2007 American Legion Schedule

Date Day Time Visitor Home Location
June 8 Friday 5:00pm Malibu Harvard-WL UCLA
June 9 Saturday 2:00pm SaMo A Malibu Malibu
June 12 Tuesday 5:00pm Malibu Brentwood UCLA
June 15 Friday 5:00pm Malibu Brentwood Malibu
June 16 Saturday 10:00am Palisades B Malibu UCLA
June 20 Wednesday 5:00pm Palisades A Malibu UCLA
June 23 Saturday 10:00am Malibu Beverly Hills Malibu
June 23 Saturday 2:00pm University Malibu Malibu
June 28 Thursday 5:00pm Beverly Hills Malibu UCLA
June 30 Saturday 10:00am Grant Malibu Malibu
June 30 Saturday 1:00pm Knight Malibu Malibu
July 5 Thursday 5:00pm Harvard-WL Malibu UCLA
July 7 Saturday 10:00am Malibu SaMo A SaMo High
July 9 Monday 5:00pm Harvard-WL Malibu UCLA
July 11 Wednesday 5:00pm Brentwood Malibu UCLA
July 13 Friday 5:00pm Malibu Harvard-WL UCLA
July 14 Saturday 10:00am Panorama City Malibu Malibu
July 14 Saturday 1:00pm La Canada Malibu Malibu
July 20 Friday 5:00pm Malibu Palisades A UCLA
July 21 Saturday 10:00am SaMo B Malibu UCLA
July 21 Saturday 2:00pm Malibu SaMoA UCLA

To Saticoy Field

Malibu takes on St. Bonaventure tomorrow in the final game of the 2007 season. To get to Saticoy Field where the Seraphs play their home games, take the 101 Freeway to the Central exit. Go right on Central to Vineyard and turn right. Take Vineyard to Los Angeles Avenue and turn left. (Los Angeles Avenue will become Wells Road.) The field is located near the corner of Wells and Henderson.

For a map, go here.

Senior Day, 2007

The Malibu High baseball program honors its graduating seniors before today's game against St. Bonaventure. Please come early to honor Sloan Campi, Jace Dispenza, Jake Jesson, Andrew Kramer, Greg Kernodle, Wilder Philipson, Jason Walsh, and Jared Weinstock--along with their parents--for all their contributions to Sharks baseball.

Fillmore 5, Sharks 3 (Game Summary)

Fillmore scored two runs in the top of the tenth inning and held on to defeat Malibu, 5-3, in a key Tri-Valley League game at Malibu High on Friday. The victory moved Fillmore into sole possession of fourth place with a league record of five wins and five losses. Malibu (4-6) is a game behind Fillmore with two games left to play against first-place St. Bonaventure.

The Sharks jumped out to an early lead, but were unable to hold off the Flashes. After Jace Dispenza, making his first start on the mound, retired Fillmore in order in the top of the first inning, Greg Kernodle led off the bottom half of the inning with a four-pitch walk. Sean Conrad popped up a bunt attempt for the first out of the inning. Stephen Williams followed with a single that moved Kernodle into scoring position at second base. Jared Weinstock popped to short for the second out. Dispenza then turned on a 3-1 pitch and drilled a double down the third base line. Kernodle scored the first Malibu run on the hit and Williams advanced to third. A few pitches later, with Jacob Perrin at the plate, Williams scored the Sharks’ second run on a passed ball.

Dispenza did not allow a baserunner until the third inning when designated hitter Raul Ramirez lined a one-out single to left. Anthony Flores struck out looking for the second out of the inning. With Jonathan Avila at the plate, Ramirez advanced to second on wild pitch but was thrown out trying to steal third for the final out of the inning.

After going quietly in the bottom of the second, Malibu added another run in the third. Williams led off the inning with a double off the centerfield fence. He then moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Weinstock and, on a 1-1 pitch to Dispenza, scored on a wild pitch to make the score 3-0.

It appeared that three runs would be more than enough for Dispenza, who threw 40 strikes in 53 pitches while striking out four through the first four innings. In the fifth inning, however, Dispenza began to struggle. Eric Galvan led off with a four-pitch walk, but Dispenza got some help from his defense as Williams threw out Galvan trying to steal. Dispenza hit the next batter, centerfielder Sean Conaway, and walked Justin Liu before getting the second out of the inning via a fielder’s choice on a ground ball off the bat of Ramirez to Perrin at short. After a stolen base by Ramirez put two runners in scoring position, Dispenza battled back to get his fifth strikeout of the game to end the inning.

After Williams doubled in the third inning, Fillmore senior pitcher Jonathan Avila retired 17 of the next 18 Sharks batters. In fact, from the second inning through the tenth, Malibu never had more than one baserunner in an inning.

Meanwhile, Fillmore took advantage of walks and errors to tie the score in the top of the sixth. Following a lead-off walk, Sal Ibarra lined a pitch just out of the reach of Kernodle at second. An alert play by centerfielder Nate Schoenbrun turned the apparent hit into a fielder’s choice as Avila was forced out at second base. An infield error and a walk loaded the bases and ended Dispenza’s work on the mound.

Sean Conrad entered the game and struggled with his control. A walk to Galvan forced in Ibarra with Fillmore’s first run. A 1-2 curveball hit Conaway in the back to force in another run and leave the bases loaded. Liu followed with a grounder to Perrin at short. Conaway was forced at second, but Kernodle’s relay to Weinstock at first was not in time to complete the double play. Ralph Meza scored on the play to tie the score, 3-3. Conrad got Ramirez to fly out to Dispenza in center for the third out of the inning.

