First published in the May 12 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
The La Cañada High School junior varsity baseball came from behind to defeat Monrovia, 4-3, in extra innings, an emphatic exclamation point on an outstanding season. The dramatic victory culminated in a Rio Hondo League championship with a 10-3 record (19-3 overall).
“Words can’t explain how proud I am of this group of boys, who always stuck together and played for one another,” coach Keyon Bell said after the game.
The Spartans were strong in all phases, beginning with a quintet of pitchers. Team ace Seth Kozakar notched four wins and 40 strikeouts. Daylen Larsen led the team with a 1.29 ERA, two complete games, and two saves. Finn Landon started four games, including the finale. Evan Mulcahey won two starts, and Cash Carroll emerged as a key reliever down the stretch.
The defense was led by its wizard at shortstop, Justin McCubbin — who also collected 19 RBI — and Landon, who also played third base and batted .400. Second base was manned by Tyler Gao (.409 batting average) and Justice Nguyen (.613 on-base percentage). First baseman Andrew Mihal hit a team-high .452.
The catchers were slugger Nyel Bangash (10 extra-base hits) and defensive specialist Gabe Teng. The outfield was patrolled by centerfielder Luke Raulli (19 stolen bases), outstanding defensive left fielder Kai Larsen, and lead-off right fielder Ben Kim (20 runs scored). Speedy utility man Jake Hofman contributed off the bench, and Greg Phillips assisted as base coach.
Bell called the team “by far, the scrappiest bunch I’ve ever coached” — a notable description for someone who has coached 27 years, the past six at LCHS. “I love these young men so much, and I’ll miss them. League champs, baby. Go Spartans! What a way to send me into retirement.”
