Baseball: Jack Flaherty tops the hierarchy of Harvard-Westlake pitchers [Video]

In the last three seasons, Alemany Coach Randy Thompson has faced first-round draft picks Max Fried and Lucas Giolito of Harvard-Westlake, plus possible 2014 first-round pick Jack Flaherty. There’s no doubt in his mind who’s the one pitcher he wouldn’t want to face.

“Jack Flaherty,” Thompson said.

Flaherty is 20-0 over the last two seasons and 7-0 this season. Teams keep coming close, such as Tuesday, when Brandon Ponitcelli allowed five hits for Alemany over six innings. But Flaherty and Harvard-Westlake prevailed, 2-1, in a Mission League game, with Flaherty striking out 11 and giving up three hits.

“Jack Flaherty doesn’t have any holes in his game,” Thompson said. “He doesn’t throw as hard as Max Fried or Lucas Giolito, but he’s the complete packaage. Today, his command was incredible.”

Flaherty struck out the first six batters of the game and eight of the first nine. Harvard-Westlake (17-4-1, 6-1-1) scored two runs in the third inning on an RBI double by Ezra Steinberg and a sacrifice fly by Cameron Deere.

Alemany (16-5-1, 5-2) scored a run in the seventh on a double by Ruben Cardenas and an RBI single by Demetrii Pagalidis. But Flaherty got Alex Mckenna to fly out to end the game.

“It’s about attacking the zone and good things happen,” Flaherty said.

Afterward, Thompson brought over his son, Tyler, who has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer. Flaherty signed a baseball for him. And Thompson told him he’s glad he’s graduating.

The two schools play again on Friday at Alemany.

Loyola (18-4-1, 7-1-1) kept pace with a 7-4 win over Sherman Oaks Notre Dame. Kyle Beadles threw 5 1/3 innings. Nick Sablock hit a two-run home run. Chaminade defeated Crespi, 7-0, behind Dylan Suppan, the nephew of former Crespi standout Jeff Suppan. he struck out six. Nick Kahle had two hits and three RBIs.

Eric.sondheimer@latimes.com