Baseball: Division 3 title goes to Beckman

A two-run home run by Zack Rivera in the first inning got Beckman going, and the Patriots cruised to a 4-1 win over Pacific Coast League rival Woodbridge in the Southern Section Division 3 championship game at Dodger Stadium. It was the fourth time this season that Beckman (25-6) has beaten Woodbridge (19-12).

Junior pitcher James Kaprielian (11-1) threw strikes and let his defense do the rest. Junior shortstop Garret Brown was flawless fielding. Kaprielian struck out seven, walked none and gave up four hits.

Beckman's breakthrough game in the playoffs came earlier this week when the Patriots eliminated No. 1-seeded La Verne Bonita, 8-2.

-- Eric Sondheimer