La Quinta Ends Los Amigos’ Streak

Los Amigos went into Thursday’s Santa Ana Elks Tournament semifinal knowing that a victory over La Quinta would do a lot to legitimize the Lobos’ school-record 14-0 start. It could also put some ideas in the Aztecs’ minds when the teams resume Garden Grove League play against each other Wednesday.

But after a 5-2 victory over the Lobos at their home field, the Aztecs--who have won the last six Garden Grove titles--might be thinking they are still in a league of their own.

That would be dangerous thinking, according to Coach Dave Demarest. Although the Aztecs are 14-1, Demarest knows he doesn’t have the kind of overpowering teams he has had in the past. This squad is mostly dependent on pitching, defense and being opportunistic.

La Quinta had just enough of all three Thursday. Although the Aztecs had two errors, including center fielder Anthony Garcia’s inexplicable throw to first base with no one covering that gave Los Amigos the second of its two runs, starter Brian Cisneros and reliever Steve Lee managed to hold off the Lobos the rest of the game.

Cisneros (4-0) never had a 1-2-3 inning in the four he worked, and gave up gave up four of Los Amigos’ seven hits. He struck out seven and walked two.

The Aztecs had only five singles, but three came in the first inning. Combined with two walks, a hit batter and an error, La Quinta scored the five runs to reach the championship game against Diamond Bar, which defeated Santiago in the other semifinal. The championship, third place and consolation championship games are tentatively scheduled for April 24 at a site to be determined.

In consolation games:

Century 5, Santa Ana 0--Starter Roland Romero (4-2) and Brian Cortes, who entered the game in the fifth, each struck out five and combined for a two-hitter for host Century (7-7). Cortes, an all-tournament selection, went two for three and had three RBIs.

Diamond Bar 12, Santiago 2--Diamond Bar (11-3) took advantage of eight Santiago errors and scored nine unearned runs in the victory. Santiago is 5-7.

Villa Park 19, Pacifica 4--Scott Foley was two for two with two RBIs for Villa Park, which led, 9-0, after an inning.