Team’s Report Has Answer for Infante

The scouting report on St. Bonaventure High left-hander Gilbert Infante was taped to Cerritos Valley Christian’s dugout wall:

“Out pitch is inside fastball.”

Infante, the Seraphs’ senior ace, struggled with his control and ultimately left too many fastballs over the plate as Valley Christian posted a 7-3 victory in a Southern Section Division V semifinal Tuesday at St. Bonaventure Field in Saticoy.

Infante (7-3) had a 9-2 career record in the playoffs, but the Seraphs never advanced beyond the semifinals in his four years.

A four-run third inning, combined with five St. Bonaventure errors and numerous missed scoring opportunities ended his quest to reach the championship game.

“All I can do is tip my hat to Valley Christian,” Infante said. “Our team rested on my shoulders and I let them down. That’s all there is to say for it.”

Infante surrendered a solo home run to Greg Verhoeven on a high, inside fastball which broke a 1-1 tie in the third inning.

Infante allowed four consecutive hits in the inning, including two run-scoring singles, and fell behind, 5-1.

The Seraphs (18-9) stranded six runners, leaving the bases loaded with two out in the seventh. Matt White grounded out to end the game.

“We had lots of scoring opportunities,” Coach Dennis Johnson said. “I don’t know if that [third] inning took the wind out of our sails, but we just didn’t get the hits.”

Infante allowed seven runs in five innings, but only three were earned. Valley Christian (16-14-1) advanced to the final for the first time since 1995.