Third-seeded California upset, 4-2, as bats go silent against Brentwood
UPPER ST. CLAIR – For the first time since 2013, California will not be playing in the WPIAL Class A baseball title game.
The third-seeded Trojans were stunned by 14th-seeded Brentwood, 4-2, in the first round Thursday night at Boyce Mayview Field.
Lefty Brandon Mayfield and reliever Tanner Klein combined on a three-hitter, and Klein and Sean McGlaughlin each drove in two runs for Brentwood (10-6), which advances to the quarterfinals against Vincentian.
California (17-3), the Section 1 champion, led 2-1 after one inning but the Trojans mustered only one hit the rest of the way. The Trojans failed to take advantage of seven walks by Mayfield, who pitched 6 1/3 innings.
“He changed speeds well and got our hitters out on their front foot,” explained Cal coach Nick D’Amico. “We’ve seen a lot of lefties this season, but none like (Mayfield) who can throw three pitches for strikes. He wasn’t phased by the walks. He’s a pitcher and exploited our weaknesses.”
Brentwood took a 4-2 lead by scoring three runs in the fifth off Cal starter Brandon Powell. Klein had a two-run single up the middle and McGlaughlin followed with a run-scoring double.
“Brandon did his job,” D’Amico said. “We average more than 10 runs per game. WE just didn’t hit.”
The Spartans put runners on second and third in the sixth but Louden Conte was brought in to pitch for Cal and worked out of the jam. Brentwood loaded the bases with one out in the seventh before a botched squeeze play killed the threat.
Cal’s Johnny DeFanco drew a one-out walk in the bottom of the seventh and that was all for Mayfield. Klein replaced him on the mound and ended the game with a strikeout and flyout.
The Trojans took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the first on consecutive two-out run-scoring singles by Casey Zajicek and Enzo Mariscotti. Powell led off the second inning with a single and that was the final hit for the Trojans. Cal’s last 22 batters were unable to generate a hit.
“I feel bad for our seniors,” D’Amico said. “When they started preseason workouts, I know they didn’t expect this.”