The Arcadia High School (AHS) Varsity Baseball team faced off against the Crescenta Valley High School (CVHS) Varsity Baseball team on Apr. 26. In an exhilarating matchup at Giambrone Field, the Apaches came out victorious, ending with a score of 5-1.
Arcadia came into the game with a 12-1 league record, while Crescenta Valley entered with an 11-2 league record, which meant both teams were vying for the Pacific League title. With the combination of a league championship on the line, senior night celebration, and a decade old rivalry between the two schools, tensions were high for players coming into this critical matchup.
“The deep-rooted CV rivalry, packed stands from the senior night, and opportunity at a league championship fostered a lively atmosphere that brought the best out of both teams,” said senior infielder Roman Cicero.
The night began with a ceremony for the 10 seniors on the team: Ed Baker, Kobe Bierotte, Jerry Carlos, Jackson Cheung, Roman Cicero, Ryan Gleason, Steven Lee, Gabe Lopez, Fernando Palencia, and Brett Rizzo. In order to celebrate the passion, commitment, and hard work they’ve dedicated to the Arcadia Baseball program, players walked out onto the field with their families accompanying them and received the raucous applause of the crowd.
“I want to thank everyone who came over to support us that day. The energy in the crowd was electric; it is definitely a day we will remember for the rest of our lives,” said senior Steven Lee.
The first inning started off strong for the Apaches with Palencia on the mound. With skillful pitching and expert fielding, the top of the first ended quickly with no runs from CVHS. As Arcadia stepped up to the plate, freshman Jordan Vogel started off the inning with a deftly placed single, stealing second base shortly after. Junior Leo Peniche then stepped up to bat, hitting a double and bringing Vogel home for the first run of the game. The inning continued with impressive batting from Arcadia, most notably singles from sophomore Maverick Silva and senior Jerry Carlos, and ended with AHS with a 4-0 lead.
With Palencia on the mound again to start the second inning, CVHS returned with a renewed competitive spirit. With notable offensive plays, such as a double from junior Jimmy Spears and singles from freshman Mike Herman and junior Chris Torres, Crescenta Valley scored their first run of the game. Though Arcadia batted well with a few singles, the inning ended with no additional runs, and the Apaches retained their lead with a score of 4-1.
In the third inning, excellent fielding and pitching from Arcadia led to a quick three outs. Crescenta Valley responded similarly with adept pitching from junior Sam Sellars and great fielding, most notably a double play at the bottom of the inning, and ended with a score of 4-1. The fourth inning exhibited similar great defensive efforts from both teams, and the score remained unchanged at 4-1.
In the fifth inning, commendable offensive plays from Arcadia such as a triple from Peniche and a double from sophomore Damien Catano led to Arcadia advancing their lead, ending the inning with a score of 5-1.
In the sixth and seventh innings, tensions were high for the Apaches as they aimed to finish the game strong and clinch the championship. With talented fielding and stand-out pitching from Palencia, the Apaches brought the win home with a final score of 5-1.
“As a senior, this game had new meaning to me and it felt amazing to win,” said Cicero.
“The group of guys we had this year was really special, and I think that was evident in the result of senior night. Winning felt surreal, and hanging another Pacific League championship banner is always memorable. I am excited for the playoffs, and I can’t wait to make more lifelong memories with this group of brothers,” said senior pitcher Brett Rizzo.
The Varsity Baseball team will advance to the CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs on May 2 against Long Beach Poly High School at 3:15 p.m. Make sure to show up and support our Apaches!
Photo courtesy of Arcadia DCI intern Skye Escobedo
