Edgewood Shows No Mercy on Hart, Lee in 3-A Playoffs

Before Hart High’s second-round Southern Section 3-A playoff game Tuesday, starting pitcher David Lee had an idea of what the Indians were in for.

“It’ll be a major upset if we beat these guys,” Lee said. “So, hopefully, we will go out and have fun.”

What followed hardly was fun for Hart, and even Lee didn’t suspect a 12-2 Edgewood victory on the West Covina school’s home field.

Hart’s problems started early.

First, Edgewood pitcher Ed Figueroa struck out five of the first six Indian batters he faced.

In the bottom of the second inning, after Lee walked Trojan first baseman Jim Carreon and Guillermo Canjura reached base on an error, Terry Woods drilled a single to left to score Carreon.

Following a double steal, Figueroa aided his cause by ripping a two-run double down the right field line. Al Salgado then chased Lee with a single to left.

Edgewood added a run to take a 5-0 lead before Hart catcher Tom Moreno ended the inning by throwing out Trojan Tom Henderson, attempting to steal second.

Hart threatened in the top of the third inning, loading the bases with one out. The rally ended as the Indians hit into a double play.

Edgewood continued to pour it on with a two-run homer in bottom of the third by Eric Schumaker.

They added five in the fourth.

Figueroa singled to center, Salgado walked and Larry Gonzales blooped a single to left, loading the bases. Henderson walked, scoring Figueroa. Steve Morris then singled to right scoring Salgado. Carreon continued the onslaught with a two-run single. Canjura grounded into a fielder’s choice, allowing Morris to cross the plate.

The Indians threatened again in the fifth, loading the bases with one out, only to be frustrated with another rally-ending double play.

The most excitement after that came when a fire broke out in a neighborhood across the street from left center field.

Hart did manage to score two runs in the top of the sixth after Sheldon Sparks beat out an infield hit. Mark Culbert then pounded a ground-rule double to right center. Sparks scored on a single and Culbert came home on a fielder’s choice.

After the game, Indians Coach Frank Sanchez praised his team.

“At times we embarrassed ourselves, but I admire the way they hung in there. And I think it was important that we didn’t get shut out.

“When you look back to where we started off this season . . . then we ended up league champions and we got a win in the playoffs. Overall, our season was pleasing to all of us. But we have a lot to improve on.”

Hart finished the season 13-10. Edgewood (24-3) will meet Troy, a 5-4 winner over Canyon of Anaheim in the quarterfinals Friday.

“Their pitcher had good stuff. They are as good as any of the teams we have played. They have a legitimate chance to go all the way,” added Sanchez. “We were prepared for anything. You never know what’s coming in CIF. Our kids really delivered and played unselfish ball. There were a couple of defensive glitches, but Figueroa pitched his way out of two tough spots.

“I’m real confident challenging hitters with these guys (his teammates) behind me. It’s the same when Gonzales pitches. He went 11 innings in our last game--with the support of our defense. We feel we can play with anybody,” Figueroa said.