Hueneme Cruises in Channel, 8-2

Hueneme High continued its baseball resurgence Friday by defeating Oxnard, 8-2, in a Channel League game at Hueneme.

The Vikings (8-2, 4-0 in league play), remained alone atop the league, which they have not won since 1981.

In the last three seasons, Hueneme was 28-47 overall and 13-29 in league play.

“This is all gratifying but we’re taking it one day and one game at a time,” said Hueneme Coach Reg Welker, who was in his first year at the Vikings’ helm when they last won a league championship and has been at the school for 32 years.

“We’re not getting excited. We’re just taking care of business, because we haven’t won anything yet.”

Pedro Cervantes (1-0) allowed five hits and two unearned runs in six innings while striking out seven and walking two. Cervantes had two hits and drove in a run. He was relieved in the seventh by Chris Neri.

Robert Avila had one hit and three RBIs and Jess Sanchez one hit and two RBIs.

Buena (7-1, 2-0-1) is second in the Channel League standings, a game behind the Vikings. Rio Mesa (8-1, 2-1) and Ventura (3-6, 2-1) are tied for third, 1 1/2 games back.

Oxnard, 3-18 and 2-12 a year ago, is in the cellar again this season at 4-5 and 0-3.

As reasons for Hueneme’s improvement, Welker cited the return of Sanchez, a senior shortstop who was academically ineligible last season after starting as a freshman and sophomore, and group weight training.

“Last season ended on May 12 for us and we were in the weight room three days later and all through the summer and fall,” Welker said. “We can really see the improvement in our hitting.”

Rio Mesa 6, Dos Pueblos 1-- Jake Kor (3-1) pitched a three-hitter for the Spartans, striking out eight and walking three in a Channel League game at Dos Pueblos.

Richard Almanza had three hits for Rio Mesa--including a run-scoring single and a two-run home run--and Isaac Romero hit a solo home run in the seventh inning for the Spartans.

Kennedy 15, Castle (Hawaii) 0--Jon Garland had three hits, including a three-run home run for the Golden Cougars (9-4) in a Bishop Gorman tournament game in Las Vegas that was halted after five innings by a 10-run rule.

Wes Crown (3-0) struck out five and scattered five hits. Garland had five RBIs.

Chatsworth 3, Rancho (Las Vegas) 2--Consecutive pinch doubles by David Sark and Nathan Frost with two out in the seventh inning lifted the Chancellors (7-3) to their seventh consecutive victory in a pool play game of the Bishop Gorman tournament.

Chatsworth’s Greg Wold (2-2) pitched the final two innings, allowing one hit while striking out four and walking none.

La Mirada 13, St. Francis 6--The Matadors scored eight unearned runs in the third inning of pool-play game of the St. Paul tournament at La Mirada.

Gabby Velazquez had three hits, including a double, and Andy Lopez added two hits, including a home run, for the Golden Knights (6-2).