Crean Lutheran Coach Jake Haney hugs Ryan Meyer after Friday’s loss in the CIF playoffs. (Photos courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, Ted Rigoni).
Crean Lutheran High School’s baseball team, after a memorable post-season run, lost to Moorpark 2-1 in the quarterfinal round of the CIF Division 2 playoffs Friday at Moorpark.
Crean Lutheran (17-13) was trying to reach the semifinals and earn a trip to the CIF finals for the second year in a row after losing to Canyon 3-0 in last year’s Division 4 final.
This year, the Saints upset No. 2-seeded Paloma Valley and then defeated Citrus Valley in the second round to earn a trip to the quarterfinals.
“I couldn’t be more grateful for the journey this season,” said Crean Lutheran Coach Jake Haney on Friday night. “These boys put it all on the line this season, especially the last few weeks with how depleted our roster was. We had a number of guys step up, which was incredible to see. The 2024 Saints created lifelong memories.
“We just couldn’t get rolling offensively the way we need to, to put pressure on Moorpark. The credit goes to their starter. He did a good job making our job difficult.”
To see the slide show, click on the first photo:
The Saints got solid pitching from Joe Rhinehart, Max Adams and Calvin Howard, who each pitched two innings. Rhinehart struck out three, gave up two hits and one run, Adams allowed two hits and Howard gave up one run, three hits and struck out three.
Walker Richardson was 1 for 2 with an RBI to lead the Saints. Jackson Haney had a double, Harrison Styles had a single and Griffin Theetge was 1 for 2 with a run scored.
Moorpark moves on to the semifinals Tuesday against Ayala.
—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
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