Mater Dei’s fast start proves enough to stop Placentia Valencia

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The five-run lead that Mater Dei built in the first two innings came in handy Wednesday night against Placentia Valencia in the championship game of the Anaheim Lions tournament.

The Monarchs, ranked No. 16 in the Southland by The Times, held on for an 8-5 victory over No. 20 Valencia at Glover Stadium.

Mater Dei built its early lead on a three-run homer by Aaron Northcraft and a two-run inside-the-park homer by Tyler Rahmatulla.

The Monarchs also received a solid pitching performance from junior left-hander Seth Smith, who struck out nine in five innings in his first varsity appearance.

Up next for Mater Dei -- a Trinity League home game against top-ranked Orange Lutheran at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

-- Dan Arritt