The Sharks went in order in both the sixth and seventh innings. Fillmore had an opportunity to take the lead in the top of the seventh. Jason Hurtado, pinch-hitting for Flores, ran the count full before walking to lead off the inning. However, on the first pitch to Avila, Hurtado was thrown out stealing. Avila singled to left but was left stranded on first as both Ibarra and Larry Tovar popped out.

Except for a hit batter, Conrad breezed through the eighth inning. In the bottom of the eighth, Williams made a bid for a walkoff homerun but came up inches short. On a 1-2 pitch from Avila, Williams drove a ball to the fence in straightaway center, but Conaway was there to make the catch. Weinstock followed with a two-out single to left, but Dispenza flied to center to send the game into the ninth inning.

Conrad retired Fillmore in order in the ninth. Malibu got a two-out single from Tony Gwyn in the bottom of the inning but Gwyn was left on first when Schoenbrun popped out to second.

In the top of the tenth, Tovar doubled into the left-center gap with one out. A pop foul caught by Weinstock at first left the Flashes with just one out to go. Conrad walked Galvan intentionally after falling behind, 3-0, and then hit Conaway to load the bases. On a 2-1 pitch, Liu singled to center to drive in Tovar and Galvan with the go-ahead runs. Alex Becerra struck out to end the inning with the score 5-3.

With the pitch count at 117 entering the bottom of the tenth inning, Jonathan Avila appeared stronger than at the start of the game. Kernodle grounded out to first on a 1-0 pitch. Conrad struck out swinging for the second out of the inning. Williams hit a routine fly ball to center to end the game.

Game Notes: Fillmore center fielder Sean Conaway was hit by a pitch four times in the game–once by Dispenza in the fifth inning and three times by Conrad (in the sixth, eighth, and tenth innings). . . . Only one Malibu runner reached second base after the third inning. . . . Stephen Williams was 6-for-9 with a homerun and a double in the two games against Fillmore. Two of the three outs he made were fly balls caught up against the fence. . . . Fillmore scored three runs in the top of the sixth without a base hit. . . . Dispenza struck out five and gave up just two hits in 5.1 innings of work.

Fillmore 5, Sharks 3 (Photos)

Jace Dispenza delivers a pitch in the top of the second inning.

Stephen Williams doubles off the fence in center in the third inning.

Sean Conrad pitches in the top of the seventh.

On the Nose

Stephen Williams is hitting .474 with 4 homeruns and 9 RBIs since breaking his nose on April 14.

Sharks 9, Fillmore 4 (Photos)

Starting pitcher Jacob Perrin works in the sixth inning.

Stephen Williams singles in the seventh inning.

Sloan Campi steals second in the top of the seventh.

All That Jazz

We're still looking for a link to the photo online, but senior Jared Weinstock was featured with the Malibu High Jazz Quintet in last week's Malibu Times. The ensemble earned top honors at the Fullerton College Jazz Festival on March 23.

Back to Work

Practice resumes tomorrow at 1:00 p.m.

On Saturday, the Sharks will play a doubleheader at Grace Brethren beginning at 11:00 a.m. (Grace Brethren is located at 1350 Cherry Avenue in Simi Valley. For a map, go here.)

Scouting Report: Oak Park Eagles

The Sharks (3-6) play their first-ever Tri-Valley League game today at home against the Oak Park Eagles (5-2). The home-and-away series will conclude on Friday at Oak Park. Both games are scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. (For a map to Oak Park High School, click here.)

Oak Park is coming off two shutout wins over Village Christian (13-0) and Kilpatrick (26-0). The Eagles' three other wins, all in the El Segundo Tournament, were by identical 12-4 scores over Crenshaw, Redondo, and Cathedral. The Eagles lost one-run games in the tournament to San Pedro and Whittier.

Leading the Eagles this season is senior Blair Walters, who is currently hitting .583 with 3 homeruns and 19 RBIs. Walters is also Oak Park's number one starter. Last season he posted a 6-2 record with a 1.78 ERA in 51 innings on the mound.

Also off to hot starts for the Eagles are senior catcher Ty Muller and junior pitcher and outfielder Mitchell Halpert. Muller is hitting .632 with six extra-base hits. Halpert, hitting .542, has 2 doubles, 2 triples, and a homerun.

Last year, Oak Park rode a nine-run third inning to a 14-7 win over Malibu in the only matchup between the two teams.

Pictures

Don't forget that tomorrow is picture day for the Malibu High baseball team. Sports Legends Photography will be taking team and individual photos.

Tony and Matt Berru of Digital Prospects took pictures during the first game of the doubleheader against L.A. Baptist on Saturday. (Matt, a catcher for L.A. Baptist, graduated in 2006.) To see proofs from the game, follow the instructions on the web site. My e-mail request for proofs got an almost immediate response containing seven very good shots of #44.

Scouting Report: L.A. Baptist Knights

After playing four consecutive games on the road, the Sharks return home today for the first of this season's three Saturday doubleheaders. Malibu will be looking to reverse a three-game losing streak before beginning Tri-Valley League play on Wednesday against Oak Park.

The Sharks' opponent for today's twin bill, L.A. Baptist, compiled a 10-13 record last season. In a rain-soaked game at L.A. Baptist a year ago, Malibu came away with a 4-2 win.

The Knights, who will be playing their first game of the season today, bring a team full of seniors into the 2007 campaign. Their offensive leader is expected to be senior first baseman John Balbuena. In 2006, Balbuena led the Knights in batting average (.371), homeruns (2), and RBIs (20).

On the mound last season, right-hander Tom Gilbertson had 50 strikeouts in 46.2 innings while putting together a 3-5 record. (Gilbertson was the losing pitcher against Malibu a year ago.) Lefty Jason Pratts was second on the team to Gilbertson in innings pitched in 2006. Pratts was 3-4 with a 4.72 ERA. Gilbertson and Pratts are both seniors this year.

