Valley Chatsworth States Case for World Series

Valley Chatsworth has enjoyed recent success in American Legion play, winning the Area 6 championship two of the last three years and winning the state title two years ago.

Today, Valley Chatsworth (32-4) begins its quest to reach the American Legion World Series in Middleton, Conn., with a first-round state tournament game against Danville (40-8) at 2:30 p.m. at the Veteran’s Home in Yountville.

Valley Chatsworth does not stand alone. Danville won its second consecutive Area 2 title July 25, and finished third at the World Series last year.

“That’s interesting to know,” said Coach Matt LaCour of Valley Chatsworth, who does not scout opponents during Legion season. “It sounds like a pretty good team. It should be fun then.”

Danville’s top pitchers are seniors Matt Brown and Mateo Miramontes. Chris Grossman and Tim Gilhooly lead Danville offensively, and Grossman had four hits and five runs batted in during Danville’s 12-7, Area 2 championship victory over Lafayette.

‘We’re real young this year,” Coach Don Johns of Danville said. “We have four players back from last year’s team, none of which were starters. We’re just happy to be at the state championship.”

Valley Chatsworth reached the state tournament by winning three games in a row, including sweeping Camarillo in the championship round of the area tournament.

Valley Chatsworth is batting .378 and scored 55 runs in five playoff games.

“It’d be nice to stay on fire,” LaCour said. “We usually hit well when we’re playing every day. I’m concerned about the first game, getting our bats going. Once we get going, we’ve been hitting well all year long.”

The winner and runner-up of the state tournament advance to one of eight regional sites, probably Las Vegas or Klamath Falls, Ore.