March 29, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

Beckman and Woodbridge among teams affected by CIF playoff division changes

Trevor Ernt is one of the top pitchers on the Beckman staff. (Photo courtesy Beckman baseball)

Baseball season is under way, kind of, for Orange County high school baseball teams.

This recent series of rains have certainly limited games and forced some adjustments.

CIF officials mandated the early start to make it possible for the baseball season to end before school is out for many schools.

There’s another change as a number of teams are moved up and down in CIF playoff divisions.

Beckman, which reached the finals of the CIF Division 2 last year, losing to Yucaipa 8-1, has been moved up to Division 1 for the CIF playoffs.

“As far as the move up to Division 1 goes, I think that it is a completely irrelevant thing at this point,” said Beckman Coach Kevin LaValle, who has led his team to a 2-1 start.

“Nobody, including CIF, knows where we belong as far as the playoffs go. Are we one of the best five teams in the Southern Section? One of the best 20 team…30? Who knows? As a coach, I don’t really care right now.

“The only thing that is affected by the groupings are the playoffs. Our league remains the same. Our schedule remains the same.”

Lavalle said he was encouraged by the prospects before the season started.

“I like my team, and I like our chances against anyone,” he said. “We have 28 players that all grew up together. Zero transfers. So it’s safe to say that my guys have all been dreaming of this season for a long time.”

Beckman plays hosts to Montclair Saturday at noon in the Chino Tournament. The Patriots’ last game came on Tuesday when they defeated Summit 1-0. Trevor Ernt, who has committed to play at San Jose State, pitched a 1-hitter and struck out six.

Woodbridge coach Ryan Brucker also downplayed his team’s drop from Division 1 to Division 2 for the playoffs.

“Our goal every year is to be a playoff team,” he said. “It doesn’t really matter to us what division we are in.

“We want to put together a season that is deserving of a playoff berth and hopefully make a run.”

Woodbridge finished 13-14 overall and lost to La Mirada 6-2 in 12 innings in the opening round of the CIF Division 1 playoffs last year.

The Warriors are 2-1 so far this year.

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