The first game at Malibu High is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.

Campbell Hall 6, Sharks 5

The Sharks banged out 12 hits including three doubles and a homerun but fell short in a 6-5 loss to Campbell Hall. Greg Kernodle doubled twice, Jace Dispenza had two singles, Jacob Perrin had a single and a double, and Stephen Williams also had two hits including his first homerun of the year.

Freshman Matt Cathcart, making his first varsity start, pitched five innings for the Sharks. Cathcart gave up five runs, all earned, struck out two, walked three, and hit two batters. Because the homerun by Williams tied the game in the sixth inning, Cathcart was spared the loss.

Malibu mounted a short-lived threat in the top of the first. After Kernodle grounded out to lead off the inning, Dispenza singled to center and advanced to second on a passed ball. Williams walked, but Jared Weinstock grounded into a double play to end the inning.

After Cathcart retired the Vikings in order in the bottom of the first, Malibu pushed across a run in the top of the second. Justin Hale led off with a single to right. With Jacob Perrin at the plate, Hale moved over to second on a wild pitch. Perrin hit a grounder back to pitcher Zach Kaplan. Hale broke for third and would have been thrown out, but Kaplan's throw to third baseman Ben Schwartz was high allowing Hale to slide in under Schwartz's tag. With runners on first and third, Nate Schoenbrun singled to left to drive in Hale with the first Malibu run. Schoenbrun stole second with Sean Conrad at the plate. Conrad then lined out to short for the first out of the inning. Tony Gwyn follwed with a bunt back to the pitcher who flipped the ball to catcher Aaron Hassel in plenty of time to get Perrin trying to score. The inning ended when Greg Kernodle lined out to second baseman Tyler Johnson.

Campbell Hall tied the game in the bottom of the second. After retiring the first two Vikings hitters on ground balls to Kernodle at second, Cathcart hit Johnson with a pitch. A balk moved Johnson to second and he scored when Tyler Winther singled to left center. An errant throw from the outfield allowed Winther to move to second, but Cathcart retired Paul Maler on another groundout to second to end the inning with the scored tied, 1-1.

The Sharks added three more runs and seemed poised to pull away from Campbell Hall in the third inning. Dispenza led off with his second base hit of the game. After a wild pitch advanced Dispenza to second, Williams lined a single into left field. With runners on the corners, Jared Weinstock singled to right to knock in Dispenza. Hale then bunted Williams and Weinstock over to second and third. Perrin followed with a single to left to drive in Williams and advance Weinstock to third. In a replay of the previous inning, Schoenbrun bunted back to Kaplan who tossed the ball to Hassel to nail Weinstock at the plate. With two outs and runners on first and second, Conrad singled to right to drive in Perrin. When Winther's throw from right rolled toward home plate, Schoenbrun tried to score. Hassel fielded the throw in foul territory on the first base side and raced to the plate in time to tag out Schoenbrun for the third out of the inning.

Staked to a 4-1 lead, Cathcart ran into some problems in the bottom of the third. After retiring the leadoff hitter on a grounder to Perrin at short, Cathcart walked the next two hitters. A hit batter loaded the bases with one out and a walk to Kaplan pushed across one run. Schwartz and Johnson followed with line drive singles up the middle to drive in the second and third runs of the inning. Cathcart escaped further damage by striking out Winther and inducing Maler to ground out to end the inning.

In both the fourth and fifth innings, Malibu put together a double and walk but was unable to score. Kernodle doubled deep to center with one out in the fourth. After Dispenza struck out, Kernodle stole third. Williams walked on four pitches and stole second before Weinstock flied to center to end the innings.

Perrin doubled deep to center with one out in the fifth. Schoenbrun followed with a walk, but Conrad and pinch hitter Dalton Abbott both struck out to leave Perrin and Schoenbrun stranded.

Meanwhile, the Vikings took a 5-4 lead in the bottom of the fourth on a solo homerun by leadoff hitter Greg Zebrack. Two line drives hauled in by Conrad in right prevented any further scoring in the inning.

Malibu tied the game in the sixth, but came away thinking about what might have been. Kernodle led off the inning with his second extra-base hit of the game. On a drive over the left fielder's head, Kernodle was thrown out trying to stretch his double into a three bases. The Sharks' next hitter, Jace Dispenza was hit by a pitch. With Williams at the plate and the count 2-2, Dispenza was thrown out trying to steal second. With two outs, a full count, and the bases empty, Williams drove the payoff pitch high over the left field fence for his first homerun of the season and a short-lived 5-5 score.

In the top of the sixth, Sean Conrad replaced Cathcart on the mound. Conrad struggled with his control, but struck out leadoff hitter Ted Rothenberg on a 3-2 pitch. Evan Haskell followed with a walk after Conrad ran the count to 3-2. Zebrack also walked to set the stage for Aaron Hassel. On the first pitch, Hassel singled to drive in Haskell. Zebrack moved to third, but Hassel was thrown out at second by Tony Gwyn when he tried to advance on the throw to third. With two outs, Matthew Cherry missed a squeeze attempt allowing Zebrack to be tagged out between third and home.

Trailing 6-5 in the top of the seventh, the Sharks threatened but failed to score. Hale grounded out to short to start the inning. Perrin followed with a walk and moved to second when Schoenbrun grounded out on a dribbler in front of the plate. With two outs and first base open, the Vikings intentionally walked Conrad. Gwyn then grounded to short for the final out of the game.

Overall, Malibu left ten runners on base. Five others were thrown out on the bases, three of them at home.

Scouting Report: Montclair Prep Mounties

The Sharks travel to the Mid-Valley baseball complex tomorrow to take on Cher's alma mater, Montclair Prep. The Mounties, currently 3-1-1, have wins against North Hollywood, Monroe, and Poly so far this season.

