Pointer baseball, softball draw first-round byes, will host playoff games

by Scott Hopkins

In an exciting development, both Pointer baseball and softball teams received coveted first-round playoff byes and will host one or more games.

Playoff games are set close together, testing the pitching and depth of every involved team.

Baseball is the No. 3 seed and in the lower bracket of 12 Div. I teams. On Wednesday, May 21, at 4 p.m., they will host the winner of a first-round game between No. 6 La Jolla Country Day and No. 11 Scripps Ranch.

All games for both sports will begin at 4 p.m. except May 24 (11 a.m.).

DIV. I BASEBALL: Rounds May 20, 21, 23, 24, 27, 29, 31.

Upper bracket (seed and teams):

1. Rancho Bernardo

4. Torrey Pines

5. Sage Creek

8. Poway

9. Bonita Vista

12. Maranatha Christian

Lower bracket:

2. Cathedral Catholc

3. Point Loma

6. La Jolla Country Day

7. Santa Fe Christian

10. Montgomery

11. Scripps Ranch

All games leading up to the title game are hosted by the higher seed. The only higher seeded team in this bracket is No. 2 Cathedral Catholic so the Pointers, if they continue to win, could host further games if the Dons lose in the double-elimination tournament.

The CIF champions will be determined when the winners of the Upper and Lower brackets meet May 31 at USD’s Ron Fowler Field at 7 p.m.

Softball has an even rosier picture, receiving the No. 1 seed in the upper bracket of CIF Div. II. They also will receive a first-round bye and play the winner of No. 8 Scripps Ranch and No. 9 San Pascual May 21.

All games leading up to the finals will be played at the highest seed’s field. Because of their top seed, the Pointers will host every game they qualify for in the playoffs up to the finals.

DIV. II SOFTBALL: Rounds May 20, 21, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30.

Upper bracket (seed and team):

1. Point Loma

4. Rancho Buena Vista

5. Santana

8. San Pascual

9. Scripps Ranch

12. Oceanside

Lower bracket:

2. West Hills

3. Escondido Charter

6. Sage Creek