Baseball: Baker will be key in City showdown between small schools

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Haven’t had the opportunity to see Matt Baker pitch this season, but I’m looking forward to seeing him in action at 4 this afternoon on the mound for Sherman Oaks CES (16-6) in the City Section Small Schools Division championship game against Maywood (16-7) at USC’s Dedeaux Field.

The senior right-hander ranks among the top hurlers in the City, large or small schools divisions, according to MaxPreps.com. Baker is 8-2 for the Knights with a 1.25 ERA and 88 strikeouts in 50 innings -- impressive numbers to be sure, regardless of the caliber of opponent.

Maywood counters with a lineup full of capable hitters, most notably, Jesus Martinez, who is hitting .538. And Erik Ojeda, Rafael Rubio, Omar Trejo, Danny Aranda and Ruben Castelo are each hitting .400 or better -- a fact Baker must be aware of. Now let’s see what he can do about it....

-- Sean Ceglinsky