Montclair Prep is led by senior pitcher/third baseman Naveed Rezvani. Last year, Rezvani led the Mounties in batting average (.447), hits (34), wins (9), and ERA (2.26).

Sophomore shortstop Matt Hartunian put up impressive numbers as a freshman with a .425 batting average, 6 homeruns, and 20 RBIs. Joining Hartunian up the middle is sophomore second baseman Ray Palafox who hit .330 last season.

Malibu and Montclair Prep have traded wins over the last two seasons. The Mounties won last year's matchup, 3-0, behind the pitching of Enrique Zenon. (Nate Schoenbrun threw two runners out at home in a game noteworthy for great defensive plays.) In 2005, Malibu won, 5-4, on a three-run homer by Daniel Williams.

Incidentally, Michael Jackson is also an alumnus of Montclair Prep.

Walking Shoes

Forget about new spikes. What Stephen Williams needs is a pair of good walking shoes.

Through the first five games of the season, Williams has been walked six times and has been hit by a pitch four times. On Saturday, Palisades High pitchers walked Williams three times (twice in the sixth inning) and hit him once.

For his troubles, Williams has a .611 on-base percentage.

HBP number 2 vs. Saint Monica on March 2.

HBP number 3 vs. Culver City on March 6.

The Week Ahead

After going 3-2 in the Royal Invitational Tournament, Malibu heads into a week of tough non-league competition before beginning Tri-Valley League play against Oak Park on March 21.

The Sharks travel to the Mid-Valley baseball complex on Tuesday to take on Montclair Prep. On Wednesday, the Sharks hit the road again for a game at Campbell Hall. The week ends with a doubleheader at home against LA Baptist on Saturday.

Both mid-week games begin at 3:15 p.m. Start time for the first game of Saturday's doubleheader is 11:00 a.m.

March 10: The Schedule

The Sharks, coming off a 7-4 win over Huntington Park, play Pali High at their yard at 2:00 p.m. in the final game of the Royal Invitational Tournament.

Palisades High School is located at 15777 Bowdoin Street in Pacific Palisades (at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Temescal Canyon Road). The baseball field is situated at the north end of the school property with Sunset Boulevard above and beyond the outfield fence. For a map, click here.

The JV squad has the day off.

Frosh at SV

The Sharks' freshman team plays tomorrow at Simi Valley in a game set to begin at 3:00 p.m. The SVHS Pioneers lost to Crespi's freshmen, 14-2, last Friday and rebounded to beat Burroughs, 12-6, on Wednesday.

Malibu and Simi Valley play at Simi Valley again on Monday.

Scouting Report: Huntington Park Spartans

Huntington Park enters tomorrow's game against the Sharks with a 1-2 record. The Spartans started the Royal Invitational Tournament with a 2-1 win over Lawndale before dropping a 3-2 decision to Mary Star of the Sea and being routed, 20-4, by Birmingham on Monday.

Huntington Park starter Mauricio Sanchez gave up ten hits and eight earned runs in just 2 2/3 innings against Birmingham. Meanwhile, Huntington Park hitters could manage only four hits in the game.

Danny Hernandez and Gustavo Corona lead the Spartans offensively. Hernandez is hitting .500 over the first three games of the 2007 season with a double and two stolen bases. Corona has a .333 average and two stolen bases. Each of his three hits thus far has been a double.

Randy Matos, who pitched eight innings to earn the win in extra innings against Lawndale a week ago, is the probable starter for the Spartans against Malibu. The senior hurler struck out seven without walking a batter in that outing.

Last season, Huntington Park finished with a 12-15 record. Matos was the leading hitter with a .356 average. Overall, the Spartans hit .239 over the course of the 2006 season.

Game time is 3:00 p.m. for the game, which is being played at South East High School.

South East New What?

Tomorrow's game against Huntington Park will be played at a nearby high school, South East High in South Gate. South East High is the newest high school in the LA Unified School District. It is located on the grounds of the former General Motors plant in South Gate at 2720 Tweedy Boulevard (just off of South Alameda Street north of the 105). Click here for a map.

(Please note: Because South East High sits on 26 acres, the baseball field could be anywhere. Plan to get there early.)

From Thursday to Friday

Game 4 for Malibu in the Royal Invitational Tournament has been rescheduled from Thursday to Friday. The Sharks will play the Huntington Park Spartans on Friday at 3:00 p.m.

(Please check back for information on getting to Huntington Park's home field.)

Culver City 7, Sharks 1 (Photos)

Sean Conrad bats in the first inning.

Dalton Abbott bats in the third inning.

Greg Kernodle flies to left in the third inning.

Stephen Williams launches a long foul ball in the fourth inning.

Wilder Philipson delivers in the fourth inning.

Jace Dispenza pitches in the sixth inning.

Stephen Williams trots home as the sixth inning ends on a fly out.

Andrew Kramer bats in the seventh inning.

Culver City 7, Sharks 1

Culver City took advantage of a shaky Malibu defense to score six runs in the first three innings in the course of handing the Sharks their first loss of the season, 7-1.

The defensive problems started quickly for Malibu. Culver City leadoff hitter Patrick Cousineau turned an infield hit into an extra base when Sean Conrad's throw got past first baseman Dalton Abbott. Michael Lee then dribbled a ground ball toward first and reached safely as pitcher Wilder Philipson was unable to find the handle on the ball. With runners on first and third, Kevin Ozaki grounded back to Philipson who threw to Stephen Williams at the plate to get Cousineau trying to score. The third Malibu error of the inning, on a groundball hit by MacArrin Tucker, scored Lee and moved Ozaki to third. After Adrian Campos popped out to Jacob Perrin at shortstop, Philipson hit James Seay to load the bases and then hit Jacob Blodgett to drive in another run.

