The North Coast Section baseball playoffs kicked off with a flurry of games across six divisions, each producing its own set of storylines.
Division I drama
In Division I, the opening round saw De La Salle edge Heritage 11‑10 in a back‑and‑forth contest, while Novato slipped past Foothill 2‑1 and Petaluma held off Berkeley 7‑4. Redwood edged Campolindo 5‑4, and Clayton Valley Charter downed Dublin 6‑3. Liberty and Monte Vista fought to a 3‑3 tie that stretched into 11 innings before the deadlock remained.
Quarterfinal schedule
Friday’s quarterfinals will feature Novato hosting De La Salle, Petaluma traveling to face Redwood, and the winner of the Liberty‑Monte Vista tie meeting Clayton Valley Charter. A postponement of one matchup was called because of dwindling daylight, pushing the game to later in the week.
Division II through V highlights
Division II opened with California beating McKinleyville, Benicia topping Bishop O’Dowd, and Marin Catholic dispatching Encinal. Alameda, Freedom, Eureka, Northgate, Cardinal Newman, Washington‑Fremont, Miramonte, Casa Grande, Windsor and San Leandro all recorded victories, setting a deep field for the next round.
Division III and IV contests
Division III saw El Cerrito shut out Head‑Royce 3‑0, Ukiah outlast American 9‑4, James Logan crush Rancho Cotate 5‑0, St. Mary’s‑Berkeley defeat Irvington 9‑3, and Pittsburg overwhelm Antioch 10‑1. In Division IV, Arroyo faced Pinole Valley, Santa Rosa met Swett, Del Norte took on Newark Memorial, Bethel played Albany, Moreau Catholic squared Clear Lake, Hayward challenged Justin‑Siena, and Livermore hosted Piedmont.
Division V and VI wrap‑up
Division V produced decisive wins for Branson, St. Patrick‑St. Vincent, St. Helena, Healdsburg, Sonoma Valley, Concord and Kelseyville, each advancing to the quarterfinals. Division VI featured Athenian, Rio Lindo Adventist, South Fork, Potter Valley, Ygnacio Valley, International and Tomales in opening round play, promising further competition.