Cypress, Rancho Santiago Taking Separate Roads in Playoffs

Cypress hopes to continue its winning ways at home and Rancho Santiago hopes the road remains a favorable place when the second round of the Southern California baseball playoffs begin Friday.

Cypress (36-10) is playing host to a four-team regional that starts at 11 a.m., with the Chargers taking on Chaffey (35-8). Cuesta (34-12) plays Southwestern (36-7) at 3 p.m. in the other game.

Rancho Santiago (35-10) is in the other regional at Los Angeles Harbor. The Dons, the defending State champions, play Harbor (31-12) at 11 a.m. Riverside (33-9) takes on Citrus (34-8) at 3 p.m.

Play continues at both sites Saturday and the title game is at 11 a.m. Sunday at each site. The winner of each regional advances to the State tournament, May 28-30 at Cerritos College.

Cypress, the Orange Empire Conference champion, has won nine consecutive games, including a two-game sweep of East Los Angeles in the first round last weekend. Jason Hodges, a sophomore designated hitter, had a home run in each game, giving him 13 for the season. He is tied for the Cypress single-season record.

The Chargers are expected to start sophomore right-hander Josh Belovsky (9-1) Friday. Aaron France (11-3), a sophomore right-hander, probably will start the second game.

“I told the kids that it keeps getting more exciting every time you step on the field this time of the year,” said Cypress Coach Scott Pickler, who led the Chargers to the 1991 State title.

Coach Don Sneddon isn’t sure who will start for Rancho Santiago, but said he is leaning toward Brian Martineau (4-3). Sneddon is also considering Brandon Hoalton (11-2), who has 23 victories in his two-year career.

Toby Sanchez leads the Dons with 15 home runs and Joe Fraser is hitting a team-high .406.

Sacramento and Fresno are playing host to the Northern California regional tournaments.