PHOTOS: Irvine takes control early, captures CIF playoff victory over Moreno Valley

Irvine players celebrate a victory over Moreno Valley Friday afternoon. (Photos courtesy John Luciano, For OC Sports Zone).

Irvine’s baseball team opened the CIF Division 5 playoffs with a 4-2 victory over Moreno Valley Friday at Irvine.

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

Roshan Patel delivers a pitch for Irvine in the first inning.

Irvine's Nico Macolino crosses home plate in the first inning.

Irvine's Jack Dressendorfer scores a run Friday afternoon

Irvine's Owen Song is called safe after sliding into third base.

Irvine second baseman Brody LaGrass throws to first base as teammate Smith Spivey and Moreno Valley's M. Ramirez look on.

Irvine center fielder Owen Song catches a fly ball.

Irvine players celebrate a run in the first inning.

Irvine Coach Gabriel Cota signals to home plate late in the game.

Irvine catcher Nico Nacakino feels the heat on a strike delivered by pitcher Roshan Patel

The Vaqueros (15-13) set the tone scoring four runs in the first inning.

“It was a great team win against a quality opponent in Moreno Valley,” said Irvine Coach Gabriel Cota. “We weren’t great offensively, but at this point in the season it’s just about finding a way to do enough to move on.”

Roshan Patel earned the win for Irvine which moves on to host top-seeded Citrus Valley (14-14) Tuesday.

“Roshan Patel was amazing for us on the bump, like he’s been all year,” Cota said. “He threw a complete game, one hitter. He gave us zero earned runs and struck out 11. 

Irvine was led offensively by Owen Song (2 for 2, with a walk and a run scored), Patel (1 for 3, two RBI) and Ethan Kim (1 for 2, RBI, BB).

Jack Dressendorfer, Smith Spivey and Nico Macalino all scored runs for the Vaqueros.

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