Laguna Beach’s baseball squad clinched a 2‑1 victory over Grand Terrace in the CIF‑SS Division 4 semifinals, securing a berth in the league’s championship game. The win not only extended the Breakers’ season but also underscored a turning point in a campaign that has already delivered a Pacific Coast League title.
Starting pitcher Branson Wade delivered a masterclass on the mound, earning his 25th career win and tying the school’s all‑time record. He also rewrote the strikeout ledger, fanning 246 batters over his career and finishing the game with 108 pitches, 105 of which were strikes, leaving the side retired in his final inning.
A Milestone on the Mound
Wade’s 1.23 ERA and 105 strikeouts in 85.2 innings this season reflect a consistency that has made him the anchor of Laguna Beach’s rotation. His ability to dominate late in games was evident when he struck out the side in his final frame, a fitting exclamation point to a performance that left teammates and coaches alike in awe.
The Breakers will now face Glendora in the Division 4 championship, marking the first title‑game appearance for the program since 2016. The matchup promises a clash of contrasting styles, with Glendora’s early third‑inning lead providing a glimpse of the intensity that awaits.
Coach Ryan Belanto, in his second year at the helm, has transformed the squad into a competitive force, guiding them to a league championship and now a shot at the ultimate prize. His strategic adjustments and emphasis on disciplined pitching have been cited as key factors in the team’s rapid ascent.
Grand Terrace entered the game with aspirations of capturing its first CIF‑SS championship, having surged ahead with a run in the third inning. However, Laguna Beach’s resilient offense answered back in the fifth, seizing the lead and ultimately holding on for the narrow victory.
Looking Ahead to the Finals
As the Breakers prepare for the championship, the community’s excitement is palpable. The team’s blend of veteran poise and youthful energy, anchored by Wade’s historic performances, suggests that this could be a defining moment for Laguna Beach baseball.