Chatsworth Hammers Its Way Into Westside Final

“Bam!” Chatsworth High shortstop Matt Fisher shouted after watching teammates Tom Morefield and Matt Cassel hit consecutive home runs in the third inning Thursday of a Westside tournament semifinal game.

For those seeking a glimpse of what a top hitting team looks like, Chatsworth (4-0) is glad to oblige.

“Today, we absolutely tore it up,” Morefield said following the top-ranked Chancellors’ 13-6 victory over host Camarillo (3-1).

Starting pitcher Joe Yingling of Camarillo gave up 10 runs and nine hits in 2 1/3 innings. And they weren’t infield hits, either.

In a five-run first inning, Cassel and Chad Redfern each contributed two-run doubles. In a six-run third, Morefield and Cassel each hit home runs over the left-field fence and Mike Kunes had a two-run double.

Redfern was three for four with two doubles, Cassel was two for three with four runs batted in and All-City outfielder Morefield was two for two with three runs scored.

Most impressive about Chatsworth’s victory was its response to an embarrassing fielding exhibition in the second inning. Third baseman Danny Eisenberg made a wild throw to first for an error. First baseman Cassel dropped a pop fly and right fielder Redfern dropped a fly ball as Camarillo cut its deficit to 5-4.

Chatsworth Coach Tom Meusborn didn’t greet his players with a tirade as they came to the dugout. He waited to see how his players would react. Up came Morefield. Home run. Up came Cassel. Home run.

“We don’t worry what happened the inning before,” Morefield said. “We just concentrate and get it done.”

Kunes (2-0) pitched his second complete game in less than a week. Five of the six runs he gave up were unearned. He struck out seven, walked four and allowed six hits.

Chatsworth will face Sylmar for the Red Division championship Saturday at 2 p.m. at Jackie Robinson Stadium. Hart will meet Canyon in the Blue Division final at 11 a.m.

Chatsworth received clearance Thursday to use 6-foot-6 left-handed pitcher David Hawk, a transfer from North Bakersfield. Chatsworth will be playing its fourth game this week, but Meusborn still has four pitchers available. That’s how much talent and depth the Chancellors have this season.