Baseball: Broncos continue to zero in on competition

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Vista Murrieta won by a shutout Wednesday afternoon against visiting Great Oak. So what else in new?

The Broncos have posted six shutouts this season, and have allowed two runs or less in eight other victories. Leading the way is left-hander Brian Valenzuela, whose 4-0 shutout Wednesday against Great Oak was his second in his last three starts. He improved to 9-0, as well as 19-1 over the last two seasons, and dipped his earned-run average to 0.99.

The victory also clinched the outright Southwestern League title for the Broncos.

Keeping opponents off the base paths is key for Vista Murrieta, as its offense averages just over five runs a game. However, pitcher’s duels aren’t unique to Vista Murrieta this season. If you remember, the Broncos won the Southern Section-Toyota Division II championships last season, 1-0, in 11 innings against Camarillo.

--Dan Arritt