Cerritos' quest for a sixth consecutive league baseball title temporarily halted, as they fell to their league rival, causing a delay in their title defense.
In the heart of the 605 League, a surprising turn of events unfolded on May 1, 2025, as Oxford Academy defeated Cerritos High School 4-3, ending the Dons' bid for a sixth consecutive league title.
The game began with a bang, as senior center fielder Braxton Reed launched a home run over the centerfield fence in the bottom of the first inning. However, junior pitcher Frank Melendrez, who had kept the Patriots off the board in the beginning, allowed bases to be loaded in the top of the first.
Cerritos High, riding high on a 3-0 lead, seemed poised to extend their impressive run. But the game took a dramatic turn as Oxford Academy fought back, eventually securing a hard-fought victory. The loss left Cerritos High with a record of 14-12, 7-2 in the 605 League, while Oxford Academy improved to 7-1-1.
Logan Lavoie and Bear Spessert were standout players for Oxford Academy. Spessert, who went three for four, drove in three runs and scored once, played a crucial role in the team's comeback.
The Dons have been a dominant force in the 605 League since its formation. In fact, only Oxford Academy (Apr. 25, 2023) and John Glenn High (Apr. 11, 2025) have managed to hand Cerritos High their only league setbacks. The 2023 encounter, a 6-4 win for Oxford Academy on the road, marked the beginning of the Dons' current struggle to maintain their league title streak.
As the dust settles from this exciting game, both teams prepare for their next encounters. Oxford Academy will face off against John Glenn High again on Friday in Cypress to determine the league championship. Meanwhile, Cerritos High has a scheduled game at Sunny Hills High on Tuesday before the CIF-Southern Section divisional playoffs begin on May 15. The brackets for the playoffs will be released on May 12.
The 2025 season has been a rollercoaster ride for Cerritos High, but their history of dominance in the 605 League remains unquestionable. With their near-perfect record in 2024 and a string of consecutive league titles, the Dons have solidified their place as one of the most successful baseball programs in the league. Despite this setback, their reputation as a formidable opponent remains undiminished.
- Local sports enthusiasts will be eagerly awaiting the upcoming event between Oxford Academy and John Glenn High, as the outcome could decide the champion of the 605 League.
- Community news outlets have been abuzz with discussions about Bear Spessert's performance in the game against Cerritos High, where he drove in three runs and scored once, playing a pivotal role in Oxford Academy's comeback victory.
- Fans of Major League Baseball (MLB) might want to keep an eye on some rising talent from the 605 League, such as Frank Melendrez and Braxton Reed, who showed impressive skills during the game between Oxford Academy and Cerritos High School.