Malibu put two runners on in the bottom of the first with a base hit by Jace Dispenza and a walk to Williams, but the Sharks were retired in order in the second and third innings while Culver City was tacking on four more runs.

In the top of the second, Andrew Connolly bunted and ended up on second as Philipson's throw was wild. Connolly moved to third on Cousineau's groundout to Greg Kernodle at second and scored two batters later when Kevin Ozaki beat the relay as the Sharks tried to execute an inning-ending double play.

In the third, Adrian Campos led off with a bunt single, assisted by a mental error by third baseman Sean Conrad who touched the ball in fair territory even as it seemed to be heading foul. After Seay walked and moved Campos to second, Williams picked Campos off of second. When the rundown ended, Campos was out and Seay had moved to second. A walk to Blodgett and a wild pitch that advanced both runners set the stage for a sacrifice fly by Kevin Cohen. Connolly followed with a double that scored Blodgett. Cousineau's single down the left field line drove in Connolly with the third run of the inning.

The Centaurs increased their lead to 7-0 in the fifth inning. Connolly started things off with a one-out single to left. Cousineau and Lee both followed with walks. With the bases loaded, Coach Paul Gallo called on Jace Dispenza to pitch in relief of Philipson. Ozaki, the first batter to face Dispenza, lined out to Nate Schoenbrun in center to score Connolly, who tagged from third. Tucker then lined out to Kernodle for the final out of the inning.

Malibu finally got on the board in the sixth inning. Kernodle, leading off, lined the first pitch he saw into left field for a single. Dispenza traded places with Kernodle on a fielder's choice. After Perrin flied to left for the second out of the inning, Conrad singled to right to drive in Dispenza.

On the day, Sean Conrad was 2-for-3. Jace Dispenza and Greg Kernodle had Malibu's two other hits.

The Sharks play again on Thursday, but their opponent and the location have not yet been determined.

Wilder!

Congratulations to Wilder Philipson who was listed in the Los Angeles Times on Saturday, March 3, as a "Top Performer." Here's the citation:

Wilder Philipson, Malibu: Singled in the winning run in the sixth inning and threw two innings of scoreless relief to get the win as the Sharks defeated St. Monica, 3-2, in modified round-robin play at the Royal tournament.

For the link, go here.

Scouting Report: Culver City Centaurs

The Sharks face the Culver City High Centaurs today in the third game of the Royal Invitational Tournament. Game time is 3:00 p.m. at Malibu High.

The Centaurs posted a 21-11 record last season and went to the second round of the CIF Southern Section Division IV playoffs where they lost to El Segundo.

Senior pitcher-first baseman MacArrin Tucker leads Culver City this season. Tucker hit .425 for the Centaurs last year with 16 RBIs. On the mound, Tucker compiled a 4-1 record with a 3.62 ERA.

Aside from Tucker, Culver City returns only four players who saw action in as many as 20 of the team's 32 games last year.

Culver City enters today's game with a 1-1 record. After posting an 8-7 win over Mary Star of the Sea last Friday, the Centaurs gave up two runs in the bottom of the seventh on Saturday to fall to Birmingham by the score of 5-4.

Sharks 6, Marshall 2

Jared Weinstock's three-run homer off of Jose Mendieta capped a four-run seventh inning that gave Nate Schoenbrun all the support he needed to earn the victory in his first start of the season with a complete-game two-hitter.

Schoenbrun, who struggled with his control throughout the game, yielded a run-scoring single in the second innning and walked in a run in the bottom of the fifth, but otherwise managed to pitch through each of the jams he got himself into. On the day, Schoenbrun walked five, hit one batter, and struck out three. He was helped out by solid defensive play, including five putouts in centerfield by Jace Dispenza.

The Marshall Barristers scored first in the bottom of the second inning. Schoenbrun walked Mendieta to lead off the inning. Mark Andrade then laid down a bunt that Stephen Williams fielded in front of home plate. Williams threw to Jacob Perrin at second to force Mendieta. After Andrade stole second, Matt Lopez singled to center to drive him in. The inning ended one batter later as Hugo Robles grounded into a 4-6-3 double play.

Malibu tied the game in the top of the fourth. After Weinstock grounded out to short, Schoenbrun walked. Dispenza then singled through the left side of the infield, moving Schoenbrun to second. Jake Jesson followed with a double to drive in Schoenbrun.

Malibu and Marshall traded runs in the fifth inning. With one out in the top of the inning, Perrin doubled into the ivy in right center. Perrin then advanced to third on a passed ball with Williams at the plate and scored as the catcher's throw bounced into left field.

In the bottom of the fifth, Lopez reached first with one out on a throwing error by Perrin. A hit batter and two walks in succession moved Lopez around to score. Schoenbrun was able to avoid any additional damage by getting leadoff hitter Austin Jones to ground weakly to Sean Conrad at third and Oscar Robles to fly to Dispenza in center.

With the scored tied, 2-2, the Sharks threatened to take the lead in the sixth inning. Schoenbrun led off with an infield single. Dispenza sacrificed Schoenbrun to second. A balk by Mendieta moved Schoenbrun to third with only one out, but Jesson popped to short and Jason Walsh fouled out to end the inning.

After Schoenbrun retired the Barristers in order in the bottom of the sixth, Greg Kernodle started the seventh inning with a double into the ivy in right-centerfield. Conrad popped out to third. Kernodle then stole third before Perrin walked. Williams followed with a double down the third base line that scored Kernodle and moved Perrin to third. Weinstock then put the game out of reach by driving Mendieta's first pitch high into the trees beyond centerfield.

