Chatsworth Ready for Baseball Championship Game

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After winning seven City Section championships over the past 11 seasons, Chatsworth High’s baseball program should be comfortable with being tabbed a dynasty because that’s exactly what the Chancellors are.

And they’re not through.

Chatsworth has chance to add another feather on Saturday in the City championship against San Fernando (27-6) at Dodger Stadium. First pitch is 2 p.m.

With a deep pitching staff led by ace Aaron Brown, the probable starter on Saturday, plus a healthy lineup sparked by power hitters Brown and right fielder Steven Karkenny, top-seeded Chatsworth is a strong favorite over the sixth-seeded Tigers, who’ve played an easier schedule during the regular season but have closed sharply, holding seven of their past eight opponents to three runs or fewer.

Brown (9-2) has a .238 ERA, and the left-hander has committed to Pepperdine and is expected to be drafted by a major league team Monday. He’s also batting close to .500.

“Obviously it’s pretty exciting to be playing in Dodger Stadium. I can’t wait,” Brown said. “We’ve been focusing on practice, and we’re just going to go there and play hard.”

In the semifinals Wednesday at USC, Chatsworth eliminated Birmingham 4-1, while San Fernando pulled out a 2-1 win over El Camino Real in 10 innings.

By going extra innings Wednesday, San Fernando used up ace pitcher David Lira, who pitched a complete game. Jose Reyes (5-2, 3.40 ERA) is the scheduled starter for the Tigers.

Several Chatsworth players have been to Dodger Stadium before, participating as sophomores two years ago when the Chancellors defeated Cleveland (9-0) in the championship game. Last year, Chatsworth lost in the semifinals – a disappointment for Chatsworth fans who’ve become accustomed to the Chancellors reaching the pinnacle of success, including consecutive national champoionships in 2003 and 2004.

Some of Chatsworth’s other top players are pitchers Christian Lopez and Angel Rodriguez, shortstop Brady Conlan, catcher Ricky Obando, outfielder Raul Camas and second baseman Jared Holley.

San Fernando’s top players include Willie Vazquez, David Garcia, Freddie Flores, James An, Robert Berumen and Isaac Dominguez.

San Fernando last won a title in 1991.

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HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL

CITY SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP

Who: Chatsworth vs. San Fernando

When: Saturday, 2 p.m.

Where: Dodger Stadium

Coaches: Tom Meusborn, Chatsworth; Armando Gomez, San Fernando

Tickets: $10 at door ($8 students)

Parking: Free

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PROBABLE STARTING LINEUPS

CHATSWORTH (24-5)

Steven Karkenny, CF

Aaron Brown, P

Raul Camas, RF

Brady Conlan, SS

Ricky Obando, C

Kiefer Kofman, 1B

Chris Devito, DH

Ryan Escobar, 3B

Jared Holley, 2B

SAN FERNANDO (27-6)

David Garcia, 2B

Isaac Dominguez, SS

Willie Vazquez, 3B

Jose Reyes, P

Kevin Martinez, 1B

James An, RF

Carlos Robles, CF

Robert Berumen, LF

Freddie Flores, DH