Baseball: It’s Chatsworth-El Camino Real showdown time
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The West Valley League resumes action on Wednesday, and it’s showdown week matching long-time powers Chatsworth (15-2-1, 2-0) and Woodland Hills El Camino Real (10-10, 1-1). Wednesday’s game is at El Camino Real and next Friday at Chatsworth.
Jared Holley has been on a hitting tear for Chatsworth. He leads the team with a .508 batting average. Junior Jason Karkenny is 6-0 with a 1.09 ERA. The Chancellors have been winning without one of their best players, Kiefer Kofman, who has been recovering from a shoulder injury and should be available soon.
El Camino Real has been waiting for All-City outfielder Chris Nicholson to get hot. Meanwhile, junior pitcher Luke Laurita is returning to top form after a hand injury.
Cleveland (13-7-1, 0-2) went 5-0 in Las Vegas, but the Cavaliers were swept in their league opener by Birmingham, so they need to do well against Taft (10-9, 0-2). Jack Hartman’s hitting and pitching has been leading the Cavaliers.
Birmingham (12-7, 2-0) plays at Granada Hills (14-8, 1-1) in a matchup that could determine a challenger to Chatsworth in the league. The Patriots have been receiving solid pitching from Daniel Rivas and Steven Rodriguez.
-- Eric Sondheimer