Baseball: Wide open Division 1

The baseball season began with debate about which team deserved the favorite’s role in Southern Section Division 1, and with two weeks left, there’s even more debate about which team should be No. 1.

Huntington Beach, Harvard-Westlake, JSerra and Loyola were the teams to watch when the season began. They’re still doing well, but Long Beach Wilson and Fountain Valley have gained traction.

It’s still going to come down to luck of the draw. Last season, Harvard-Westlake won the title with the help of a little luck in being able to use its No. 2 pitcher at the right time and not having to face an outstanding No. 1.

This season, the Wolverines still have Jack Flaherty, who hasn’t lost in the last two seasons, but Harvard-Westlake must come up with a No. 2 pitcher ready to win a couple of playoff games.

Fountain Valley has found its ace in Scott Schultz, who’s 10-0. Wilson has an imposing one-two pitching duo in Tyler Radcliffe and Josh Goldberg.

Loyola could take a huge step to being a top four seed if it can sweep Alemany in a pair of Mission League games this week.

JSerra is getting good pitching and winning close games.

Then there are the teams that will be very dangerous. Santa Margarita has Griffin Canning. Agoura has a good hitting attack. Norco has been dominating its Big VIII League competition behind USC-bound Cole Young, who has hit eight home runs. Orange Lutheran is starting to beat some good teams. Servite has outstanding starting pitching. Hart has defense and good pitching. West Ranch has an ace in Jake Bird.

It’s going to be another tough Division 1 competition from the wild-card round to the final game.

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