Novak Paces Woodland Hills West’s 8-4 Victory

John Novak went three for four with two doubles and two runs batted in, leading Woodland Hills West to an 8-4 victory over Encino Friday in an American Legion baseball District 20 Western Division game at El Camino Real High.

Novak was the leader of a 12-hit attack, but Justin Balser also had three hits, including a double. Billy Burnette added two hits and an RBI for Woodland Hills West (10-4), which pulled closer to Encino (12-2) in the Western Division race.

Greg Kmet pitched a complete game for Woodland Hills West, striking out one and walking six. Three of those walks came in the bottom of the seventh inning, when Encino threatened by loading the bases with two out. But Jessie Slade flied out to end the game.

Encino managed only five hits. The biggest was Brad Farlow’s two-run home run in the first inning.

Farlow’s homer pulled Encino to within a run after Woodland Hills West had taken a 3-0 lead in the top of the first.

Encino tied the game with a run in the bottom of the second, but Woodland Hills West regained the lead with a run in the third.