Calm, cool, collective and possessing a nasty changeup. That’s the best way to describe a dazzling varsity baseball debut for El Camino Real junior left-hander Devin Gonor, who was 8-0 as a junior varsity player last season.
After a strong winter season, Gonor was chosen to start Saturday’s season opener against defending Southern Section Division 2 champion Crespi. On his first pitch, he gave up a double to USC commit Diego Velazquez. The next 11 Crespi batters went down in order. He finished with seven strikeouts in six innings in a 3-1 victory over the Celts.
“He pitched great,” coach Josh Lienhard said.
Said Gonor: “The adrenaline is going from the first pitch. After that, you settle down. The changeup was doing what I wanted. Wherever I wanted to throw it, I could.”
Velazquez scored on two ground outs in the first inning for Crespi, but El Camino Real took a 2-1 lead in the third inning when junior Gavin Farley hit a two-run double. He finished with two hits. The Royals’ defense was outstanding, from shortstop Dylan Adams to third baseman Braden Sellz. It was an encouraging start for an El Camino Real team that will be seeking its 10th City Section title.
Birmingham 2, Saugus 1: Michael Figueroa struck out eight in five innings for Birmingham. Ernesto Martinez and Cris Martinez each had two hits for the Patriots.
Hart 8, Oxnard Pacifica 3: Ryan De La Maza, Lincoln Daly and Brayden Jefferis each had two hits for Hart.
Newbury Park 1, Santa Paula 0: Grayson Paul allowed one hit and struck out seven in a complete game.
Camarillo 9, Thousand Oaks 0: Tommy Goodin had two hits and two RBIs while Nate Tostado threw six shutout innings with seven strikeouts.
Oaks Christian 6, Buena 2: Jack Laubacher gave up one hit with seven strikeouts and no walks in five scoreless innings for the Lions.
West Ranch 11, St. Francis 2: Ty Diaz contributed three hits and Jackson Banuelos struck out nine in five innings for West Ranch.
Huntington Beach 1, Sherman Oaks Notre Dame 0: Cole Clark broke a 0-0 tie in the top of the 10th inning with an RBI single for Huntington Beach. Five Oiler pitchers limited Notre Dame to one hit.
JSerra 7, Mira Costa 1: Matt Champion struck out seven in five innings and Charlie Caruso had two hits for defending Division 1 champion JSerra.
Orange Lutheran 3, Etiwanda 2: Josiah Hartshorn delivered a tie-breaking double to lift the Lancers. Ross Clark threw four shutout innings of relief, striking out six.
Maranatha 6, El Dorado 3: Zach Strickland struck out nine in five scoreless innings and also contributed three hits to lead Maranatha.
Corona 2, Ayala 0: The No. 1-ranked Panthers were as good as advertised in the pitching department in their season opener at Hart Park. Ethan Schiefelbein, Jake Skelskey and Jayden Daya combined on a no-hitter.
Arcadia 1, Charter Oak 0: Gabe Lopez struck out nine in six innings and Jerry Carlos had the game-winning hit in the ninth inning for Arcadia.
Bishop Amat 5, Damien 2: Aiden Barcelo had two RBIs and Aaron Sandin struck out six in 5 2/3 innings for Bishop Amat.
Calabasas 6, Paraclete 2: A five-run seventh propelled the Coyotes to victory. Nate Castellon had two hits.
Santa Barbara 6, Bishop Alemany 5: The Dons scored a run in the seventh to win. Jonathan Alvarez had two RBIs for Bishop Alemany.
Valencia 3, Cleveland 1: Lincoln Hunt had two hits for Valencia.
Agoura 5, Chatsworth 1: Ethan Broome struck out 10 in six innings for Agoura.
Corona del Mar 4, Fullerton 2: Stevie Jones struck out five in six innings.
Viewpoint 6, Glendale 3: Brandon Warner struck out 10 in five innings. Freshman Shane Anderson had two hits.
Bonita 5, Crescenta Valley 4: It took 12 innings before Bonita ended the game with a walk-off win on an error. Camden Farina struck out eight in 5 1/3 innings for Bonita.
Westlake 10, Rio Mesa 4: Nolan Johnson and Noah Stead hit home runs for Westlake.
Chaminade 3, Moorpark 2: Eli Stephens struck out five in three innings for Chaminade.
Simi Valley 10, Grace Brethren 1: Evan Rodriguez had three hits for the Pioneers.
Sierra Canyon 5, Castaic 0: Freshman Sean Parrow allowed no hits in five scoreless innings. Julian Areliz had two doubles.
Softball
Garden Grove Pacifica 9, Chino Hills 1: The defending Division 1 champions opened with two wins. Annika Sogsti had three hits. Brynne Nally struck out eight in four innings with no nits. In the second game, Pacifica defeated Vista Murrieta 2-1. Kaniya Bragg had the game-winning RBI single.
Granada Hills 6, Villa Park 4: Elysse Diaz had a home run, double, single and three RBIs. Jocelyn Jimenez added three hits. Earlier, the Highlanders defeated Cypress 5-0 by Addison Moorman, who struck out 10.
