Playoff Finals Feature New Blood This Season

New baseball champions in at least five of six divisions will emerge tonight and Saturday when the Southern Section finals are played at Blair Field in Long Beach and Dodger Stadium.

Simi Valley Grace Brethren, the two-time defending Division VI champion, is the only team that could defend its title.

All championship games were originally scheduled to be played at Blair Field because Edison Field and Dodger Stadium were unavailable. But a concert at Dodger Stadium was canceled last month, paving the way for the the I, II, III and IV finals to be played there.

Here is a look at tonight’s games:

Division V--Riverside Woodcrest Christian vs. Carpinteria: Garry Gallegos went three for three with two doubles and gave up two hits in 6 1/3 innings as Woodcrest Christian (21-6-1) advanced to the finals for the first time since 1996 with a 2-0 victory over top-seeded Ventura St. Bonaventure. Carpinteria (17-6) took advantage of two errors to take a 7-0 lead en route to a 7-6 semifinal victory over Sun Valley Village Christian.

Division VI--Simi Valley Grace Brethren vs. Bloomington Christian: Two-time defending champion Grace Brethren (22-4) is led by pitcher Tim Thompson (16-2). Thompson, Chris Beatty and Shaun McLain homered in Grace Brethren’s 11-3 semifinal victory over Arcadia Rio Hondo Prep. Bloomington Christian (23-0), the state’s only undefeated team, is in the final for the first time. The Ravens beat La Verne Lutheran, 6-4, in the semifinals.

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Prep Baseball

* What: Southern Section

Division Championships

* When: Today

* Where: Blair Field, 4700 E. 10th St., Long Beach

* Division VI: Simi Valley Grace Brethren (22-4) vs. Bloomington Christian (23-0), 4:30 p.m.

* Division V: Riverside Woodcrest Christian (21-6-1) vs. Carpinteria (17-6), 7:30 p.m.

* Tickets: All general admission, $8 adults, $4 children 12 and under.