PREP BASEBALL ROUNDUP : Arnold Packs Punch to Lead Ocean View Past Katella

Ocean View High School baseball Coach Steve Barrett said his team looks to John Arnold for leadership. Arnold, a senior outfielder, showed why Thursday.

Arnold had three hits, including a two-run home run, and three RBIs to lead Ocean View past Katella, 5-3, in the semifinals of the Loara baseball tournament at Ocean View.

The Seahawks play in the championship game at 7 p.m. Saturday at Glover Stadium in Anaheim.

“Every time he clutch hits for us, it’s usually a game-winner,” said Barrett, whose team is making its first appearance in the tournament’s title game. “I think he did it on three occasions last season. He’s a senior, team captain. The guys look to him for leadership.”

With Ocean View leading, 3-0, in the fourth inning, Arnold hit his first home run of the season to left-center field off Danny Allen (1-1). The pitch, Arnold said, was a waist-high fastball.

“I was waiting for the curve ball, but he didn’t throw it,” said Arnold, who entered the game hitting .465. “I’m just focusing in. I’ve been practicing a lot lately.”

Ocean View also showed the ability to manufacture offense early, taking a 3-0 lead after two innings on only two hits.

Scott Caringella led off Ocean View’s first inning with a walk, moved to second on a passed ball and reached third on an error. He scored on a sacrifice bunt by Daniel Hernandez.

In the second inning, Arnold doubled and drove in Randy Karliner to give Ocean View a 2-0 lead. After stealing third, Arnold scored on a fielder’s choice by Kevin Bill.

“We manufactured three runs and then the difference in the game was John Arnold’s blast,” Barrett said. “You hope that one (a home run) comes along in a seven-inning game and then you try to scratch for the rest of them.”

A two-run single up the middle by Katella’s Dennis Briggs cut the lead to 5-2, and the Knights added another run in the sixth. Katella (3-1) had two runners on base in the seventh, but Karliner, who relieved winner Duane Page (2-0) in the fifth, retired Corey Doll to end the game.