Kiefer Kofman leads Chatsworth to VIBL win

When it comes to most valuable players for the summer of 2011, put left-hander Kiefer Kofman of Chatsworth near the top of any list.

Kofman has been so impressive on the mound and at the plate this summer that he has stamped himself as one of the top baseball players in the City Section next spring.

On Wednesday in a semifinal game of the Valley Invitational Baseball League playoffs, he retired 16 consecutive batters between the second and seventh innings en route to a three-hitter, leading Chatsworth to a 4-0 victory over Simi Valley Royal.

It was his second consecutive shutout in the VIBL playoffs and moved Chatsworth into Friday’s 7 p.m. championship game at Birmingham against West Valley League rival Woodland Hills El Camino Real.

“Every summer that I’ve been here, there’s been somebody who stepped up,” Chatsworth summer Coach Fred Pudrith said. “Justin Cassel, Jason Dominguez, Carlos Escobar. This summer, Kiefer has stepped up mentally and physically. He’s a quiet kid who works hard and I hope it carries over to the spring.”

Kofman also has hit four home runs and had a single Wednesday. He was Chatsworth’s starting first baseman on last season’s City finalist team as a junior, but he rarely got to pitch because the Chancellors had four seniors considered to be better.

But this summer, he has been outstanding on the mound, going 7-0 while throwing strikes. He didn’t walk a batter against Royal while striking out six.

“I’ve had a chance to learn and improve,” he said.

He’s 5 feet 10, 180 pounds, and being a left-hander, he’s able to take advantage and hit his spots. All-City outfielder Raul Camas had two hits for Chatsworth.

El Camino Real’s Luke Laurita turned in a top pitching performance in the Conquistadores’ 1-0 victory over Simi Valley. He gave up six hits.

eric.sondheimer@latimes.com