Crescenta Valley’s Youth Serves Up Mater Dei Victory

So this is what happens when one of the youngest teams in the region meets one of the premier teams in the state.

Crescenta Valley High, which could definitely choose Team Sophomore as a serviceable alias, had its moments, but not nearly enough in a 9-2 loss to Santa Ana Mater Dei in a quarterfinal game of the Southern Section Division II baseball playoffs Friday night at Stengel Field in Glendale.

The Falcons (20-8) started six sophomores, committed four errors, surrendered a run on a delayed double-steal--a problem that has plagued them in other big games this season--and had only four hits against the No. 2-seeded Monarchs (25-4).

Mater Dei had 14 hits, only one error, which came with two out in the seventh inning, and will play Huntington Beach Edison in a semifinal Tuesday at a site to be determined.

The news wasn’t all bad for Crescenta Valley. The Falcons were within striking distance in the sixth inning, trailing, 5-2, with the bases loaded and two out.

Aaron McGuinness, who had doubled twice, struck out.

Youth had abdicated to experience and prestige.

“They’re 365 days, 730 days older than any of our kids,” Crescenta Valley Coach Phil Torres said. “That’s a nationally known team over there.”

Kris Krise (7-4) of Crescenta Valley, a 6-foot-6 junior, allowed four runs on nine hits in four innings.

Richard Mercado had a solo home run in the first inning, a double in the third and a run-scoring single in the seventh for Mater Dei.

Mercado, who has signed with Arizona, also picked up his third save, replacing starter Warren Chenier (7-0) in the sixth inning and dousing the Falcons’ rally.

“He’s stepped it up all year, all through [the playoffs],” Mater Dei Coach Burt Call said. “He’s a gamer.”

Chenier struck out 12, walked six and allowed one run on four hits.

The Monarchs probably won’t have an easy time in the semifinals. Edison defeated them, 6-3, at the West Coast Classic last month.

As for Crescenta Valley, a playoff loss is a playoff loss, but invaluable experience was gained.

“If you told me at the beginning of the year we’d get three playoff games and have a 20-win season, that’s great for us,” Torres said.