San Diego High School Baseball : Granite Hills Keeps Hitting and Winning, 14-3

Kurt Southworth hit his fifth home run in the last five games as Granite Hills defeated Mt. Carmel, 14-3, in the AAA Division championship of the 37th Lions-Mike Morrow baseball tournament Wednesday at Granite Hills.

The Eagles, who had 13 hits, have outscored their opponents, 88-13, since a 13-3 loss to Mount Miguel six games ago. Donnie Carroll was 4 for 5 with three doubles and scored three runs.

“Before the season, I knew our team strength would be the way we swing the bat,� Granite Hills Coach Gordon Thompson said.

Starting pitcher George Bishop (3-2) pitched the first six innings for the victory.

In the AAA Division semifinals earlier Wednesday, Carroll threw a three-hitter and struck out six in Granite Hills’ 7-0 victory over Morse. Mt. Carmel easily beat Montgomery, 10-3.

AA DIVISION

Art Warren, Orange Glen’s coach, expected a low-scoring game in the championship against Fallbrook (12-4). Dave Heid, Fallbrook’s coach, thought there would be a lot of scoring.

Warren’s prediction was correct. Orange Glen edged Fallbrook, 1-0, to win the AA championship at Hilltop High School.

“We had been scoring quite a few runs going in, so there was no reason to think we couldn’t continue,� Heid said.

Said Warren: “Pitching has been carrying us, there is no doubt about that. When you get to the championship bracket, you expect to have good, low-scoring games.�

Orange Glen pitcher Ray Chatton (2-1) threw a two-hitter.

Sean Goshua scored from third in the sixth when Fallbrook catcher Mike Turiace’s pickoff throw sailed into left field.

In an AA Division semifinal, Orange Glen beat Grossmont, 2-1. David Miller (5-2) struck out seven and allowed two hits. Grossmont is 11-4. Fallbrook beat Mission Bay, 9-7, after Ty Barksdale hit a two-run double in the sixth. Mission Bay is 10-5.

A DIVISION

Mar Vista took advantage of five errors and eight walks to beat Lincoln, 9-4, for the A Division championship at Clairemont Colt Field.

Scott Brooks’ three-run double highlighted a four-run rally in the first inning for Mar Vista (9-5-2).

Todd Habel (5-1) went the distance for his third victory in the tournament.

In the semifinals, Mar Vista rallied for four runs in the seventh inning to edge San Diego, 6-5. Habel pitched the final inning for the victory. Lincoln advanced to the final with its 5-3 victory over La Jolla (9-6-1).