SOUTHERN SECTION BASEBALL PLAYOFFS : Tustin’s Late Rally Beats Central Union

Tustin scored eight runs in the top of the seventh inning to defeat El Centro Central Union, 12-8, in the second round of the Southern Section Division 3-A baseball playoffs Tuesday at Central Union.

The third-seeded Tillers (19-7), who reached the 3-A quarterfinals for the fourth consecutive season, will play Garden Grove Friday. Central finishes 14-7-1.

Tustin trailed, 6-4, after failing to score and leaving two runners on in the sixth.

In the seventh, pinch-hitter Justin Lloyd led off with a single to center. After Brett Hardy walked, Lloyd was forced at third on Mando Fonseca’s grounder. Zach Elliott was walked intentionally to load the bases.

Derek Baker followed with a two-run single. After Nick Cantu was hit by a pitch--the seventh batter hit in the game--to load the bases, Adam Schulenberg was walked and the Tillers had the lead for good.

Tom Cerasuolo (11-2) pitched four innings of relief, striking out five, for the victory.