Thompson Closing In on State Victory Mark

Tim Thompson is one victory from setting a state record for career victories, but he probably will watch Grace Brethren teammates pitch three games before he gets the ball again.

Thompson, who has led the Lancers to two consecutive Southern Section Small Schools championships, notched his 51st victory Tuesday against Faith Baptist to tie the mark set from 1969-72 by El Segundo left-hander Scott McGregor, who had a long major league career.

Grace Brethren (14-4, 5-0 in the Heritage League) faces L.A. Lutheran on Monday and plays a doubleheader against Pilgrim on Tuesday. Thompson (12-2), who has seven career losses, is slated to start Wednesday in a rematch with Faith Baptist.

However, should the Lancers need help in relief before then, Thompson will be ready. He has pitched on only two days’ rest several times in his career.

“I’m really excited right now, but I’m staying away from thinking about the celebration,” he said. “If the coach is in a bind, I’m always willing to step in.

“The team always backs me up, so if they need me, I’m there for them.”

Thompson, a stocky 5-foot-11, 190-pound senior with excellent command of a fastball, curve and changeup, plans to attend Cal Lutheran.

“I didn’t even know about the record until this season when I read about it in the newspaper,” he said. “I’m really anxious about it, but I have to stay patient and stay focused on getting batters out.”

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Justin Peterson, batting .452 for Camarillo, is academically ineligible and will miss the rest of the season. The junior outfielder is one of the fastest players in the region.

“It’s too bad because he has really matured and turned things around,” Coach Scott Cline said. “But he didn’t get it done and now he has to wait until American Legion to play again.”

The loss of Peterson will put only a small dent in the Scorpions’ lineup. They still have five players batting over .400 and catcher Spencer Wyman (.354) has eight home runs and 36 runs batted in.

Freshman outfielder Delmon Young in batting .461, senior leadoff batter Kevin Brown is batting .440, Geoff Buchanan is batting .420, sophomore shortstop Brad Boyer is batting .400 and Jacob Medina is batting .415.

Buchanan has been the hottest hitter lately for the Scorpions (21-4), whose four losses have all been by one run.

“Geoff has hit about .600 over the last month and all 11 of his doubles have come in that span,” Cline said.