Baseball: Birmingham is missing top pitcher for playoff opener

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Birmingham will be without its No. 1 pitcher, Daniel Rivas, for its City Section Division I playoff opener against Western League champion Palisades on Tuesday because Rivas was ejected from the Patriots’ final West Valley League game against Taft.

It means No. 2 pitcher Steven Rodriguez will get the call.

Also, Kennedy pitcher Pablo Gonzalez has been on crutches and won’t be available Tuesday for a playoff opener against Cleveland. He could be able to pitch if the Golden Cougars advance to the quarterfinals.

-- Eric Sondheimer