Baseball / DIVISION III

Hemet vs. El Dorado

Where--Edison Field, 1 p.m.

Hemet (24-5-1)--The Sunkist League champion Bulldogs, who have set a school record for wins, are in their fifth section final and seek their first championship since 1974. Pitching and defense are Hemet’s primary weapons. In the semifinal victory over La Habra, the Bulldogs had only two hits, but one was Ken Yarnall’s two-run homer in the second, and Hemet made that lead stand up. Left-hander Ryan Rocheleau (8-2, 2.57) gets the start today, but Coach Steve Bernard won’t hesitate to go to Matt Padilla, who has won three playoff games. Trevor Subith (.521, three homers, 20 RBIs) and Daniel Ortiz (.446, seven homers, 31 RBIs) are the leading hitters.

El Dorado (25-5)--The Empire League champion Golden Hawks are also looking to end a title drought. Their last section championship came in 1989. El Dorado’s defense and pitching are good, but the team’s strength is hitting. Twenty or more runs have been driven in by five players, led by Dan Franklin, who leads the county with 45 RBIs. Right-hander J.P. Frid (9-0, 1.57), the Hawks’ most dependable pitcher this season, gets today’s start.

Key to the game--Hemet has three come-from-behind playoff victories, so El Dorado cannot feel safe with a lead. The Bulldogs must quiet the Hawks’ bats because El Dorado’s offense can take off at any time.

Starting Lineups

Hemet

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No. Name Pos. Avg. 1 Trevor Subith SS .521 27 Matt Padilla 3B .395 24 Dan Ortiz 1B .446 17 Ryan Rocheleau P .416 12 Joe Anady C .357 10 Frank Delgado DH .304 5 Mark Busby 2B .306 7 Jerry McBride CF .277 9 Kyle Washburn RF .250 3 Adam Davidson LF .294

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Coach: Steve Bernard

El Dorado

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No. Name Pos. Avg. 12 Justin Carlin CF .306 30 Andrew McMillan C .338 20 Mitch Nord 1B .419 21 C.J. Rice RF .392 25 Dan Franklin LF .337 18 Brett Marro 3B .360 28 J.P. Frid P .360 13 Brian Sanders SS .267 19 Zach Mullinax 2B .284

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Coach: Steve Gullotti