Valley Rangers Win Opener, 6-1

Brad Coukos pitched a five-hitter, leading the Valley Rangers to a 6-1 first-round victory in the double-elimination Connie Mack state playoffs Wednesday at Fullerton College.

The Valley Rangers (25-2), a Glendale-based team that includes many of the area’s top high school players, faces Long Beach Ocean View today at 5 p.m. at Fullerton College.

Coukos, who pitched at College of the Canyons last spring, struck out five and walked one. Saugus High’s Brandon Hernandez was one of three Rangers with two hits.

Jeremy Booth of Beverly Hills High hit a home run and drove in three runs for the Rangers.