The Mira Costa Mustangs entered the CIF Division 3 playoffs with a cloud hanging over them, having dropped all three regular‑season meetings to their Bay League rivals, Redondo Union. The stakes were high, and the team’s resolve was tested from the first pitch.
A Playoff Turnaround
When the two squads finally met on the diamond, the Mustangs flipped the script. A clutch, bases‑clearing double by Kellan Finn in the fifth inning turned a tight contest into a 6‑3 lead, while starter Grayson Thomas settled the nerves with a steady stream of strikes.
Coach Andy Diver’s game plan paid off as reliever Emmett Maloney shut down the Redondo rally in the later innings. Support came from a mix of veteran arms and fresh legs, with Sam Schwartz and Jack Green delivering pinch‑hit singles that kept the offense humming.
Redondo fought back, highlighted by Riley Park’s solo homer in the sixth, but a diving catch by Caden Ceman in left field preserved the lead. Ace Tarango’s RBI single and Connor Collins’ walk that plated a run added insurance, while Jandon Rosadini’s early run‑scoring walk set the tone.
The final whistle confirmed a 6‑3 victory, sending the Mustangs to the quarterfinals where they will meet Dos Pueblos. The win not only avenged the regular‑season sweep but also underscored the depth of talent at Mira Costa, from the coaching staff to the bench players who stepped up when it mattered most.