Valley North Victory Suits Newhall Saugus

It might have been the first championship game where the losing team was glad it lost--by a lot.

Seventh-seeded and undefeated Valley North (25-6) had little trouble finishing off once-beaten Newhall Saugus, 11-1, in the American Legion baseball District 20 championship Sunday afternoon at Birmingham High.

The game--a rematch of last year’s District final-was shortened to seven innings because of the 10-run rule. Newhall Saugus had won the past two titles but the victories took its toll on the pitching staff for the Area 6 playoffs.

Because both teams advance to Area 6 at Birmingham and Jackie Robinson Stadium beginning Thursday, the only thing they were playing for Sunday was the bigger trophy, and the hope they wouldn’t have a second game.

If Newhall Saugus had won, the teams would have played again, this time in the afternoon heat.

Newhall Saugus (23-8) did its part, starting Cody Joyce on the mound. Joyce, pitching on six years rest (by his count), gave up six runs on six hits in 1 2/3 innings.

“I have a lot more respect for pitchers now,” Joyce said, laughing.

Valley North continued its hot hitting, building a 7-0 lead in the first two innings. Leadoff batter Bryan Gant, Tom Morefield and No. 9 hitter Matt Fisher each had three hits.

Gant left the game in the sixth inning after he stepped in a hole in the outfield and sprained his ankle.

Scott Sellz (4-0) and Mike Kunes held Newhall Saugus to four hits.

By the seventh inning, Newhall Saugus appeared resigned to losing. As Chris Wright strode to the plate with two out, somebody yelled from the dugout: “Just don’t hit a home run.”

Wright obliged, striking out on three pitches to end the game.

“Even their guys wanted it to be over,” said Fisher. “We didn’t want to play a second game and neither did they.”