The Huntington Beach Oilers surged into the CIF Southern California Regional Division I championship game on Saturday, dispatching Corona 11-3 in a Thursday semifinal that left little doubt about their title aspirations.
A decisive victory
Dane Cunningham and Max Hopkins each launched home runs, while Owen Bone’s triple and two‑run single helped fuel a five‑run third inning. Jared Grindlinger added two hits, including a triple, to keep the offense rolling.
The win not only underscores the Oilers’ depth but also sets up a much‑anticipated showdown with the victor of the Cathedral Catholic versus La Mirada semifinal, scheduled for Saturday at 4 p.m.
A title defense in sight
Huntington Beach captured the same regional crown two years ago, and the current squad hopes to repeat that success. The team’s blend of power hitting and solid pitching has positioned them as favorites heading into the final.
Coach and players alike emphasized the importance of staying focused, noting that the championship game will test their resilience against a formidable opponent from the San Diego‑area bracket.