October 10, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

Costa Mesa out to capture first CIF baseball since 1962 on Saturday at UC Riverside

Costa Mesa will be represented in the CIF finals by senior (from left) Tyler Corkhill, Miguel Rodriguez, Cameron Chapman, Jacob Abundis, Gannon Conner, David Gonzalez, Omar Munoz and Duke Kirby. (Photo courtesy Costa Mesa baseball)

Costa Mesa High’s baseball team has had quite a run in the CIF Division 6 playoffs advancing all the way to the championship game Saturday at UC Riverside.

Now the Mustangs (16-11) will try and bring home the title when they face Rio Hondo Prep (17-7) Saturday at 4:15 p.m. in the finals.

Costa Mesa, the third place team out of the Orange Coast League, defeated Toledo 6-2, Webb 10-1, Vista Del Lago 5-3 and Calvary Murrieta to reach the finals.

“We are excited about the opportunity to accomplish a goal we set at the beginning of the season,” said Costa Mesa Coach Kevin Chavez. “We are grateful for the strong support from our families, friends, school and community.”

Costa Mesa’s last and only CIF baseball championship came in 1962. The Mustangs beat San Marino 5-3 to capture the CIF 3A title that year.

Among the top hitters for the Mustangs are Kyle Anderson (.444 batting average), Miguel Rodriguez (.403), Cameron Chapman (.403, 15 RBI), Omar Munoz (.387, 17 RBI, two home runs) and Duke Kirby (.347).

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