Cervenka Knocks Out Hoover, 11-0

For the second consecutive season, a freshman may pitch her team to the Pacific League softball title.

Crescenta Valley right-hander Meredith Cervenka maintained her perfect record Tuesday, defeating sophomore Cori Herbert and defending league champion Hoover, 11-0, at Hoover.

Cervenka (12-0) struck out six and did not allow a hit through five innings before giving way to reliever Melinda Moulden. In two innings, Moulden struck out four and allowed one hit, a seventh-inning infield single to Herbert.

Cervenka, who has allowed only two earned runs in 79 innings, lowered her earned-run average to 0.18.

Last year, it was Herbert who led the Tornadoes to the league title with a 17-8 record and earned Times All-Valley honors.

This season, however, has been filled with frustration for Hoover (10-8, 3-2 in league play).

Herbert (10-7) has been hampered by a groin injury and the Tornadoes were shut out for the fourth consecutive time, culminating a six-day, 28-inning span in which they were outscored, 32-0.

“What a terrible week,” said Hoover Coach Kirt Kohlmeier, who was ejected in the fifth inning after disputing a stolen base call. “We really need to turn things around.”

Little has gone wrong for Crescenta Valley (18-4, 5-0), ranked seventh in the region by The Times and seeking its third league title in four seasons.

The Falcons had been shut out each of the past three seasons at Hoover.