Estancia takes early lead in CIF So Cal Regional opener before big storm stops game

Estancia players kill some time in the dugout during the rain delay Tuesday at Estancia. (PHOTO: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone).

Estancia High School’s baseball team, coming off a thrilling 4-3 come-from-behind victory over Marshall in the CIF Division 6 final Saturday, was ready to go after another title Tuesday.

It was cool and cloudy as the Eagles took the field for the CIF Division IV playoff opener against Mary Star of the Sea at Estancia.

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

Estancia players head back to the dugout after introductions.

Estancia coach Nate Goellrich talks with the umpire crew during the rain delay.

Estancia starter Nico Viramontes blanked Mary Star in the top of the first inning. In the bottom of the inning, Sawyer Atkinson reached on a single, stole second, went to third on a wild pitch and scored when Viramontes was aboard on an error.

Then the rain came along with the thunder and lightning, forcing umpires to call both teams into their dugouts.

Umpires told OC Sports Zone that each lighting strike there is a 30-minute delay, complicated a bit by the 4 p.m. start. One umpire also showed a radar map showing the more lightning strikes and more showers were coming.

The rain and lightning intensified and after more than an hour, the game was suspended, according to Eagles coach Nate Goellrich.

The game will be resumed Wednesday at 3:45 p.m. at Estancia with one out in the top of the second inning.

The winner plays at No. 2 Ridgeview Thursday in the second round.

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