The Southern California high school baseball scene is buzzing after two local programs punched their tickets to the CIF‑Southern Section championship series.
North Torrance surged past Santa Paula 9‑3, driven by a powerful performance from Drew Bello, who launched a home run and added two RBIs, while Josiah Reed contributed a pair of hits. Sei Nagashima’s patience at the plate paid off with two walks, a hit‑by‑pitch, a sacrifice fly and two runs scored, and Seth Narasaki threw 3 ⅔ innings to earn the win, supported by reliever Joey Banuelos, who struck out two in 3 ⅓ innings.
Rolling Hills Prep opened the game with a four‑run first inning and never looked back, as Samuel Lopez went 3‑for‑3 with two runs, two RBIs, a home run and three stolen bases. Alex Hernandez and Jake Levin each added a double and an RBI, while Matthew Moyer delivered a complete‑game effort, allowing just three runs over seven hits and fanning 11 batters.
What’s next for the contenders?
Both squads will now meet their respective opponents in the finals — North Torrance is slated to face South El Monte, while Rolling Hills Prep will take on Webb — on either Friday or Saturday at a venue yet to be announced.
The upcoming finals promise a test of depth and resilience, as each team brings a blend of power hitting and solid pitching. Fans can expect a tightly contested series that could reshape the regional baseball landscape.