Plouffe Directs Crespi’s Victory

Determined to avenge his only defeat this season, junior right-hander Trevor Plouffe (13-1) of Encino Crespi reinforced his reputation as one of the top college and pro prospects for 2004 by throwing a three-hitter in a 1-0 victory over North Hollywood Harvard-Westlake in the Southern Section Division III championship game Saturday at Edison Field.

In winning their first section baseball title, the Celts (27-6) scored the game’s only run in the third inning on a single by Nick Santoro.

Both teams expected runs would be at a premium because Plouffe and his counterpart, Jason Glushon (12-2), had locked up last month in a tightly contested Mission League game, won, 2-1, by the Wolverines (20-9).

This time, Plouffe struck out six and walked two. Glushon struck out four, walked none and allowed six hits.

“I think he could be a first-round draft pick,” Harvard-Westlake Coach Tim Cunningham said of Plouffe. “He’s a true player.”

Said Crespi Coach Scott Muckey: “Glushon was outstanding. Last time, I thought he was a little lucky. I don’t think that anymore.”

Much pressure was put on Plouffe this season as Crespi started only two seniors. He had two hits Saturday to finish with a .500 batting average and lowered his earned-run average to 0.71.

-- Eric Sondheimer