SGV/Whittier Prep Sports Zone: PREP ROUNDUP, Monday, April 21st, 2025
Monrovia and Temple City win dramatic Rio Hondo League baseball games.
Monrovia pitcher James Quesenbery (Escarcega)
BASEBALL
RIO HONDO LEAGUE
Monrovia 1, San Marino 0: It only figured that two of the better programs in the west SGV this year would put on a pitching and defensive clinic. This was the type of game where the team that blinked first would lose – and San Marino blinked in the bottom of the sixth inning. Isaias Hernandez's short pop fly landed in front of Titans right fielder Jamie Bercaw, who scored Sully Zinn with the eventual winning run in the Wildcats’ home win. Zinn's infield single got the rally going, and it was huge for Zinn since he didn’t play in the series' first game. This game featured two outstanding pitching performances from Monrovia’s James Quesenbery and San Marino’s J.J. Wilson. Quesenbery, who didn’t make it past the third inning in their first matchup on March 17th (a game in which San Marino won 8-1), redeemed himself nicely as he surrendered one hit and struck out three in six innings pitched and picked up the win. His fastball reached a TOP of 83. Left-handed Wilson was equally impressive as he struck out 10 in a complete-game performance. His FB only reached a top of 77, but his off-speed mix of changeup and sliders kept Monrovia on their heels. Monrovia has a 2.5-game lead on San Marino heading into Thursday’s game at San Marino.
Temple City 1, South Pasadena 0, 12 innings: Jack Scanlan’s walk in the bottom of the 12th inning scored Parker Thomas with the winning run as the Rams pulled out a dramatic home win over the Tigers. Tyler Womack pitched eight innings and struck out three, but Brendan Ortiz tossed four scoreless innings in relief and picked up the win. South Pasadena freshman Cody Robinson struck out seven in 6.1 innings of work.
BASELINE LEAGUE
Damien 7, Chino Hills 3: The Spartans scored seven runs in the bottom of the seventh inning, and that was all they needed to defeat the visiting Huskies. Elius Kelly and Bobby Logue each hit home runs for Damien. Rudy O’Dell struck out three in a complete-game victory. He has won his last three starts. Game two will take place on Wednesday at Chino Hills.
GATEWAY LEAGUE
La Mirada 2, Bellflower 1: Ian Nunez’s single in the top of the fifth inning scored Kevin Jeon (who had three hits in the game) to catapult the Matadores to a thrilling win. Noah Dabela, a junior, sparkled on the mound as he allowed one run on five hits and struck out six to pick up the win. Bear Calvo went 2 for 3.
NONLEAGUE
St. Francis 1, Cathedral 0: Noah Aguilar-Tanphanich showed everyone why he is the ace of the Golden Knights staff as he allowed one hit in five innings of work and struck out seven in earning the decision. Aiden Nicolas doubled in the bottom of the fourth, scoring pinch runner Rafael Lopez with the game's only run.
Los Altos 4, Woodbridge 1: Nathan Barrera had two hits and Christian Ramirez struck out four in a complete-game performance.
Alhambra 7, Garfield 5: The Moors scored six runs in the top of the fifth inning and secured a huge road win. Nero Navarro and Daniel Gonzalez amassed two hits and Leon Wang drove in two runs.
Arroyo 6, Bell Gardens 5: Trailing 3-1 in the top of the seventh inning, the Lancers scored four runs to take a 5-3 lead. However, the Knights scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to pull out an exciting win. Sophomore Noah Fonseca had two RBIs, and Gio Perez went 2 for 3.
SOFTBALL
PALOMARES LEAGUE
Ayala 11, Claremont 0, 5 innings: McKenzie Becerra had a big day with two home runs and collected five RBIs as the Bulldogs easily captured a league win in five innings. Lauren Konrad and Marisa Dominguez each drove in two runs. Junior Lilanna Acosta struck out nine in four innings of work and picked up the win. Acosta is 7-0 with a 1.42 ERA.