Newhall-Saugus Tests Chatsworth’s Depth in 9-3 Victory

It would seem that the Newhall-Saugus (Santa Clarita) American Legion team has passed its first big test while Chatsworth, minus four starters, bobbled its first exam of the season.

With students at Chatsworth, Saugus and Canyon highs in the midst of finals week, a test on the field may seem insignificant, but Newhall-Saugus Coach Tom Pedersen thought his team’s 9-3 victory Wednesday--giving Chatsworth its first loss of the American Legion season--carried ample weight. Both teams remain in first place in their respective divisions. Chatsworth leads the Western with a 7-1 record and Newhall-Saugus leads the Northern at 7-2.

“We thought this would be a good mark to see where this team is,” he said.

The marks were all high after Roger Salkeld’s complete-game, five-hit performance. The junior right-hander raised his record to 3-0, allowing one earned run with 13 strikeouts and two walks.

Salkeld also keyed a four-run first inning, belting a two-run double.

--AL BRAVO

In other games:

Camarillo 13, Westlake 8--Juan Cuellar was 6 for 6 with four RBIs for Camarillo (8-0). Gil Valencia, John Swanson, Brian Beltramo and Chris Sorich all had three hits for Camarillo.

Woodland Hills (West) 15, Woodland Hills (East) 6--Dan McAdoo was 4 for 4 with five RBIs and Bryce Welch hit for the cycle for West. Welch, Mike Kerber and Carl McFadden all homered in the fifth inning for West (6-2).

Van Nuys-Notre Dame 6, Encino-Crespi 0--Right-hander Rob Kostenbader (2-0) threw a complete-game eight-hitter, striking out six and walking none.

Sepulveda 14, Reseda-Cleveland 1--Adam Clark had three hits, Joe Cascione had three hits and three RBIs and Brian Eldridge had two hits and three RBIs.

West Hills 5, Reseda 2--Right-hander Gary Hewitt struck out nine in the complete-game win for West Hills (3-3).

San Fernando 3, Mission Hills-Alemany 1--Left-hander Hector De La Cruz and John Najar combined on a five-hitter to lead San Fernando (4-4).

Burbank 7, Newhall-Saugus (H) 5--Joey Hiortdahl hit a solo home run to key a two-run sixth for Burbank (5-1).