Van Nuys Gets Offensive, 16-7

For once, the usually dominant pitching staff of Van Nuys Show Ball appeared ordinary.

Unfortunately for Quartz Hill, Van Nuys’ offense was in prime form.

Van Nuys responded with its best offensive performance of the American Legion District 20 playoffs in a 16-7 victory over Quartz Hill on Saturday at Birmingham High.

Van Nuys (24-1), the only unbeaten team in the double-elimination tournament, plays once-beaten Valley Chatsworth for the championship at 1 p.m. today at Birmingham. If Chatsworth wins, the teams will play again at 4.

Left fielder James Rivero of Van Nuys said he wasn’t concerned when Quartz Hill took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning. They were the first runs Van Nuys had allowed in four tournament games.

“We knew we were going to score more than two runs, so it didn’t bother us,” Rivero said. “We’ve been down before, and with nine-inning games, anything can happen.”

Van Nuys scored in every inning after the first, including four runs in the fourth to take an 8-2 lead.

Rivero led Van Nuys with four hits, followed by Jonathon Brewster and Mike Marble with three each. Alec Moss went two for two and had five runs batted in.

Van Nuys played without Coach Jody Breeden, who attended his mother’s funeral.

Valley Chatsworth 8, Studio City Sylmar 6--Left-hander Joe Guntz managed a complete-game victory at Birmingham and Valley Chatsworth (20-5) clinched a berth in the Area 6 playoffs.

Valley Chatsworth took a 4-0 lead with three runs in the second inning. The key hit was a two-run home run by Danny Dominguez.

Gregg Wallis and Jared Halpert each had three hits for Valley Chatsworth.

Hector Chavez had three hits and Eddie Camacho had two doubles for Studio City Sylmar (15-10).