Costa Mesa High School Baseball Team Continues Winning Streak

The Costa Mesa baseball team celebrates their latest victory, showcasing teamwork and sportsmanship.

News Summary

The Costa Mesa High School baseball team secured its ninth consecutive victory in the Golden West League with a 5-3 win against Katella. Key performances from senior players like Will Clark and pitcher Troy Simmonds were instrumental in maintaining the Mustangs’ top position in the standings. Despite Katella’s efforts, including a late run, they were unable to break Costa Mesa’s lead. The Mustangs’ offensive strategy has shown improvement, with important matches ahead as they aim for the league championship.

Costa Mesa

The Costa Mesa High School baseball team maintained its strong performance in the Golden West League with a 5-3 victory over Katella on Friday. This win marks the Mustangs’ ninth consecutive victory in league play, extending their record to 9-0 and solidifying their position at the top of the standings, two games ahead of Katella, who now holds a 7-2 league record.

Senior first baseman Will Clark, wearing his mother’s high school jersey number 22, showcased a notable performance during the game, going 4 for 4 with two runs batted in (RBIs). Clark’s contributions were pivotal in the Mustangs’ turnaround during a challenging game, as Katella initially took a 2-0 lead in the second inning. However, Costa Mesa rallied back, particularly in the third inning, to gain control of the match.

Clark’s crucial third-inning single brought in the team’s first run of the game, followed by a double from teammate Grady Jackson that drove in two additional runs, propelling the Mustangs into the lead with a three-run inning. The team continued to build on their effort with subsequent scoring plays. In the seventh inning, Owen Dever’s adjusted play, originally a bunt attempt that turned into a hit, allowed for another run, further securing Costa Mesa’s advantage.

Senior pitcher Troy Simmonds earned the win for the Mustangs, improving his record to 5-2 after an impressive outing that saw him pitch into the seventh inning. Simmonds faced some challenges, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out two batters; however, his performance was solid enough to keep the team in a favorable position.

Despite their efforts, Katella managed to score a run due to an error in the seventh inning, reducing their deficit but ultimately falling short with a final score of 5-3. This result marks an important moment in the league as Costa Mesa continues to lead the standings.

The Mustangs have three more league matches scheduled: two against Katella at Costa Mesa High on Thursday and Friday, followed by a game at Kennedy on May 7. Their consistent success is notably set against the backdrop of Segerstrom’s disqualification from the league championship due to violations of CIF Southern Section bylaws, which resulted in several forfeited victories.

Throughout the season, the Mustangs’ offense has shown marked improvement. Clark, who entered the game with a team-leading 27 hits and a batting average of .355, commented on the recent success of the team’s offensive strategy, highlighting their ability to make clutch hits during critical moments of the game. Coach Jim Kiefer also emphasized the importance of timely offensive execution in securing victories as they aim to maintain their dominant position in the league.

As the Mustangs approach the conclusion of their league schedule, their competitive edge and collaborative efforts are likely to be key factors in their upcoming matches and potential league championship aspirations.