Presta Leads Royal Past Newbury Park

Right-hander Dan Presta scattered seven hits, struck out eight and earned Royal High’s second straight shutout as the Highlanders posted a 4-0 Marmonte League victory at home Wednesday over Newbury Park.

“Dan gave up a few hits, but he was never in trouble because of his pitch selection,” Royal Coach Mike McCurdy said. “This game was real important to us because we were facing an unbeaten team in league and a loss would have put us three games out of first place.”

The victory improved Royal’s record to 5-8 overall, 2-2 in league. Newbury Park fell to 5-5 and 2-1. Royal shut out Channel Islands Friday, 2-0.

“We didn’t hit the ball real well,” Newbury Park Coach Bob Hendricks said. With Royal leading 1-0 in the third inning, junior right fielder Joe Summers gave Presta some breathing room with his first homer of the season, a towering two-run shot to left off right-hander Glenn Evans (4-1).