Chatsworth Unleashes Power Burst

Chad Redfern, Jeff Spector and Charles Kenny hit home runs and left-hander Mike Kunes provided steady pitching for Chatsworth High in an 8-4 victory over El Camino Real on Tuesday that opened a three-game lead in the West Valley League race.

This was a performance the Chancellors (15-2, 8-0 in league) had every reason to celebrate. They played flawless defense, hit for power and made no mistakes.

But Chatsworth learned last season, after defeating El Camino Real three times during the regular season, it means absolutely nothing.

“To me, it feels good to beat them,” Redfern said. “But all that matters is Dodger Stadium.”

The Chancellors are focused on reaching the City Section final and winning. Nothing else would help put to rest the disappointment from last season’s 5-2, 10-inning upset loss to El Camino Real at Dodger Stadium.

Each time they play El Camino Real during the regular season, Chatsworth players know it’s only a tuneup for their probable fourth encounter in the playoffs.

El Camino Real still is trying to determine the best way to defeat Kunes, who has lost to only one City Section pitcher in the last two seasons--Kurt Birkins in the final last year.

Kunes (6-1) struck out six, walked three and allowed eight hits. He won by making big pitches and smart decisions at decisive moments.

In the second inning, after giving up two runs, he got freshman Greg Acheatel to hit into a double play.

In the fifth, after giving up two runs, he picked off Sean McElroy at first base, walked dangerous Conor Jackson with the open base, then struck out Brian Somoza to end the inning.

El Camino Real (13-4, 6-3) got as close as 6-4, but Chatsworth scored two unearned runs in the sixth when McElroy misplayed two fly balls to right.

“We got a little adrenaline burst in the fifth, made some mistakes and buried ourselves,” said catcher Mike Leduc of El Camino Real.

Redfern, a senior center fielder, gave the Chancellors a lift with three hits and four runs batted in. He started the season as the leadoff hitter, dropped to No. 6 and was promoted to cleanup.

“[Redfern has] really responded,” Coach Tom Meusborn of Chatsworth said.

Josh Deneau (3-2) gave up 10 hits in six innings.

The teams play again Thursday at El Camino Real.

Coach Bob Ganssle of El Camino Real was unhappy with his team’s play and because a player damaged a Chatsworth logo in the outfield grass.

“I guarantee it will be fixed,” he said.