December 2, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

Corona del Mar players help Sunset League capture win in Ryan Lemmon Showcase

Corona del Mar coach Kevin McCaffrey joins his players (from left) Blake Butcher, Matt DeCrona and Nico Diferdinando. (Photo courtesy CdM baseball)

Three players on Corona del Mar’s league championship team helped the Sunset League defeat the Golden West League Saturday in the Ryan Lemmon Showcase.

All three had outstanding careers.

“Blake Butcher was co-Sunset Wave League MVP and played third base and pitched for us this year,” Coach Kevin McCaffrey said .”He was a four-year starter. Blake is going on to play at San Diego State University.

 “Matt DeCrona was co-Sunset Wave League MVP. He was a pitcher and second baseman. He was a three year starter. Matt is going on to play at Long Beach State.

“Nico Diferdinando was a three-year letter winner. Nico was our catcher this year.”

Butcher and DeCrona each had a hit in the game.

“Matt played second base. Blake played third base and pitched the seventh inning,” McCaffrey said. “Nico was behind the plate. Blake also competed in the Home Run derby.”

Both Butcher and DeCrona will compete in the Orange County all-star game Tuesday at Hart Park, McCaffrey added.

“It was great to see these guys playing in the CDM uniform one more time. It was a fun event, and all the boys had a great time,” McCaffrey said.

Coaches send showcase pictures to:

timburt@ocsportszone.com