MISSION LEAGUE

Notre Dame and its solid pitching staff have the inside edge in this hitting-heavy league. Kevin Jerkens (5-3, 2.79 ERA ) and Ryan Stonerock (6-1, 2.94) are tops on a deep, deep Knights’ staff. If catcher Matt Cunningham and infielder John Puccinelli can stay solid at the plate, the Knights will be tough to beat. . . . Unlike past years, Crespi’s strength is its offense. Five all-league players return, including Anthony Trejo (.405), Luke Worgan (.372, three home runs, 28 RBIs) and Andy Campanella (.326, four home runs, 25 RBIs). Junior left-hander Mike Jackson is the No. 1 starter. . . . Defending league champion Chaminade is young after losing seven starters. All-league selections Bruce Greenwood (9-1) and second baseman Chris Martinez, who hit three home runs in a game last week, lead a squad that may start three sophomores and two freshmen. . . . St. Francis has the top hitting team in the league with four returning players who batted over .350 last season. Outfielder Andy Lopez (.506, six home runs, 30 RBIs) and catcher Jim Hemming (.378, three home runs, 24 RBIs) lead the way. Expect Harvard-Westlake to be much improved over last year’s 3-16 debacle, led by pitcher Matt Berkson and John Neyer, who batted .405. . . . First baseman Brandon Mackay (.313) is the top returner for Alemany.