Local teams’ spring break features Beach Pit Classic

Players from the Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa and Estancia high school baseball teams won’t be taking the week off like their classmates in the Newport-Mesa District.

That’s because the baseball teams will be playing in the Beach Pit Classic, the 16-team tournament that starts today.

The Beach Pit Classic, formerly the Pride of the Coast Tournament, resumes on Monday and ends Wednesday with the championship game played at Corona del Mar at 2 p.m.

Last year, the Sea Kings lost to San Clemente in the title game, 5-1. Corona del Mar opens the tournament against former Pacific Coast League rival Northwood today at 11 a.m. at Costa Mesa.

The Mustangs face Irvine at Corona del Mar at 11 a.m. and Estancia plays host to Saugus, also at 11 a.m.

South Hills of West Covina, Vasquez of Acton, Segerstrom, La Quinta, Rancho Alamitos, Woodbridge and Garden Grove are also in the tournament, as are Greeley of Colorado, West Ranch of Stevenson Ranch and Canyon of Canyon Country.

— From staff reports