Westminster celebrates walk-off victory; Segerstrom, VP, Fullerton, Foothill and San Juan Hills win too

WESTMINSTER 3, KATELLA 2: The Lions won their Golden West League opener at Westminster Wednesday in extra innings. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Isaac Bueno delivered a two-out bases loaded base hit up the middle to lift Westminster to the walk-off win.

The Lions then poured onto the field to celebrate the team’s first win after 12 non-league losses, according to Westminster Coach Craig Jones.

Because of travel limitations due to the coronavirus protocol, teams were restricted to playing only neighborhood schools in the non-league schedule.

“After having to play all HBUSD district teams for our non-league schedule we took our lumps but gained the gift of prevailing through adversity,” Jones said. “My players never got down and were intent on playing FV, Edison, Marina, Huntington Beach and Ocean View three times each.

“Our last game was at Huntington Beach last week where we were tied 2-2 in the bottom of the sixth inning with one out. Then, (Caden) Aioki pinch-hit a two-run homer to beat us 4-2. My players finallly realized what they are capable of if they execute our game plan. We carried that momentum into today’s game where through adversity my kids never believed they could not win the game. A big lesson for a great group of players. Proud of their effort and reslience today.”

Bueno was 1 for 3 with an RBI, VInce Pham was 2 for 4 with two runs scored including the game-winning run, Ryan Chastain was 2 for 3 with an RBI and Jacob Rodriguez was 1 for 2, a stolen base and a run scored. He was also hit by a pitch twice.

The Lions ace Fonzie Ramirez pitched all eight innings allowing one earned run and eight hits with two strikeouts.

SEGERSTROM 5, GODINEZ 1: The Jaguars opened Golden West League play with a victory at Godinez. Jorge Velasquez went 2 for 2 with a double and three runs scored. Adrian Villegas had a double and two RBI. Bruno Banuelos and Kenny Cabana combined on a two-hitter for Segerstrom. The teams play again Friday at Segerstrom.

VILLA PARK 12, ESPERANZA 1: The Spartans got a strong pitching effort from Isaac Ontiveros, who improved his record to 5-1. He pitched six innings, allowed four hits and struck out 12. Aaron Perez was 3 for 5 with a double and an RBI, Jack Burke was 3 for 5 with a triple and an RBI, Gavin Grahovac was 2 for 4 and Brady Watson was 2 for 3 with two RBI.

FOOTHILL 12, BREA OLINDA 0: The Knights (16-2 overall) won their 12th in a row. Aiden Taurek earned the victory. In five innings, he allowed no earned runs and struck out two. Pedro Hernandez was 2 for 3 with two runs scored, a double, a home run and three RBI to lead the hitting attack. Aiden Taurek was 1 for 3 with a double, sacrifice fly and two RBI and Ramon Ramirez was 2 for 3 with a run scored, a triple, stolen base and three RBI.

FULLERTON 12, BUENA PARK 1: The Indians improved their league record to 5-1. Matthew Carbajal got the victory, pitching five innings, allowing one run and striking out three. He’s 3-0 on the season. EJ Ayala was 4 for 4 with three runs scored and three RBI to lead the offensive attack for Fullerton (10-5 overall).

SAN JUAN HILLS 3, TRABUCO HILLS 1: The Stallions were led in the Sea View League game by Tanner Duke, who allowed two hits, no runs and struck out eight in five innings. Jake Curtis led San Juan Hills (10-6, 1-1) going 2 for 3 with a double, a run scored and an RBI.