REDLANDS – With a 4-1 lead over Redlands Citrus Valley, Newport Harbor baseball coach Josh Lee decided a new look was in order.
Newport Harbor starting pitcher Sam DiCarlo hit Citrus Valley shortstop Cy Robinson in the left shoulder with a pitch. That loaded the bases with one out in the fifth inning. It wasn’t exactly time for the change.
DiCarlo induced Riley Hunsaker to pop out to short for the second out.
Then Lee made the change, moving shortstop Joey Rogers to the mound.
Wright threw what Lee called his borderline submarine pitches, fanning Joey Wright on an off-speed pitch. That ended the threat, leaving three runners stranded on the way to Newport Harbor’s 5-1 victory Tuesday in the second round of the CIF Southern Section Division 3 playoffs.
Newport Harbor (18-11) will host Downey, which defeated Capistrano Valley Christian, 7-3, on Friday.
Citrus Valley, which won the Division 5 championship last season, finished the season with an 18-8 record.
“This situation is exactly what you would ask for – Riley (Hunsaker) and (catcher Jared) Snyder coming up.” Citrus Valley coach Jon Austin said. “You don’t see too many side-armers in high school baseball.”
Lee, who played college baseball at Cal State San Bernardino, said that was exactly the point.
“We got Joey to drop to side arm in December, and he can throw 81, 82 miles an hour from there.” Lee said. “These are the situations he is made for.”
Citrus Valley scored their only run in the bottom of the first when Hunsaker singled, stole second, and scored on Marc DiCarlo’s single.
Newport Harbor followed with four runs in the top of the second. Troy Christensen hit a leadoff double to right-center. He moved too third when Austin Lueck beat out a bunt single.
Newport Harbor catcher Lucas Perez was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Jack Morris drove Christensen home on what was ruled an infield single. Jacob Jacome’s throw to home was wild, but he recovered as he tagged Lueck out when he tried to score.
Wright doubled in two runs and Bryce Blaser brought Wright home with a double.
“I know how good baseball is in the Inland Empire because I went to college here,” Lee said.
Newport Harbor won their first-round matchup when their top starting pitcher, Trent Liolios, struck out 11 against San Clemente.