Prep talk: Previewing top Southern Section baseball finals

Nine baseball championship games are scheduled for the weekend, led by the Division 1 final at 7 p.m. Friday at Cal State Fullerton between St. John Bosco and Norco. St. John Bosco counters with Julian Garcia, returning from Tommy John surgery, posting an 8-1 record and a 0.88 ERA, with key pitchers including closers Jack Champlin and Brayden Krakowski available. Norco starts Jordan Ayala, who shut out Orange Lutheran in the quarterfinals. The matchup is expected to hinge on defense and clutch hitting. Saturday’s Division 2 final features Ganesha vs. Loyola at 5:30 p.m. at Rancho Cucamonga LoanMart Field, with Logan Schmidt leading Ganesha as both top pitcher and top hitter, while Loyola counters with rising freshman Sheriff Hall. Saturday’s Division 3 final has Mira Costa vs. Agoura at 4 p.m. at Cal State Fullerton, with both schools having prom afterward.

"Division 1: St. John Bosco vs. Norco at Cal State Fullerton, 7 p.m. Both schools will have their top pitchers ready to go, which means runs will be at a premium. Julian Garcia of St. John Bosco was in the dugout last season when the Braves won the title but couldn't play as he was rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. He's come back with a flourish, going 8-1 with a 0.88 ERA. All the Braves' key pitchers are available, including closers Jack Champlin and Brayden Krakowski."

"Norco will start Jordan Ayala, who shut out Orange Lutheran in the quarterfinals. It's going to come down to defense and someone getting a clutch hit against very good pitching."

"SATURDAY Division 2: Ganesha vs. Loyola at Rancho Cucamonga LoanMart Field, 5:30 p.m.: Likely first-round draft pick Logan Schmidt will be on the mound for Ganesha, offering a huge challenge for the Cubs. He's also the team's top hitter. Loyola has faced top pitching all season in the Mission League and will have rising freshman Sheriff Hall on the mound. The Cubs also have players who can hit home runs, such as Jack Murray and Luca Marucci."

"Division 3: Mira Costa vs. Agoura at Cal State Fullerton, 4 p.m.. Both schools have prom in the evening, so watch for players rushing to cars after the game. Mira Costa has somehow made it to the final despite losing its No. 1 and No. 2 pitchers to injury. Others have stepped forward, and the hitting attack has been good in the playoffs. Austin Olness hit a two-run home run in a 12-0 semifinal win over St. Francis."

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