Prep Playoff Recap – Desert Baseball / Softball Teams in C.I.F. Postseason

Four desert baseball teams remained alive in the C.I.F. high school playoffs when Thursday began. Only two survived. Two prep softball teams also advanced on to the Sweet 16. Here’s your recap.

Palm Desert 4, Estancia 1 (F)

Ace pitcher Brooks Kriske tossed a gem of a game as the Aztecs began defense of their C.I.F. title with a 4-1 victory over visiting Estancia. All four of the Aztecs runs came in the 2nd inning.

Calvary Chapel 5, La Quinta 4 (F)

Several fielding errors cost the Blackhawks a chance of advancing in the Division 4 bracket. La Quinta rallied in the late innings to make it close, but couldn’t bring across the tying run from 2nd base in the bottom of the 7th. L.Q.’s sophomore sensation Taylor Bryant returned from a broken nose… to hit a 2-run home-run and a double in the loss. He did so with a protective mask on.

Laguna Beach 5, Indio 2 (F)

There will be no return trip to the C.I.F. Semi-Finals for the Rajahs this year. Indio lost to No. 4 ranked Laguna Beach on the road.

Desert Christian Academy 18, Victor Valley Christian 3 (F)

The Victory League Champions scored at will on Thursday in their playoff opener. D.C.A. will now hit the road for a second round game on Tuesday.

SOFTBALL:

La Quinta 7, Patriot 2

The 5-time defending DVL champions looked a bit sluggish in their postseason opener, but pulled out a home win to advance in the Division 4 bracket. LQ will play on the road in their Sweet 16 matchup next Tuesday.

Indio 7, Bloomington 6

The Rajahs needed some drama… and a few heroics to survive their first round test against Bloomington, the second place finisher from the Sunkist League. Indio will hit the road for their next game on Tuesday.