Hart’s Slumbering Offense Awakens, 5-3

It has been a tough season for the offensive unit of Hart High’s baseball team. While the Indians’ pitching and defense have sparkled, the Hart attack has been in critical condition.

But for one inning in Hart’s 5-3 victory over Westminster on Friday in the semifinals of the El Segundo tournament, Hart’s offense came to life. The Indians scored all 5 of their runs in the fourth inning on 6 hits, with 3 of the runs coming with 2 out.

“They deserved to win, they hit the ball really well,” Westminster Coach Ken Ostrowski said.

Hart (4-0) plays for the championship at 7:30 tonight at Recreation Park in El Segundo against Millikan, which defeated Banning in the other semifinal, 13-6.

The Indians, who entered the game batting .194, had only 1 hit and 2 baserunners in the first 3 innings off starter Brian Stubbs. But Stubbs, who banged his pitching elbow against a pipe earlier in the day, couldn’t pitch after the third and Ostrowski brought in reliever Brett Grebe.

Grebe (0-1) quickly recorded an out, but 6 of the next 7 Hart batters got hits. Casey Burrill knocked in the first run with a single to left field. Jason Edwards and David Toledo also had RBI singles as Hart sent 9 batters to the plate.

Hart starter Chris Matkin struggled with his sinker and a stiff wind that blew in from right field throughout the game. He gave up 10 hits and 2 earned runs and allowed at least 1 baserunner in every inning but the first.

“I’ve had better games,” Matkin said. “I was kind of a mess there at the end.”

With Hart ahead, 5-1, entering the seventh, Westminster (3-1) scored twice on 2 hits and a walk. The Lions had the potential tying run at the plate with 2 out, but Matkin got the final out on a popup to Burrill.

“Matkin hung in there,” Hart Coach Bud Murray said, “even though he was getting a little tired.”

Westminster’s Ryan Klesko had 3 hits, including 2 doubles, and 2 RBIs.