Saturday's win runs Malibu's record on the young season to 2-0. Next up for the Sharks is a home game on Tuesday against Culver City High.

Sharks 6, Marshall 2 (Box Score)

Malibu	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	K	AVE
Kernodle 2B	4	1	1	0	0	1	.143
Conrad 3B	4	0	0	0	0	1	.143
Perrin SS	2	2	1	0	2	0	.200
Williams C	3	1	1	1	1	0	.250
Weinstock 1B	4	1	1	3	0	0	.143
Schoenbrun P	2	1	1	0	1	0	.333
Dispenza CF	3	0	1	0	0	0	.333
Jesson RF	3	0	1	1	0	1	.400
Walsh LF	3	0	0	0	0	2	.000

BATTING

HR: Weinstock (1)
2B: Jesson (1), Perrin (1), Kernodle (1), Williams (1)
ROE: Dispenza
S: Dispenza (1)
Team LOB: 7

BASERUNNING

SB: Schoenbrun (1), Kernodle (1)

FIELDING

DP: Kernodle-Perrin-Weinstock
CS: Williams-Kernodle
E: Perrin (throwing)

PITCHING	IP	H	R	ER	BB	K	ERA
Schoenbrun W (1-0)	7.0	2	2	1	5	3	1.00

WP: Schoenbrun
Pitches-strikes: Schoenbrun, 114-59
Groundouts-flyouts: Schoenbrun, 6-10

Sharks 6, Marshall 2 (Photos)

Jared Weinstock rounds third after homering in the seventh inning.

Stephen Williams and Nate Schoenbrun confer on the mound.

Nate Schoenbrun delivers in the bottom of the seventh.

Jake Jesson makes the catch in right for the last out of the game.

[Photos by REW.]

Finding John Marshall

John Marshall, "the Great Chief Justice" for whom John Marshall High School and Marshall University in West Virginia are both named, can be found buried in Shockoe Hill Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia. Of greater relevance to Sharks fans, however, is the location of Marshall High, home of the Barristers.

Marshall High is at 3939 Tracy Avenue in the Los Feliz district of Los Angeles (not far from the Hollywood Bowl). For a map, go here.

Game time today is 11:00 a.m.

Malibu 3, St. Monica 2 (Box Score)

Malibu	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	K	AVE
Kernodle SS/2B	3	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Perrin P/SS	3	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Weinstock LF/1B	3	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Williams C	1	1	0	0	0	1	.000
Conrad 2B/3B	3	1	1	0	0	0	.333
Dispenza CF	3	1	1	1	0	1	.333
Jesson RF	3	0	2	0	0	0	.667
Abbott 1B	1	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Bordier 3B	1	0	0	0	0	0	.000
a-Schoenbrun LF	1	0	0	1	0	0	.000
b-Campi PH	0	0	0	0	1	0	.000
c-Philipson P	1	0	1	1	0	0	1.000

a-replaced Abbott in the 4th inning
b-hit for Bordier in the 3rd inning
c-replaced Campi in the 6th inning

BATTING

HBP: Kernodle, Williams 2
ROE: Bordier, Kernodle, Conrad
S: Perrin
SF: Schoenbrun
Team LOB: 8

BASERUNNING

PO: Bordier

FIELDING

DP: Perrin-Williams-Abbott
E: Abbott (fielding), Kernodle (fielding), Philipson (throwing)

PITCHING	IP	H	R	ER	BB	K	ERA
Perrin	5.0	4	2	2	2	5	2.80
Philipson W (1-0)	2.0	1	0	0	2	1	0.00

Pitches-strikes: Perrin, 81-46; Philipson, 35-17
Groundouts-flyouts: Perrin, 4-5; Philipson, 2-2

Sharks 3, Saint Monica 2 (Photos)

Jared Weinstock flies to left.

Sloan Campi advances to second on a hit by Greg Kernodle.

Greg Kernodle settles under a popup.

Jace Dispenza scores the go-ahead run.

Jared Weinstock squeezes a throw from Wilder Philipson for the final out of the game.

Photos courtesy of Gary Wonnacott. (Please check back soon for more.)

Scouting Report: St. Monica Mariners

The Sharks open up the 2007 season tomorrow against the St. Monica High Mariners. The Mariners finished with a 13-11 overall record last year. Their 7-5 league record gave them a third-place finish in the Del Rey League.

Malibu and St. Monica met once last year with the Sharks coming away with a 3-2 victory on April 8. Brooks Fitch pitched four innings in relief of Colbie Bell to pick up the win.

The Saints are led offensively this season by sophomore first baseman Brandon Tobin and senior catcher Taylor Gelbrich. Tobin hit .416 with 2 homeruns and 19 RBIs last season while Gelbrich hit .306 with 2 homeruns and 16 RBIs.

On the mound, senior Giuliano Lepe figures to carry much of the load for the Mariners this year. Lepe started 7 games (including the game against Malibu), giving up 18 runs in 36 innings in 2006.

Tomorrow's game at Malibu High is scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m.

Senior Dads

When the Sharks take on Saint Monica's tomorrow afternoon in the first game of the 2007 season, the fathers of the team's seniors will be invited to throw out the first pitch.

Game time is 3:00 p.m., but come a few minutes early to see which fathers can still bring it. (My guess is that Steve Weinstock, who has been throwing batting practice to Jared, Brett, and all their teammates since about 1990, will prove to have absolutely nothing left in the tank.)

The Captains, 2007

Congratulations to Jace Dispenza, Greg Kernodle, and Jared Weinstock on being selected as co-captains of the 2007 Malibu High School baseball team.

An Unofficial Team Photo

[Photo by REW.]

