Baseball: Chi breaks scoreless deadlock with standout hit, strengthening Cerritos' control over Artesia in the 605 League match
Cerritos High Defeats Artesia High at Angel Stadium Halo Classic
In a highly anticipated match-up at the Angel Stadium Halo Classic, Cerritos High emerged victorious against Artesia High with a score of 3-0 on April 10, 2021. The winning run for Cerritos was scored by senior second baseman Dalton Chi with a two-out, bases-clearing double in the top of the fifth inning.
The game was originally scheduled for March 14 but was rained out. Both teams had many opportunities to score in the early innings, but each time there was a hint of a threat, the pitchers managed to get out of the jam.
Sophomore designated hitter Julian Diaz of Cerritos High got a base hit to the right field gap in the sixth inning, and senior center fielder Braxton Reed followed with a single to left on an 0-2 count. Senior first baseman Fabian Mejia reached on a fielder's choice in the same inning, with junior pinch runner Ethan Martiz barely safe at third on a controversial play. The third base umpire ruled Martiz safe at third base, but a photo taken by an Artesia photographer shows senior third baseman Angel Estrada clearly tagging Martiz before he got to third base.
Artesia High coach Jose Serrano expressed a belief that his team is the better one, but has lost due to bad calls and unfair treatment by umpires in recent games against Cerritos High. This sentiment was echoed after the third base umpire ejected coach Serrano without warning or explanation for an unrelated incident during the game, leaving him absent for the home game against Pioneer High the following day.
Cerritos High coach Joyce expects a tough game against John Glenn High on April 10, and Artesia High will visit Pioneer High on April 15, go to Los Amigos High on April 16, and Oxford Academy on April 19. The scheduled league games between Artesia High and Cerritos High next season are on March 24 and 27, with Artesia High as the home team in the second game.
For more information about the Angel Stadium Halo Classic schedule for high school baseball teams in the 605 League, or about how the Cerritos High vs. Artesia High game was rescheduled after a rainout, you would need to check the official Angel Stadium Halo Classic website, the 605 League athletic page, or direct announcements from the schools involved.
- The local sports community is still debating whether the controversial call at the Angel Stadium Halo Classic game between Cerritos High and Artesia High on April 10, 2021, influenced the outcome, with Artesia High coach Jose Serrano expressing his opinion that his team is the better one but has lost due to bad calls.
- In community news, Cerritos High's baseball team secured a win against Artesia High at the Angel Stadium Halo Classic, but the victory was not without controversy as a questionable call at third base raised concerns, especially among Artesia High's coach and players.
- As the baseball season progresses, the community eagerly awaits the rematch between Cerritos High and Artesia High next season, with the scheduled league games on March 24 and 27, potentially providing an opportunity for Artesia High to avenge their disappointing defeat at this year's Angel Stadium Halo Classic event.
