JSerra players celebrate after winning the CIF Division 1 title for the second year in a row. (Photos: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).
Dmitri Susidko’s two-out RBI single scored Jackson Summers from second base in the bottom of the eighth inning propelling JSerra to a 1-0 victory over Santa Margarita in the championship game of the CIF Division 1 baseball playoffs Friday night at Blair Field.
It seemed appropriate that the No. 1 ranked Eagles (26-7) would be pitted against their Trinity League rivals and the defending 2022 champions.
The near capacity crowd was treated to a pitching exhibition from three of the top hurlers in Southern California. Collin Clarke from Santa Margarita and Benjamin Reimers and Matthew Champion for the Lions were simply remarkable.
JSerra came to bat in the bottom of the eighth inning in a scoreless game. Designated hitter Jordan Marian lined a one-out single to right center off Clarke.
“I was nervous, but I wanted to get a good swing and I hit a fastball,” said Marian.
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It was only the second hit Clarke had yielded, and the first hit since the first inning.
Summers then pinch ran for Marian and advanced to second with two outs on a sacrifice bunt. Susidko then drilled Clarke’s first pitch, following a trip to the mound by Eagles Coach Chris Malec, down the left field line for the game winner giving the Lions the championship.
“It’s the biggest hit of my life,” said Susidko, who was swarmed by his teammates following his hit. “I wasn’t nervous, I was confident and I was looking for a fastball to hit up the middle. After hitting the ball, and rounding first base, I saw Jackson heading for home and I said,’ ‘Oh My God, we’re going to win,’”
The Lions (24-9) won the title for the second year in the row and were making their third consecutive appearance in the finals. Santa Margarita was making its fifth finals appearance (the Eagles won championships in 2014 and 2019).
“Both our pitchers were outstanding, ” said Lions Coach Brett Kay. “This is a special team and this is a special moment for these kids.”
Reimers started the game and pitched the first four innings and gave up one hit and struck out five. Champion relieved Reimers in the fifth and also pitched four innings and gave up only one hit and struck out four. The Eagles had scoring opportunities but left runners on base each inning from the second through the sixth innings. A key moment in the game was the 4-6-3 double play JSerra pulled off to end the fifth inning.
“I will put our infield up against any infield in the country,” said Kay. “Shortstop Jonathan Mendez and second baseman Lou Fujiwara have executed all season long and they are the best around.”
Reimers and Champion both pitched out of jams throughout the game.
“I thought Blake Blasz’s hit was gone in the seventh inning, but this is a big spacious ball park,” said Champion. “I was nervous when he hit it, but then I saw Andrew (Lamb) run it down in right field.”
“I felt good out there and I wanted to do my best and give my team a chance to win,” said Reimers. “It’s amazing to win back-to-back championships.”
Clarke was also sensational on the mound for Santa Margarita. The senior right hander threw 104 pitches, struck out eight, and did not walk a batter. After giving up a two-out single in the first inning, he retired 18 Lions hitters before he hit Mendez with a pitch with two outs in the seventh. He gave up three hits and suffered a very disappointing loss.
“I battled and that’s all I have to say,” said Clarke, following the game.
Malec had high praise for Clarke.
“He’s a warrior and he’s on the rise, Malec said. “I’m so proud of my players. They made our school better, our community better, our program better and they made themselves better. This is a disappointing loss, but I couldn’t be more proud of each and every one of them.”
Zach Fjelstad and Luke Johnson had the only two hits for the Eagles. The Lions (24-9) defeated Yucaipa, Etiwanda, Sierra Canyon and Corona to reach the finals, while the Eagles beat Foothill, Millikan, La Mirada and Orange Lutheran.
Both teams will compete in the Southern California Regional Tournament which begins following Memorial Day.
—Tom Connolly, For OC Sports Zone
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