A Long Afternoon in Sherman Oaks

In a practice game at Notre Dame High School today, Malibu pitchers gave up nine walks, a hit batsman, and two balks while the Sharks compiled eight errors over the course of six innings. Offensively, the Sharks collected six singles but only one run.

For a complete rundown of Malibu's highlights, go here.

The good news is that none of what happened today counts.

Greg Kernodle

Stephen Williams

To Notre Dame

The Sharks will take on the Notre Dame High Knights tomorrow in a practice game. The JV teams will play at Malibu High while the varsity game will be played at Notre Dame. (For directions to Notre Dame, which is located at the corner of Riverside Drive and Woodman Avenue in Sherman Oaks, click here.)

Last season, the Knights finished 10-14 in the tough Mission League.

Both games are scheduled to start at 3:15.

Alumni Game, 2007

Under bright, sunny skies on Saturday, Malibu High kicked off the 2007 baseball season with fourteen innings of baseball wrapped around a cookout of truly monumental proportions.

Following an intra-squad JV game, the varsity squared off against an alumni/coaches team led by Phil Johnson (Class of 2005), Brooks Fitch (Class of 2006), and Coach Dave Buss on the mound and Dane Skophammer (Class of 2001) behind the plate. The old guys, led by former Sharks manager Tony Walczuk, put some timely hits together with some Sharks errors to win going away.

Johnson struck out seven of his former teammates in four strong innings on the mound. Buss had two hits, three RBIs, and a stolen base. He also robbed Jacob Perrin of a base hit in left field when he somehow snared a line drive while stumbling over his feet and falling on the ground.

The Sharks had difficulty putting much offense together against Johnson, Fitch, and Buss. However, Jace Dispenza got the varsity on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fourth with an RBI double in the right-centerfield gap. In the fifth inning, Wilder Philipson drove in a run with a base hit and Andrew Kramer had an RBI groundout.

The day's most outstanding performance was turned in by those who prepared enough food for all the players, coaches, and fans from both of the baseball games and a softball game.

Spring Training for the Blog

Just like the team that Sharks Baseball covers, the blog is getting ready for the regular season.

Over the next couple of days, I will be making some changes to the design of Sharks Baseball in an effort to enhance both the appearance and the functionality of the site. No time offline is expected, but there may be a number of design elements that come and go as I try to find a look we can all enjoy coming back to time after time throughout the season.

If you have any suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment.

Feeding Frenzy

What better way for the Sharks to begin a new season than with a feeding frenzy?

Judging from the volume of email traffic today, it looks like there will be lots of food--most of it very unhealthy (just the way we like it)--when the Malibu High baseball and softball programs get together tomorrow for a cookout in conjunction with a couple of pre-season games.

The JV team will play an intra-squad game beginning at 10:00 a.m. Then, at 1:00 p.m., the varsity team will play against an alumni team led by the Sharks' former head baseball coach, Tony Walczuk. Somewhere in there, the grill will be fired up and large Costco containers full of hamburgers, hot dogs, chips (lots of chips), and drinks will appear.

Tomorrow's games will provide the Sharks with a tuneup for the tuneup to take place in the form of a practice game at Notre Dame High on Monday.

Diamond in the Rough

The Malibu High baseball field has been getting some much-needed work in preparation for Opening Day on Friday, March 2. Pictured below, Mark Conrad removes a shovel-full of topsoil before spreading DG.

Tim Biglow spreads DG in front of the dugout along the first base line.

[Photos by Gary Wonnacott.]

Practice Begins

The 2007 season began today at Malibu High with 33 players and 7 coaches on the field for the first day of practice.

The Sharks will open the season on Friday, March 2, at 3:00 p.m. at home against St. Monica's in the first game of the Royal Invitational Tournament.

Back in Business

After a lengthy break, Sharks Baseball is back in business. Likewise for Sharks baseball players.

Conditioning workouts will begin Tuesday after school for all players (except those still playing a winter sport). Players must have a physical form--completed by a doctor--on file before working out with the team. (Forms are available for downloading at the bottom of this page.)

Getting to Mission Hills

Here, finally, is a link to a map showing how to get to the field where Malibu will play LA Baptist tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. Please plan to arrive at 10:00 for warmups.

If you prefer verbal directions, here they are: Go north on the 405. Exit Nordhoff Street. Go left on Nordhoff to Haskell. Turn right on Haskell and go north to the Mission Hills Golf Club (on the left). The baseball field is near the golf course at the intersection of Haskell and Lassen.

Games on November 12

Both Malibu teams will play this weekend at Malibu High on Sunday. The varsity plays Taft at 8:30 a.m. and the JV plays Grace Brethren at 11:30 a.m.

Varsity players: Please arrive a little early to help get the field ready.

Games on November 4-5

Malibu's JV team plays on Saturday, November 4, at 11:30 a.m. against El Camino at El Camino Real High School. The varsity team plays on Sunday, November 5, at El Camino Real High School against Buckley. Game time is 2:30 p.m.

Gaining Sleep

This is just a reminder that daylight savings time ends tonight. Set your clocks BACK one hour tonight so you won't be early to tomorrow's games. Remember that varsity players are expected to be at the Malibu High field at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow in order to prepare the field for a 10:30 game. The JV plays at 1:30.

The New Machine

The new pitching machine is up and running.

Please thank Mark Conrad and Tim Biglow when you see them for the time, money, energy, and expertise they've put into getting the machine installed and secured.

Also, be sure to thank Paul Bordier, Jim Wickard, Steve Woods, Gary Smith, and Todd Kesselman, along with Malibu High baseball players Sean Conrad, Jesse Conrad, Travis Vititoe, Monty Biglow, Taylor Woods, Jake Smith, and Cody Beetley for their work last Sunday to clear the cages and get them cleaned up.

