HIGH SCHOOLS

Simi Valley Grace Brethren 6, Arcadia Rio Hondo 2--Tim Thompson’s two-run single in the fourth inning broke open a tight game and helped the top-seeded Lancers to a 5-1 lead and their second consecutive Division VI championship at Long Beach.

Last year, the Lancers (22-3) lost in the quarterfinals but were reinstated because their opponent used an ineligible player.

This year, the team never trailed in a playoff game.

“It’s much easier to do it this way,” Grace Brethren Coach Aaron Marcarelli said. “We wanted to prove it was the real deal.”

Grace Brethren was nearly flawless on defense and turned double plays in the first and fourth innings to help starter Steve McClain (5-0), who gave up one run on two hits. Thompson pitched the final three innings, giving up one run on three hits.

Rio Hondo Prep (17-7), making its first appearance in a championship, never found its stride. The Kares committed three errors in the first two innings.