Chaminade Surprises in Early Challenges

Chaminade High’s 3-2-1 record in baseball might not look impressive, but the Eagles are four runs away from being undefeated.

They lost to South Gate, 3-2, in an extra-inning game of the San Fernando Valley Invitational tournament two weeks ago.

In Mission League games last week, Chaminade tied Notre Dame, 6-6, then lost to the Knights, 4-3, on a two-out, seventh-inning home run by Ryan Stonerock.

“I’m excited with the way we’re playing,” Coach Scott Drootin said. “We’re hanging in there with the big boys.”

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Flying start: When it comes to hitters who get off to fast starts, sophomore outfielder Matt Thayer of Harvard-Westlake High is an expert.

He started the 1997 season 10 for 10 on the freshman team. This season on the varsity, he’s 15 for 21 (.714 batting average).

“I think it’s the way [Thayer] prepares himself,” Coach Josh Smaler said. “He’s very professional, has a short swing and knows the game.”

Thayer, 5 feet 10 and 160 pounds, is emerging as one of the best athletes at the Studio City campus. He was the kicker on the football team and scored 12 goals on the soccer team.

Oh, by the way, he also pitches.

SOFTBALL

Taken away: North Hollywood High has forfeited victories against Chatsworth and Lincoln because pitcher Leslie Lima was academically ineligible but still played.

The Huskies dropped to 2-3.