also Monday night in the Ryan Lemmon Invitational:

University 5, Trabuco Hills 3: The Trojans (9-9) got their second straight victory in the tournament behind two sophomores on the mound. Alex Qu, in his first varsity start, picked up the win throwing four innings. Alex Wetzel, in his first varsity appearance on the mound, threw 2 2/3 innings and did not allow a run.

“We had a good rhythm at the plate to start the game and were able to take advantage of some early scoring opportunities,” said University Coach Michael Thompson. “Jackson LoBianco continued his hot start to the season with a huge two RBI hit and Adam Axtell followed with an RBI double. “

Nick Wetzel also had a sacrifice fly.

“We’re very happy with the way our sophomores competed on the mound and didn’t seem fazed our there,” Thompson said.

University faces Segerstrom Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. at the Great Park Stadium.

“We’re looking forward to getting back at it in the morning with Brad Hodges on the mound,” Thompson said.

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com