Sellz Makes His Point in Chatsworth Victory

Scott Sellz made his best pitch Saturday to become a part of Chatsworth High’s regular pitching rotation.

Sellz, a junior right-hander, gave up only three singles while throwing a complete game in the Chancellors’ 10-0 victory over Sylmar in the Red Division championship of the Westside tournament at Jackie Robinson Stadium. The game was stopped after six innings because of the 10-run rule.

Sellz’ performance came at an opportune time. Chatsworth (5-0) begins Northwest Valley Conference play this week and Coach Tom Muesborn must choose from an increasingly competitive staff to start the twice-weekly games.

Senior Ismael Marin is the returning player of the year in the West Valley League.

Mike Kunes was the star of the American Legion team that won the state title and already has two complete-game victories this year.

And senior left-hander David Hawk, a 6-foot-6 transfer from Bakersfield, was recently cleared to play.

Muesborn hoped to debut Hawk against Sylmar, but as Hawk warmed up in the bullpen, Chatsworth scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to end the game.

“We’re all getting along well so far,” Sellz said. “There is room for all of us.”

Sellz wasn’t overpowering but he was in control the entire time. He allowed four baserunners, and no Spartan got past second. His only mistake was a first-inning throwing error on a pickoff attempt.

Sellz (2-0) was helped by solid defense as well, highlighted by second baseman Kevin O’Hara’s diving catch of a pop fly by Jordan Plasencia to end the top of the fourth inning.

Pitching may not be the Chancellors’ main strength. Chatsworth can score runs in bunches with any part of its lineup. Chatsworth scored five times in the second inning off two hits, one a three-run home run by No. 9 hitter Loren Devries. Chatsworth took advantage of three walks and a hit batsman in the inning.

“The home run didn’t kill us, it’s what led up to the home run that killed us,” Sylmar Coach Gary Donatella said.

Other than the outburst in the second inning, starter Victor Anguiano fared reasonably well. Chatsworth didn’t score again until the fifth inning, adding two runs, including an RBI single by Matt Cassel.

Anguiano (0-1), one of three sophomore starters for the Spartans, struck out four, gave up five hits and walked three in five innings.

“We’re just a little younger than we usually are,” Donatella said. “And maybe they’re not ready for [Chatsworth] but we’ve got to remember that we’re 4-1 and that’s a good start.”

Most of the Chancellors were on the Valley North team that won the Area 6 Legion playoffs last summer at Jackie Robinson Stadium.

“This is getting to be like a second home for us,” Sellz said.

Hart 10, Canyon 0--The Cowboys, fifth in the Foothill League last season, were the surprise of the Westside tournament until they were defeated by a familiar rival in the Blue Division final at Jackie Robinson Stadium.

Justin Wiley, Hart’s No. 3 pitcher, limited Canyon (3-2) to two hits in a complete game that was shortened to six innings because of the 10-run rule.

J.T. Stotts, Ryan Haag and Jeff Gaeta each had two hits for Hart (5-0).

Haag had a double and triple and Richardson hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning.