Baseball: No. 2 Orange Lutheran topples No. 1 Huntington Beach, 5-3

Packed stands at Hart Park in Orange on Monday night provided a hint about the baseball game taking place. It was No. 1 Huntington Beach taking on No. 2 Orange Lutheran, and fans knew the atmosphere was worthy of the talent on the field.

No player responded better than 6-foot-6 junior left-hander Chris Burica of Orange Lutheran. He struck out seven and retired 13 of final 14 batters in a complete-game performance that resulted in a 5-3 victory for the Lancers (1-0).

“It’s completely different than anything you can prepare for in practice,� said Burica, a Creighton commit. “This is what you play baseball for. “

Burica gave up three runs in the third inning to fall behind, 3-0. But he didn’t give up a hit the rest of the way. Dominic Abbadessa had two of Huntington Beach’s three hits on the night.

Orange Lutheran closed to 3-2 in the third off Logan Pouelsen (0-1), with Garrett Mitchell contributing an RBI triple.

The hardest hit ball was by junior Zach Busalacchi, who blasted a home run over the left-field fence in the fifth.

Both teams will be much better later in the season. Orange Lutheran has several players injured. Huntington Beach (1-2) won’t get two-way player Nick Pratto eligible until April 4.

But the Lancers learned that Burica is ready to be a top pitcher this season on a staff full of depth.

“He showed some serious heart,� Coach Eric Borba said. “He’s battled all summer and winter to be in this spot.�

In other games, Glendora defeated Bell Gardens, 15-0, in six innings. Wyatt Regis had a home run, double and three RBIs. Gavin Coppin added a home run and three RBIs.

Highly touted junior Travis Burleson made his season debut for Fountain Valley and threw a one-hitter with nine strikeouts in a 1-0 victory over Long Beach Poly at USC.

Temescal Canyon defeated Valley View, 6-5. Matt Tomazin hit an RBI double in the bottom of the sixth to drive in the go-ahead run.Tyler Hardman homered.

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