Woodbridge advances in Division 4 Baseball Playoffs as Valley Christian fails to deliver crucial hits in their first round encounter
In a closely contested match, Valley Christian High School's baseball team faced off against Woodbridge High, the top-ranked team in CIF-Southern Section's Division 4, on May 19, 2025, at Ryan Lemmon Stadium. Despite a valiant effort, Valley Christian High (V.C.) ultimately fell to Woodbridge High with a score of 4-1.
Riley Jones, a standout pitcher for V.C., took the mound for the game. In his six-inning stint, Jones allowed eight hits, struck out five batters, and walked a pair. Jones, who received several offers from junior colleges and some Division 2 and Division 3 institutions, has decided to attend Long Beach City College in the fall.
The Defenders started off strong, with back-to-back singles from Nevan Namgoong and Caden Camacho in the sixth inning, taking the score to 4-1 in favour of Woodbridge High. Namgoong singled to center in the bottom of the fourth inning, scoring Caleb Camacho, making it 3-1 for Woodbridge High. Caleb Camacho tripled in the same inning, contributing to the Defenders' early lead.
Woodbridge High's Alex Johnson had a key two-out, two-strike single in the bottom of the fourth inning, driving in the final run of the game. Vincent DeMarco pitched for Woodbridge High, securing the victory for his team.
Despite the loss, Valley Christian High's baseball team had a commendable season. They ended their season with a record of 15-11 and a second-place finish in the Olympic League. The team, led by Coach Slater, showed resilience throughout the season, fighting through injuries and adversities to become a team he would be willing to battle with at any time.
Slater expressed pride in the team, stating, "There's something special in the young men on this team. Their work ethic and perseverance will continue to be a legacy at Valley Christian High School."
While Ketelsen, the WCAL Pitcher of the Year, was not present for this game, his exceptional performance throughout the season highlights the talent and competitiveness of Valley Christian's baseball team. Ketelsen, who had a 5-1 record, 1.23 ERA, 90 strikeouts in 51 1/3 innings, and a .311 batting average with 5 home runs and 23 RBIs, showcases the balanced and capable roster that Valley Christian has fielded this season.
Though Valley Christian High's baseball team may have fallen short in this playoff game, their competitive spirit and individual talent are undeniable, making them a force to be reckoned with in the world of California high school baseball.
- The local sports news on May 20, 2025, may feature Valley Christian High School's baseball team, who put up a tough fight against Woodbridge High, the leading team in CIF-Southern Section's Division 4, despite eventually losing with a score of 4-1.
- This weekend, the community news may announce upcoming events, including the local baseball league games, where Valley Christian High School, with their commendable season record of 15-11, will strive to prove their competitive spirit and individual talent against other schools.
