Serra took its first step in defending its league playoff title on Tuesday, defeating Sacred Heart Cathedral 5-0.
The victory against the Fightin' Irish, combined with Wednesday's stirring, come-from-behind 6-5 victory against Valley Christian, sends the Padres (24-5) into Thursday's West Catholic Athletic League playoff title game against Bellarmine, a 3-0 victor Wednesday night against St. Francis.
Serra and St. Francis were WCAL regular-season co-champions with 11-3 records.
Senior Orlando Razo shut down SHC on just four hits in his complete-game effort.
“Good win for us today," Serra's Paul Murray said after Tuesday's victory on a sunny day at Frisella Field. "It's only the first game though. We got to keep playing like this in order to win it all."
The Padres loaded the bases early against Sacred Heart pitcher Mike Wallace in the bottom of the second inning. Serra senior Dalvin Martin put the Padres on the board first by reaching base on a fielder’s choice. Then with runners on first and third and two out, catcher Michael Tinsley lined a single to center field and brought home another run to make it 2-0.
“I just tried to put the ball in play and it worked,” said Tinsley.
In the third inning Jordan Paroubeck led off with a single. Then a walk to junior Sean Watkins preced Neil Sterling's double off the right-field wall, scoring Paroubeck to make it 3-0.
Razo continued his dominance on the mound with five strikeouts over seven innings. Razo allowed just three runners to reach scoring position.
“I felt pretty good today to get ahead and the offense really helped me feel more comfortable,” Razo said. “This was a good win but we still have a couple more to go.”
Serra coach Craig Gianinno praised Razo’s performance.
“He kept on pounding the strike zone throughout the game -- did a good job," Gianinno said.
Said Tinsley: “Our approach is just to win each game as it comes along no matter who the opponent is,” Tinsley said.
The setback eliminated the No. 8-seed Irish.
"Our team played hard this season and really battled tough," SHC coach Brian Morgan said. "I am proud on what we have done this year. I hope we learn and improve for next year."
