NMPC: Harbor 14 makes quick work of Costa Mesa

Tony Altobelli

CORONA DEL MAR - Whether it’s the numbers on the backs of their

jerseys, or the numbers put on the scoreboard, the Newport Harbor 14

All-Stars like those digits big.

The fact of the scoreboard can be illustrated in Saturday’s 14-2 win

over Costa Mesa in the semifinals of the Newport-Mesa Pony Conference

Father’s Day Tournament, held at Eastbluff Park.

Boasting a lineup with an average jersey number of 37, numbers usually

reserved for football running backs and slo-pitch softball sluggers,

Newport pounded out 14 runs (10 in one inning) on 18 hits in four

innings.

“We managed to put it to them today,” Newport Manager Taras Young

said. “We did a decent job of hitting, a good job of pitching and a solid

job on defense. We’re going to go a long way this year.”

Newport was led by the strong play of Kurt Yacko, who went 3 for 3

with two runs scored and three RBIs and also pitched 3 1/3 scoreless

innings of relief with four strikeouts.

Aaron Fitzhugh (2 for 2, one run, one RBI) and Kevin Courvoisier (3

for 3, two runs, two RBIs) each had home runs for Newport, while Patrick

Keehan added a triple, double and four RBIs.

Costa Mesa actually jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning when

Alex Pisarski led off with a single, stole second, stole third and scored

on a wild pitch.

Ryan Gleason followed with a single, advanced to third on two wild

pitches and scored on a sacrifice fly by R.J. Duernberger. Jordan Kalke

also had a hit for Costa Mesa.

Other offensive stars for Newport include Taylor Young (2 for 3, two

runs), Kenny Knight (2 for 3, two runs, three RBIs), Luis Rodriguez and

(2 for 3, two doubles, two runs).

Newport will play CdM 14 in the finals today, beginning at 4 p.m. at

Eastbluff Park.