Orange Lutheran got on a mini-roll over the final two weeks of the regular season to make the CIF-SS baseball playoffs.
The Lancers added to the momentum Friday with a 6-0 win over Canyon Springs of Moreno Valley in a Division 1 first-round playoff game.
Orange Lutheran senior left-hander Chris Burica allowed one hit in six innings. Burica, who signed with Creighton, is 8-0 with a 0.60 ERA. Tristan Hanoian had three hits and three RBI.
Lancers coach Eric Borba said the team’s players “lost some confidence” when they were swept by JSerra in a three-game series the last week of April.
“Now that the playoffs are here, guys are starting to realize what they’re capable of doing,” Borba said.
Orange Lutheran (20-8) will play at Huntington Beach (20-10) in a second-round game Tuesday. Orange Lutheran defeated the Oilers, 5-3, in the teams’ season opener on Feb. 29.
Also in Division 1:
Huntington Beach 5, Santiago of Corona 2: Nick Pratto pitched a complete game and Hagen Danner homered for the visiting Oilers (20-10).
El Dorado 6, Valencia of Valencia 4: Ian Meyer had three hits and Jake Mahood pitched a complete game for the visiting Golden Hawks (15-14). El Dorado will play host to Cypress on Tuesday.
Corona 8, Marina 0: The Sunset League-champion Vikings (20-11) were eliminated as the Panthers’ Michael Hobbs threw a no-hitter.
West Ranch of Valencia 5, Mater Dei 2: The visiting Monarchs (15-13) had a 2-1 lead but were eliminated.
In Division 3:
Beckman 13, Orange 2: Austin Schell had five RBI for the host Patriots (22-5). Beckman, which had lost its final two regular-season games, had 11 hits against the Panthers (17-11). Beckman plays at Charter Oak of Covina on Tuesday.
Woodbridge 9, Lancaster 0: Jackson Lyon homered and drove in four runs for the Warriors (20-7) who will be home against San Dimas on Thursday.
In Division 7:
St. Michael’s Prep 5, Riverside Prep 1: The Pioneers (12-4) advanced and will at home game Tuesday against Faith Baptist of Canoga Park.
