Cleveland shuts out Chatsworth in battle for first place

Jack Hartman, the senior pitcher with the movie star name, and Reno Rankin, the senior outfielder with the famous uncle, combined to help Reseda Cleveland defeat Chatsworth, 1-0, on Tuesday in a game for first place in the West Valley League.

Hartman (9-1), one of the top pitchers in the City Section, struck out nine, walked four and gave up five hits in a complete-game effort. He had a single in the first inning that drove in Rankin from second base. Rankin’s uncle is actor Jamie Foxx, who would have been screaming in excitement, because Cleveland is 18-7 and 5-0 in the league. Chatsworth dropped to 17-8 and 4-1.

Most notable, it was the second time in his career that Hartman has beaten Chatsworth, a feat that has happened rarely since Tom Meusborn took over as Chatsworth coach in 1990 and won eight City titles. Hartman also beat the Chancellors last season, 3-2.

Hartman escaped several tough situations with careful pitching. Chatsworth had the bases loaded and none out in the fifth inning, but Hartman got a double play and a pop out. He struck out freshman Josh Garcia with the tying run on second base in the sixth inning.

A frustrated Meusborn said, “We had guys on base all day long but didn’t clutch up.”

Hartman had something to do with the Chancellors’ lack of execution. He picked his spots and knew exactly which hitters to try to strike out and which hitters to be cautious. Chris DeVito got two singles for the Chancellors but never when anyone was in scoring position.

The Cavaliers got three singles from Andrew Devian against Jason Karkenny, who went the distance for Chatsworth, and played solid defense, showing they can come through in a big game against a quality opponent, especially with their Pennsylvania-bound ace on the mound.

“I fell behind a lot the first couple of innings, so I tried to battle back and tried to settle down,” Hartman said. “I was able to do so later in the game.”

eric.sondheimer@latimes.com