Horwitz Triples Twice to Pace High-Flying Notre Dame, 7-0

Known primarily as a defensive specialist, center fielder Jon Horwitz of Notre Dame High is quickly changing his reputation with a sizzling bat.

He hit two triples and a single on Saturday night, making him 13 for 19 after five games, and the Knights defeated Grant, 7-0, in the championship game of the San Fernando Valley tournament at USC’s Dedeaux Field.

Phillip Polanco (2-0), Daniel Browne and Ryan Cowsill combined on a one-hitter for Notre Dame (5-0). Polanco was particularly impressive in five shutout innings. He struck out five, walked one and allowed only a fourth-inning triple to Felipe Tetelboin.

Also red-hot at the plate for Notre Dame is junior second baseman Brendan Ryan, who contributed two singles, giving him nine hits in 14 at-bats. Ryan continued his defensive wizardry, making a perfect pivot to complete a double play in the third inning.

The Knights are unbeaten after two weeks because of excellent defense. Coach Tom Dill strengthened the infield by moving John Puccinelli to third base and inserting junior Jonathon Brewster at shortstop. Brewster has a strong arm and the mobility to become a standout at the position.

“This was a big win for us,” Dill said. “I want to see how we’re going to do in big games when it really matters and they showed me something.”