Simi Valley Title Bid Reset for Wednesday

The Southern Section Division I baseball championship game between Simi Valley and Esperanza highs at Anaheim Stadium was postponed Saturday because of rain and has been rescheduled for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Anaheim Stadium.

The section’s Division II and III championship games scheduled for Saturday at Anaheim also were postponed until Wednesday.

Simi Valley Coach Mike Scyphers, whose team is making its first title-game appearance in school history, said the four-day layoff probably will have no effect on either team.

Scheduled starters Trevor Leppard of Simi Valley and Marcus Jones of Esperanza, both senior right-handers, would have been eligible to pitch at least seven innings Saturday. Leppard (8-1) pitched two innings in Tuesday’s 10-0 semifinal victory over Notre Dame, and Jones (11-2) pitched three innings in Esperanza’s 2-0 victory over Crespi.

Southern Section rules limit pitchers to 10 innings per week. As of Wednesday, pitchers on both teams will be eligible to work 10 innings.

“I think both (pitching) staffs were in pretty good position anyhow and both staffs were ready to roll,” Scyphers said.

However, Scyphers said, “we will consider a change.”

Junior right-hander Bill Scheffels (11-1) pitched four innings against Notre Dame before yielding to Leppard because of a pulled back muscle. Scheffels’ back is fine, Scyphers said. Senior right-hander Bill Treadway (8-0), who has been impressive in three playoff appearances since recovering from a late-season shoulder injury, also is available.

Esperanza Coach Mike Curran said Jones will remain the Aztecs’ starter. Esperanza’s No. 2 pitcher is senior left-hander George Hart (4-0).

The Division III final between La Quinta and Tustin will be played Wednesday afternoon at Anaheim Stadium at a time depending on the status of the Division II final between Channel League co-champion Dos Pueblos and Lompoc.

The Division II final will be played Wednesday either at Anaheim Stadium at 4:30 p.m. or at a neutral site to be determined. If the Division II final is played at Anaheim, the Division III final will be moved from 4:30 to 1 p.m.

The Division IV final between Yucaipa and Norte Vista has been rescheduled for Tuesday at 3:15 at the Riverside Sports Complex.

The Southern Section said it will honor all tickets purchased for the championship games. Ticket-holders unable to attend the rescheduled events may receive a full refund at the point of purchase.