Schedule for October 21-22

The JV is playing today against Calabasas at Calabasas. Game time is 3:00 p.m.

The varsity plays tomorrow against Crespi at Westhills. Game time is 9:00 a.m.

Schedules for next weekend have not yet been posted.

LA Yankees 8, Valley Mets 1

Congratulations to Coach Dave Buss whose team won the Los Angeles Men's Senior Baseball League National Division title last Sunday with an 8-1 victory over the Valley Mets in a game played at Malibu High.

Pictured below is Dave Buss (looking very steroid-free) holding Jose Canseco on first.

Buss hit .625 for the playoffs with a .750 on-base average and an .875 slugging percentage. (Playoff stats for the Yankees are available here.)

One Game, One Cancellation

The JV game this weekend will be at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday at Westhills against Oak Park. The varsity game originally scheduled for noon on Saturday has been cancelled. It will be made up at a later date.

Looking ahead to next weekend (October 21-22), the JV plays on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. against Calabasas at Calabasas. The varsity plays Sunday at 9:00 a.m. against Crespi at Westhills.

Practice, as usual, will be on Tuesday after school on the baseball field at Malibu High.

Saturday's Schedule (10-7-06)

Malibu's varsity team plays at Oak Park on Saturday at noon. For directions to Oak Park High School, go here.

The JV team plays at 4:00 p.m. at Cleveland High. Cleveland High is located at 8140 Vanalden Avenue in Reseda. Go here for a map.

LAMSBL Championship Game

The following paid announcement comes from Coach Buss:

This Sunday at 11AM, at Malibu High School, my 30 and over team plays for our league championship. I just wanted to invite you all to the game. Admission is free. As a matter of fact, I will pay you to come. You will see several ex-major leaguers, including 2-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series MVP Bret Saberhagen, and former minor league player of the year, 40-40 guy, and all around steroider Jose Canseco. The game also features a fat mortgage broker/coach playing first base for the LA Yankees. Said coach is in the running for league MVP, and should secure that all-important award if he plays well this Sunday. This award basically means nothing to anyone, except me. If I win it, I will have something else to talk about for the next few years. Your ears may bleed, but I will be happy.

All in all it should be a fun day. . . . I will probably buy a few rounds of drinks at the Malibu Inn after, for anyone who shows up and doesn't root against me or my team.

Cheeseburgers for the High School players who cannot, and should not, consume alcohol.

Malibu High--Sunday--11:00 a.m.

Be there!

Games on September 30

Malibu's varsity team plays Chaminade on Saturday, September 30, at Chaminade High. Game time is 10:30 a.m. (Chaminade High is located at 7500 Chaminade Avenue in West Hills.) The JV team plays at Oak Park on Saturday against ECR (I'm still trying to figure out who that is) at 3:00 p.m.

Check the website here for updates.

Games on September 30

Malibu's varsity team plays Chaminade on Saturday, September 30, at Chaminade High. Game time is 10:30 a.m. (Chaminade High is located at 7500 Chaminade Avenue in West Hills.) The JV team plays at Oak Park on Saturday against ECR (I'm still trying to figure out who that is) at 3:00 p.m.

Check the website here for updates.

Games on September 30

Malibu's varsity team plays Chaminade on Saturday, September 30, at Chaminade High. Game time is 10:30 a.m. (Chaminade High is located at 7500 Chaminade Avenue in West Hills.) The JV team plays at Oak Park on Saturday against ECR (I'm still trying to figure out who that is) at 3:00 p.m.

Check the website here for updates.

Games on September 30

Malibu's varsity team plays Chaminade on Saturday, September 30, at Chaminade High. Game time is 10:30 a.m. (Chaminade High is located at 7500 Chaminade Avenue in West Hills.) The JV team plays at Oak Park on Saturday against ECR (I'm still trying to figure out who that is) at 3:00 p.m.

Check the website here for updates.

This Week's Schedule

There will be a practice for both the varsity and JV fall ball teams tomorrow (Wednesday) immediately after school. All high school players are welcome.

On Saturday, the JV team takes on Oak Park at Oak Park High. Game time is 9:00 a.m.

The varsity plays on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. at Westhills against Canoga Park High.

Please remember to pay Mark or Robert if you have not already done so. Registration is $150.

Fall Ball Opening Weekend

The Malibu varsity team plays its first game of the Westhills fall season on Saturday, September 16, at 10:30 a.m. against Calabasas at Calabasas High. The JV team follows on Sunday with a noon start at Westhills against Crespi.

Please let Mark Conrad or Robert Williams know--by phone or at practice today or tomorrow--if you're available for one or both games. Both teams may need to borrow players from the other.

The Start of Fall Ball

The Westhills fall baseball season is scheduled to get under way next weekend. (Schedules should be available Tuesday night.) Those who are interested in playing should meet at the Malibu High baseball field on Wednesday, September 13, after school for a light workout and information session. (Those currently playing other sports are, of course, excused.)

Please bring a check for $150 made payable to Mark Conrad or Robert Williams. This will cover registration for the fall season and some additional games to be scheduled outside of the Westhills league.

An e-mail will be going out later today (Sunday) to those on the baseball e-mail list. Leave a comment here if you do not receive this e-mail and I will add you to the list.

More from the Tournament

The box score from Sunday's game against Valley North has been posted here. There are also some photos from the game available here. Photos from the first game of the tournament have recently been posted here. (I hope to post more photos soon.)

Daddy Lehmkuhl

Congratulations to Coach Bobby Lehmkuhl on the birth of his first child--a daughter--today. Keller Julianna Lehmkuhl weighed in at 7 lbs., 11 oz. and is 19.5 inches long. Mother and baby are doing well. Bobby is, well, Bobby.