New Attitude Helps Tigers Climb to Top

Pitcher Jamie Shields of Hart is expected to make his debut today against La Habra in the Babe Herman tournament at Crescenta Valley High.

Shields has not played this season because of a pulled muscle in his lower back. He likely will appear in relief for Hart (12-3).

“It depends how I’m feeling and how the game’s going,” said Shields, who was 11-0 with a 2.36 ERA and 123 strikeouts in 71 1/3 innings last season.

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Before the season, Valencia was billed as a potential threat to Hart’s supremacy in the Foothill League. Then Burroughs became the hot team. Now Canyon is making some noise.

Since getting crushed by Hart, 15-3, in a league opener last month, the Cowboys (9-4, 5-2) have won five of six league games and are tied for second with Burroughs.

Canyon pitchers Matt Palmer (4-2) and Chris Seddon (4-2) have combined for 75 strikeouts in 67 innings to lead Canyon’s comeback.

The Cowboys will find out if they’ve improved enough to beat Hart (12-3, 7-0). The teams play April 18 at Hart and April 21 at Canyon.