El Toro's charge toward title shot fueled by Thompson

Chad Thompson favors the 121 strikeouts, but Coach Mike Gonzales opts for the nine complete games. Of the four El Toro pitching records that Thompson set or tied this season, his five shutouts and 12 victories are in search of a standard bearer to argue their place atop the list.

It's a debate the Chargers never expected to have. Gonzales had penciled in 6-foot-8 left-hander Aaron Wirsch as his ace. Thompson, the junior 6-8 right-hander, would be a formidable No. 2, in his first full season on varsity.

Before the season began, a bone chip in Wirsch's left elbow washed out that dream. But it didn't stop El Toro from reaching its first CIF-Southern Section championship game since 1988, Thursday at Dodger Stadium.

Thompson earned the victory in each of the first four rounds, allowing one earned run in 21 innings of work. He has struck out 26 postseason batters, while allowing 10 hits and three walks.

His availability in the Division II title game will depend upon how he feels. But if Thompson is to pick up a fifth playoff victory, it will be in relief.

Gonzales said Tyler Zeigler or T.J. Kendzora would start. Thompson can pitch no more than three innings, after throwing a complete game Tuesday at Cypress, in El Toro's 11-1 victory.

"We're not going to do anything to jeopardize his (Thompson's) arm," Gonzales said. "But if he feels good and can throw a couple of innings — heck yeah, we'll throw him out there."

Thompson was a force during the regular season, with a no-hitter against Lakewood standing out among the five shutouts. Yet, his playoff work has been even more spectacular, and his ERA has dropped from 2.00 to 1.28.

"I think I have picked it up a little bit, just because of the excitement and the adrenaline," said Thompson, who was clocked at 92 mph last week, in his lone relief victory, at West Torrance. "I've been locating a lot better and maybe throwing a little bit harder."

The root of Thompson's success seems to be a matter of refined genetics. His father, Bill, pitched in high school and had discussions with the Milwaukee Brewers about entering the draft. Then, simultaneous elbow and shoulder injuries terminated his baseball career.

Bill was a 6-5 bean pole, who never had a lesson in pitching mechanics. Chad has been with the same instructor since he was 11 and works diligently to keep his body in shape.

At about 205 pounds, he has plenty of bulking up to do. But the 17-year-old has more control over that now, with his growth spurts in the past.

"I'm just getting thicker, I'm not getting any taller," he said.

He has heard from coaches at UC Irvine, Arizona State and Oklahoma State. And Bill said, "He'll entertain the idea.

"But his ultimate goal is to step out on the mound in the big leagues some day."

With the exception of a six-run, nine-hit shelling at Woodbridge, Thompson's season has played out as a steady adherence to fatherly advice.

Even before the injuries, Bill's career had been stunted because his family kept moving, and he kept switching high schools. His son had pitched only 10 varsity innings as a sophomore, but he knew Chad would have his chance this season.

Bill suggested: "In the opportunities that you've got, you shine like a star.".

Contact the writer: jkay@ocregister.com