For the first time in school history, OVS baseball is headed to the third round of the CIF playoffs following a 2-0 home victory Tuesday over San Bernardino High School at Dok Smith Field.
As has been the case all season, the Spuds were led by sophomore Archer Moller, who threw a complete game, one-hit shutout and accounted for both OVS hits and runs, including a towering 380-foot home run over the left field scoreboard.
Archer struck out 16 batters while allowing only one hit.
“It felt great playing at home with all the fans cheering for the Spuds en route to victory,” Archer said. “While playing some of the best baseball of my life, it’s also good to know I lead younger players beside me.”
Archer went 2-for-2 at the plate and stole three bases. OVS batters got on base with regularity and stole six bases for the game.
Several other players provided key plays en route to victory including a clean defensive play by sophomore second baseman Bennett Brown at the start of the game, a hustling play by catcher Renji Hanai to tag a runner out at home and a crucial infield catch by sophomore Zayd Davis on a bunt that was popped up in the in field in the top of the seventh final inning.
The Spuds travel to Claremont on Friday to take on the Webb School in the quarterfinals of the Southern Section Division 9 CIF playoff. Game time is 3:15 PM.