A Grand Slam Sets the Tone
Gunner Church, the Northern Athletic League MVP, stepped up to the plate in the opening round of the CIF Division IV NorCal regional playoffs and launched a grand slam that ignited the West Valley Eagles' offense, helping the team surge to a 12-1 victory over Amador.
Aiden Sweet took the mound and delivered five disciplined innings, allowing just one run while striking out three batters, underscoring the Eagles' balanced attack that combined power hitting with strong pitching.
Church's season-long numbers — .377/.500/.574 with nine extra-base hits, 17 RBIs and 18 runs scored — highlight his all-around impact, while his 0.00 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 9.1 innings showcase his two-way dominance.
Looking Ahead to the Regional Semifinals
The Eagles now turn their focus to the regional semifinals, where they will meet Half Moon Bay. The upcoming matchup promises another test of the team's depth and resilience as they aim to extend their streak of back-to-back section titles.