PREP ROUNDUP : Devlin Beats Camarillo in 1st Start for Simi Valley

Simi Valley High senior Chris Devlin, who had pitched 14 innings in two varsity seasons, did not know he would start against Camarillo until he arrived for Friday’s game.

In his first start of the season, Devlin allowed one run and four hits over 5 2/3 innings as the Pioneers won a Marmonte League game, 7-2, at Simi Valley.

Simi Valley (7-1, 2-0) scored at least one run in each inning except the first. Lenny Valbuena hit a two-run homer in the second inning that gave the Pioneers the lead for good, 2-1.

Camarillo (4-4, 0-2), which starts only three seniors, made four errors.

Simi Valley scored two unearned runs in the fourth inning.

Devlin replaced scheduled starter Bill Scheffels, who had the flu. He struck out four and walked three before giving way to reliever Trevor Leppard.

“I’ve been hoping every game something would happen,” Devlin said, “but our pitchers have been too good.”

Devlin threw 92 pitches and retired the Scorpions in order only once.

“He must have been one pitch away from coming out 15 different times,” Coach Mike Scyphers said. “On the 16th time, he still wanted to stay in.”

George Lopez had two singles and Matt Buttell doubled for Camarillo.

The other two Marmonte games scheduled for Friday were postponed because of wet fields.

When Scyphers arrived at school Friday morning, the field was covered with water. As late as 1:30 p.m., it was uncertain whether the game could be played.

Scyphers had the infield dirt sprinkled with gasoline and burned, a drying technique that made the field playable.

“That will be good having only two games next week with the rest of the league having three,” Scyphers said.