SOUTHERN SECTION BASEBALL FINALS : SMALL SCHOOLS DIVISION : Providence Plays for School’s First Baseball Title Today

Providence High, ranked No. 1 in the Small Schools Division, goes for a Southern Section baseball championship today at 3:15 p.m. when the Pioneers play Linfield Christian at College of the Canyons.

The Pioneers (22-3), from Burbank, are making their first appearance in a title game. Providence advanced to play third-ranked Linfield Christian by beating Windward, 24-6, in the semifinals on Tuesday. Providence batted around twice in the first inning against Windward, scoring 14 runs.

Jeff Cirillo (11-2) is scheduled to pitch for the Pioneers. Cirillo, who is also the team’s top hitter with a .517 batting average, is well-rested, having last pitched a week ago in the quarterfinals.

The team’s hottest hitter during the playoffs has been senior third baseman Tony Ross, who has 13 hits in 19 at-bats during the playoffs, raising his batting average to .500.

“We are really excited about playing in the finals,” Providence Coach Marc Saraceno said. “The kids have worked hard all year.”

Linfield Christian, from Temecula, made it to the finals by beating Pasadena Poly, 13-8, in the semifinals. The Lions are 21-3-1 for the season.