San Diego American Legion District 22’s championship playoffs are around the corner, with the top three teams in both the Navy and Marine divisions qualifying for the six-team postseason double-elimination tournament July 15-19 at the University of San Diego.
Four teams qualified for last year’s playoffs.
The Patrick Henry Trojan (Post 416), Santana Sea Knights (Post 258), Helix Hornets (Post 416) and the Coronado Seals (Squadron 460) comprised last year’s playoff field that featured the top two teams from both divisions.
Last year’s revival season marked the first on-field action in the 19U baseball circuit since 1985. Patrick Henry went on to finish third in the state tournament.
Which teams will be vying for postseason glory this season?
Homegrown
The first-year Bonita Seahawks improved to 4-2 on the season following Monday’s 6-2 win over the visiting Monte Vista Vigilantes.
Cameron Barbabosa pitched the first four innings for the Seahawks, allowing two runs, while Gio Armas mopped up with a scoreless run over the final three frames. Barbabosa and Armas each registered three strikeouts in the win.
Felix Ikeda and Armas each drove in two runs while Gabe Marmalejo collected one RBI. Tyler Black, Robert Van Dorn and Ikeda each scored twice in the seven-inning game.
Both teams featured lineups heavy on junior varsity players making the jump to varsity play next season.
“American Legion is big on the East Coast; they’re trying to make it big like it was out here in the 1970s,” Bonita assistant coach Joe Blanco explained. “It’s a way to keep kids playing over the summer. We carry 18 on our roster. It’s pretty loose — free and easy. It allows kids to get a lot of at-bats and play different positions. We’re getting some surprises.”
The second-year Vigilantes fell to 3-4 on the season with Monday’s loss. The program draws players from the high school’s JV team, mostly alumni from Valley de Oro and Spring Valley little leagues in the area.
The Monarchs finished the 2019 high school baseball season with a 16-14 record but did not qualify for the San Diego Section playoffs.
Isaiah Hilke and Jacob Savoy finished up Monday’s game on the mound for the Vigilantes.
Coaches see the American Legion summer program as a way to continue the transition onto the varsity team.
“It gives them a chance to play with the team, grow together,” assistant coach Justin Schwerizer said.
“It’s an opportunity for some of the young guys to show us what they have,” assistant coach Daniel McCarthy added.
Regular season play ends July 12.
Batter up
The Montgomery Harriers improved to 6-1 on the season after recording a 7-0 victory over the visiting Madison Hawkeyes on Monday. Daniel Hernandez led the Harriers with three RBI.
According to standings maintained by the league, Patrick Henry (6-0), West Hills (5-0) and San Marcos (4-0) all remain undefeated.
The state championship tournament is scheduled July 25-29 in Yountville, followed by the western region tournament Aug. 5-11 in Fairfield.
The 93rd American Legion World Series is scheduled Aug. 15-20 in Shelby, N.C.
San Diego District 22 American Legion Standings
(Through July 1)
Marine Division
Patrick Henry Trojan 6-0
San Marcos Sea King 4-0
Santana Sea Knights 4-2
Scripps Ranch Phantoms 4-2
Bonita Seahawks 4-2
San Pasqual Hercules 3-3
Monte Vista Vigilantes 3-4
Ramona Patriots 1-4
Mt. Miguel Lightning 1-6
Mira Mesa Ospreys 0-6
Navy Division
West Hills Tomcats 5-0
Montgomery Harriers 6-1
Granite Hills Prowlers 4-2
Clairemont Corsairs 4-2
La Jolla Country Day Skyhawks 4-2
La Jolla Vikings 4-3
University City Growlers 3-4
Mater Dei Crusaders 2-4
Mission Bay Cobras 2-4
Hoover Panthers 2-4
Madison Hawkeyes 1-4
Coronado Seals 0-7
San Diego District 22 American Legion Scoreboard
Friday, June 28
Hoover 5, La Jolla 3
San Pasqual 2, Ramona 1
Monday, July 1
San Marcos 5, Scripps Ranch 4
La Jolla Country Day 8, Coronado 7
Montgomery 7, Madison 0
West Hills 4, University City 3
Patrick Henry 15, Ramona 14
Clairemont 2, Hoover 1
Granite Hills 4, Mater Dei 3
Bonita 6, Monte Vista 2
Mt. Miguel 12, Mira Mesa 4
Wednesday, July 3
La Jolla 6, Hoover 2
San Marcos 3, Patrick Henry 2
Montgomery 7, Clairemont 0
La Jolla Country Day 9. Mater Dei 0
Mission Bay 11, Coronado 1
Madison at University City, no report
Bonita 7, Mira Mesa 0 (forfeit)
Santana 4, Monte Vista 0
Granite Hills at West Hills, no report
Mt. Miguel at Ramona, no report
Scripps Ranch 14, San Pasqual 0
Photo Gallery by Phillip Brents
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