The CIF Southern Section Division 1 baseball playoffs have entered their quarterfinal stage, with the decisive games scheduled for May 22. Because the tournament pairs teams that have hosted fewer playoff contests, the sites for these matchups will be determined by that criterion, adding a strategic edge to the already intense schedule.
Quarterfinal Matchups
The slate of quarterfinal pairings includes Corona taking on Notre Dame, Cypress facing Harvard‑Westlake, St. John Bosco meeting La Mirada, and Norco squaring off against Orange Lutheran. Each series promises a test of resilience, as the single‑game format leaves little margin for error.
Standout Performances
Among the standout performances, Zion Martinez drove in four RBIs for Norco, highlighted by a home run that helped secure a 9‑2 pool‑play victory over Ayala. Corona’s Mason Sims was equally impressive, striking out 12 batters while the Panthers erupted for three homers in a 6‑1 win over Corona/Santiago. Cypress pitcher Drew Slevcove delivered a complete game, fanning 11 opponents in an 8‑0 shutout of Sierra Canyon, and La Mirada’s Justin Torres launched a three‑run homer to fuel an 11‑1 triumph over Huntington Beach. In a dramatic finish, Magnus Mayer delivered a walk‑off hit to cap Loyola’s 7‑6 comeback over Chaminade after a 5‑0 deficit.
Other Notable Games
Additional games added to the tournament’s narrative include Dos Pueblos’ 10‑7 win over Edison, where freshman Mattias DiMaggio contributed three hits and a homer, and Alemany’s 9‑6 victory against Westlake, driven by Mikey Martinez’s three hits and two RBIs. Agoura blanked Garden Grove Pacifica 3‑0 with Tyler Starling driving in all three RBIs. Fullerton edged Corona del Mar 7‑6, thanks to Mason Park’s 3‑for‑4 effort that included a double and an RBI, and Lucas Delgadillo’s clutch hitting added two more RBIs. St. Francis completed a 5‑2 win over Cajon with Aiden Mahoney striking out six batters in five innings, while Jake Smith went 2‑for‑3 with a triple and two RBIs.
As the quarterfinals loom, the blend of power hitting, dominant pitching, and dramatic comebacks sets the stage for a memorable postseason, with each team vying to advance to the semifinals and keep their championship hopes alive.