Quick Start Carries Channel Islands, 3-1

Channel Islands parlayed a big first inning and the pitching of Charles Merricks into a 3-1 victory over visiting Westlake in a Marmonte League baseball game Friday.

The Raiders (7-5, 2-1 in league play) scored all of their runs and had all three of their hits in the first. Merricks and Tim Carr of Westlake (4-4, 1-1) each had 11 strikeouts.

Camarillo 10, Agoura 1--Joe Borchard capped a seven-run second inning for the Scorpions (9-1, 3-0) with a two-run homer in a Marmonte League game at Agoura.

Newbury Park 8, Simi Valley 4--Chris Thogersen had two hits and scored twice, and Brian Turville hit a three-run double for the visiting Panthers (4-4, 1-2) in a Marmonte League game.

Rio Mesa 8, Buena 1--Right-hander Manuel Chavira pitched a three-hitter to help the Spartans (5-2, 3-0) remain undefeated in Channel League play with their third consecutive victory.

Birmingham 8, Granada Hills 4--Facundo Berrera hit a two-run triple in the fourth to spark the Braves (3-6, 1-3) in a Northwest Valley Conference game at Birmingham.

Mike Erwin drove in four runs with a double and a home run for the Highlanders (5-4, 2-2).

Fillmore 15, Carpinteria 0--Nick Blaylock had three hits and drove in four runs for the host Flashes (7-0, 2-0) in a Tri-Valley League game.

Saugus 9, Burbank 1--Nate Wright hit a grand slam in the fourth inning to lead the Centurions (5-3, 2-1) in a Foothill League game at Saugus.

Valencia 7, Canyon 3--The Vikings (1-7, 1-2) earned their first victory in varsity baseball with an upset over the Cowboys (1-7, 0-3) at Canyon. Brian Otis and Nick Norris each had three hits. Jarred Myren pitched a complete game and had seven strikeouts.

BOYS’ TRACK

Birmingham 122, San Fernando 5--Senior Maurice Threewitts and sophomore Demetrius Patterson turned in impressive sprint victories as host Birmingham (3-0, 3-0) romped to its 67th consecutive dual-meet victory in the Northwest Valley Conference.