Baseball: Royal scores nine runs in eighth inning to win, 9-0

For seven innings Friday, Oregon-bound Jimmie Sherfy of Newbury Park matched Pepperdine-bound Cody Buckel of Simi Valley Royal pitch for pitch.

Sherfy struck out 14 and allowed four hits. Buckel struck out 10 and allowed three hits. Neither team scored in a 0-0 deadlock through seven innings. "Both were outstanding," Royal Coach Dan Maye said.

But when the relief pitchers came in, Royal took advantage, collecting nine hits and nine runs in the eighth inning to beat the Panthers, 9-0, and take a two-game lead in the Marmonte League race. Ryan Cerda had a home run and single in the inning for the Highlanders (17-4, 8-1).

Newbury Park dropped to 16-5 and 6-3.

Westlake defeated Calabasas, 10-3. Blake Yuckert had three hits, including a three-run home run.

-- Eric Sondheimer.