Huntington Beach surged into the Division I baseball championship after a decisive 11-3 victory over Corona, a performance that blended power hitting with a dominant pitching outing.
The offense was anchored by Dane Cunningham, who launched a two-run homer, while Maxx Hopkins added a solo blast, and Jared Grindlinger contributed a triple, a single and two RBIs. Right-hander Tanner Brown capped the effort with six strikeouts in five innings, keeping Corona at bay.
Key Performances
The next challenge will be the winner of the Southern Section showdown between La Mirada and Cathedral Catholic, a match slated for Saturday that promises another test of Huntington Beach’s momentum.
Meanwhile, the tournament’s other divisions are shaping up with Newport Harbor set to host Bakersfield Christian in the Division II final, while Kaiser prepares to meet the champion of Glendora and Westview for the Division III crown after a gritty 7-5 semifinal win over Helix, highlighted by Tino Cuellar’s two-run homer.
North Torrance also advanced, shutting out Central Valley Christian 6-0 behind Mason Matsumoto’s six scoreless innings, and will await the victor of South El Monte and Francis Parker.
Division V saw Coastal Academy claim the title by forfeit after a bench-clearing brawl between Verdugo Hills and Roosevelt, a dramatic end to a contested tournament.
In softball, La Habra secured its spot in the Division I final with an 8-7 win over St. Paul, fueled by Milee Valencia’s walk-off, two-run single and Alyssa Hernandez’s three-run homer.
Riverside Prep edged Redwood 4-3 and will host the Division II softball championship, while Arroyo Valley and San Bernardino are set to clash in the Division V final after both posted convincing victories.