Baseball: Yelich’s home run in ninth keys Westlake victory

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Junior catcher Collin Yelich hit a home run to lead off the top of the ninth inning, enabling Westlake Village Westlake (5-1) to defeat Simi Valley, 6-5, in a Marmonte League opener on Wednesday.

Yelich, the younger brother of first-round draft pick Christian Yelich, went four for four. Nick Vigo had three hits for Simi Valley.

Westlake rallied for three runs in the top of the seventh to send the game into extra innings. The big hit was an RBI double by Blake Yuckert to tie the game at 5-5.

Newbury Park (6-0) defeated Calabasas, 10-3. Taylor Zander had two doubles and Luke Eubank had three hits and three RBIs.

Granada Hills (6-1) defeated Venice, 6-1. Kurt Mateko struck out four and walked none in a complete-game performance. Erick Luna and Ricky Hernandez each had two-run doubles.

Marine League power Wilmington Banning (4-2) pulled out a 2-1 win over San Fernando (6-2). With All-City pitcher Jonathan Hernandez expected back soon from an injury, the Pilots turned to Alan Velasco, who pitched into the seventh. Alexis Martinez got David Garcia to line out with the bases loaded in the seventh.

Woodland Hills Taft (5-2) defeated Verdugo Hills, 7-3. Jordan Berger improved to 2-0, allowing six hits. Miguel Pinto and Ramsey Abushahla each hit a home run.

Burbank lost to Douglas, Ariz., 14-6, in Tucson. Dylan Mersola had three RBIs.