Susdorf Playing Major Roles for Banged-Up Hart

Three Hart High players have accepted college baseball scholarships, but none of them has played a more important role than Bill Susdorf, a low-profile junior.

Susdorf has flourished as a relief pitcher and the No. 3 hitter for Hart (6-2, 1-0 in Foothill League play).

The right-hander is 1-0 with 18 strikeouts in 9 2/3 innings and two saves. His pitching late in games has helped the Indians cope without ace Jamie Shields, who has not played this season because of a strained muscle in his lower back.

Susdorf has also been a force at the plate, batting .385 with five doubles and seven runs batted in.

“He’s taking on a couple pretty important roles on our team,” Coach Jim Ozella said.

If he keeps this up, Susdorf could follow his college-bound teammates. Shields signed with Louisiana State, Marke Horvat is headed to UCLA and Brandon Montemayor signed with Clemson.

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The news just got worse for Highland.

The Bulldogs, who have lost three of their last four games, will be without catcher Daniel Champieux for at least two weeks because of a sprained left knee.

Champieux, who is batting .300, second best on the Bulldogs, was injured Friday against Palmdale.

“We were worried that he might have torn something,” Coach Mike Van Cheri said. “We’re hopeful that we can get him back in a couple weeks.”

In the meantime, third baseman John Santor might move to catcher for Highland (4-3), Van Cheri said.

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It’s safe to say Delwyn Young of Littlerock has turned things around.

Young, a senior shortstop, was hitless in seven at-bats in his first two games, but has gone eight of 11 since then.

Young, who recently took a recruiting visit to San Diego State, hit a home run, two triples and two doubles during his streak.

“He knows that if he relaxes and hits the ball, he’ll be all right,” Coach Dennis Henderson said.