Baseball: Chatsworth wins West Valley opener

Chatsworth survived an improved effort by Birmingham to win its West Valley League baseball opener, 7-5, on Wednesday at Chatsworth.

Kevin Torres hit two home runs, including a grand slam, for Birmingham (9-5, 0-1). He has six home runs on the season. Steve Karkenny came in to get the save for the Chancellors (12-3, 1-0), who got two RBIs from Chris Carlin and two hits from Sean O'Connell.

In the San Luis Obispo tournament, Alemany (13-3) defeated Trabuco Hills, 7-4, and San Ramon, 5-4, in 11 innings. Sophomore Ryan Paramo (4-0) threw a complete game in the first game. Peter Van Gansen's two-run double broke a 4-4 tie in the seventh. Cody Sulflow's two-out double tied the game in the seventh.

In a semifinal game of the St. Paul tournament, La Mirada defeated Santa Fe, 15-1, for its seventh consecutive win. Mike Piazza went three for three and had a three-run home run. In another St. Paul game, St. John Bosco defeated Downey Calvary Chapel, 7-0. Koby Gauna threw the shutout with six strikeouts.

In the Anaheim Lions tournament, Lakewood defeated Valencia, 6-5. San Juan Capistrano JSerra went 5-0 in the tourney after a 17-1 win over Moorpark.

In the Babe Herman tournament, Santa Monica defeated Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, 4-3.

In an East Valley League game, Verdugo Hills defeated Grant, 9-3.

In the Santa Ynez tournament, Montclair Prep finished 4-0 and is 13-4 overall.

In the OC Nissan tournament, Newhall Hart had 14 stolen bases in a 13-3 win over Yorba Linda.

-- Eric Sondheimer