CdM opens CIF Division 2 playoffs with 4-3 victory over Northview at home

Corona del Mar players after Friday’s CIF Division 2 baseball playoffs. (Photo courtesy CdM baseball)

Corona del Mar’s baseball team opened the CIF Division 2 playoffs, defeating Northview 4-3 Friday at CdM.

Keller Strauss (7-2) struck out nine batters through five innings to record the win, according to CdM Coach Kevin McCaffrey. Matt DeCrona came on in relief to strike out five hitters in two innings to notch the save.  

Jack Salmon and Max Lane each had big RBI hits and Ryan Zimmerman hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning for CdM (20-7). Van Sidebotham had two hits and one run scored.  

CdM will face the winner of the Camarillo vs. La Canada game in the second round Tuesday.  

“That was an extremely exciting game,” McCaffrey said. “The energy at the field was outstanding. That atmosphere is what playoff baseball is all about. Both teams worked out of several jams. Jack Salmon and Max Lane had big hits for us to get us going. Ryan Zimmerman hit a towering two-run home run.  

“Keller and Matt were really good on the mound. They kept their hitters off balance all afternoon. We did enough at the plate to win the game today. I am so excited for the boys.”