Vernola Shutout Moves Gahr to Quarterfinals in 3-A Playoffs

Steve Vernola, Gahr High School’s junior right-hander, pitched a two-hit shutout against Valencia, one of Orange County’s most powerful teams, in the second round of the Southern Section 3-A playoffs Tuesday afternoon at Gahr.

The Gladiators’ 4-0 victory advanced them to a quarterfinal game Friday at Sunny Hills.

Vernola, whose fastball is his most effective pitch, struck out nine batters, including Andy Ruscitto twice. Ruscitto’s 12 home runs this season had set an Orange County record.

In another 3-A game, Downey defeated Warren, 5-4, as Vikings pitcher Shane Norris escaped a bases-loaded, no-outs jam in the seventh inning. John Hoetker hit a three-run home run for Downey.

In 4-A games, Poly took an early lead at Simi Valley on a two run-double by Scott Moore and won, 9-3, and St. John Bosco, behind the pitching of Gene Lemmers, beat visiting Millikan, 9-0. Cary Windes, a sophomore shortstop, homered for the Braves, who had 15 hits.

Among area 2-A teams, only Glenn survived. The Eagles defeated Antelope Valley, 2-0, on a two-run homer by Mike Serna. James Ortega threw a two-hitter.

Newport Harbor scored five runs in the last of the seventh inning to defeat Artesia, 6-2, and Norte Vista beat La Serna, 6-0.

In 1-A games, Whittier Christian defeated Royal Oak, 9-0, and St. Anthony lost to Montclair Prep, 6-5.

Friday’s quarterfinal games involving Southeast/Long Beach area teams:

4-A--Riverside Poly at John Bosco, Poly at Fountain Valley.

3-A--Gahr at Sunny Hills, Downey at Rio Mesa.

2-A--Glenn at Mountain View.

1-A--Whittier Christian at Montclair Prep.

All games will start at 3:15 p.m.

Softball--Wilson lost to Cypress, 2-1, and St. Paul was shut out, 4-0, by Ocean View in 4-A second-round playoff games Tuesday. In 1-A games, Valley Christian defeated Rim of the World, 3-1, Brethren lost to Cabrillo, 4-1, and Pomona Catholic defeated Whittier Christian, 3-2.