DeSousa’s Big Day Propels Sea Kings Freshmen to Victory
The Sea Kings Freshmen scored in all but two innings on Wednesday as they defeated the Marina Vikings 9-2.
After a quiet first inning for both teams, the Sea Kings broke out for three runs in the top of the second inning. Starting pitcher Nick DeSousa (‘27) opened the inning with a double to center field. After two outs, a hit by pitch and a walk loaded the bases for the Sea Kings. Back-to-back errors by the Vikings then allowed three Sea Kings runners to cross the plate.
In the top of the third inning, Jackson Lawrence (‘28) led off with a single and advanced to third base when a pickoff attempt by the Vikings went awry. DeSousa then got his second hit of the game, this time an RBI-single. DeSousa stole second base and advanced to third base on a ground out. When Colt Fyke (‘28) walked, the Sea Kings had the Vikings cornered. Marina made another error when Fyke stole second base and this allowed DeSousa to score and stretch the lead to 5-0.
Luca DiNapoli (‘28) tripled with one out in the fourth inning and scored on Luke Kittleson’s (‘28) ground ball to third base.
Three walks and a pair of singles resulted in a run for the Vikings in the bottom of the fifth inning and the score was 6-1.
The Sea Kings effectively put the game out of reach in the top of the sixth inning when they scored two runs. DiNapoli led off with a single and Tait Weissman (‘28) followed with a walk. Kittleson sacrificed the runners to second and third bases. One run scored for the Sea Kings on another fielding error by the Vikings and the inning’s second run scored on another double by DeSousa.
The Vikings scored an unearned run in the bottom of the sixth inning when a two-out error was followed by a pair of singles.
The final run of the game was scored by the Sea Kings in the top of the seventh inning, again courtesy of an error by the Vikings. Danny Angeloff (‘28) walked and stole second base, and came around to score when Brody Majit’s (‘28) ground ball was misplayed by the Vikings’ shortstop.
Just as in game one of the series, the Sea Kings got excellent pitching from everyone they sent to the mound. DeSousa started and pitched four and two-thirds innings, allowing three hits and one run, while striking out three. Reliever Lawrence pitched the final two and one-third innings and didn’t allow an earned run. Both men also contributed mightily at the plate.
DeSousa was three for four with two doubles, two runs scored, two RBI and a stolen base. For his part, Lawrence, who now has a four-game on-base streak, was one for four with an RBI, two runs scored and a stolen base.
Kittleson stayed hot for the Sea Kings and extended his hitting streak to four games and his on-base streak to seven games, as he went one for two with a walk and an RBI.
DiNapoli finished his day two for four, including a triple, plus a walk, a stolen base and two runs scored.
When he walked in the second inning, Majit extended his on-base streak to five games, while Weissman now has a four-game on-base streak.
The Sea Kings Freshmen close out the season series with Marina on Friday, April 18, at home.
Sea Kings Varsity Wins Extra Inning Marathon
In a game that saw excellent efforts by relief pitchers on both teams, the Sea Kings Varsity finally broke through to score a run in the top of the eleventh inning and go on to clinch a 5-4 victory over the Marina Vikings.
The Vikings were first to score a run when a fielding miscue led to an unearned run in the bottom of the third inning to put Marina up 1-0.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, the Vikings chased Sea Kings starter, Stonehill College-commit Marcello Anelli (‘25) and appeared to be in control of the game when they plated three more runs.
The Sea Kings stormed back to tie the game at 4-4 in the top of the sixth inning. The inning started with Princeton-commit Vincent Menard (‘25) earning a walk. Brady Gadol (‘25) then drove a 2-0 pitch into left field to put runners at first and second bases. Sea Kings shortstop Ganon Overfelt (‘25) then singled to center field and by the time the dust had settled as the Vikings retrieved the ball and errantly sent it back into the infield, both Menard and Gadol had scored and Overfelt was on third base. Stevie Jones (‘26) then singled to score Overfelt and the Sea Kings were within one run. The Sea Kings then loaded the bases courtesy of a hit by pitch and another fielding error on the part of the Vikings. JJ Haley (‘28) hit a sacrifice fly to center field and the Sea Kings had knotted the score at 4-4.
It was at this point in the game that the relievers for both teams really took charge. Neither team threatened until it was the Vikings’ turn to bat in the bottom of the ninth. A leadoff triple was followed by a strikeout. The Sea Kings then intentionally walked the next two batters to set up a force play at any base. The gambit paid off when the Sea Kings called upon reliever Noah Bertrand (‘25) and the next Vikings’ batter grounded into an inning-ending double play.
Both team went three up and three down in the tenth inning.
In the top off the eleventh inning, Haley got a one-out single and stole second base after the Sea Kings had made their second out. Third baseman William Chiechi then delivered a clutch two-out double to drive home Haley and the Sea Kings had taken the lead for the first time in the game.
The Sea Kings brought in ace Jones to pitch the bottom of the eleventh and seal the game. Things went according to plan through Jones’ first five pitches, as he secured two quick outs via a ground out and a strikeout. Trouble started to brew when the Sea Kings committed an error and then Jones hit a batter giving the Vikings hope with two runners on base. Jones was able to induce another ground ball out and the Sea Kings secured a gritty, come-from-behind victory, 5-4.
Ben Stone (‘26) shined out of the bullpen for the Sea Kings, as did Bertrand. Stone ended his day pitching four and two-thirds innings, allowing two hits and no runs, while striking out three Vikings. Bertrand pitched one and two-thirds innings of no hits, no runs baseball.
On offense, Chiechi’s game-winning RBI was part of a two for four day for the senior. Fellow senior Overfelt wrapped up his day two for five with a run scored and an RBI. And freshman Haley was two for four with a run scored, an RBI and a stolen base.
The Sea Kings Varsity hosts the Marina Vikings for game two of their series on Wednesday, April 16.
Sea Kings Junior Varsity Loses Slugfest
In a game that saw both teams hammer out fifteen hits, the Marina Vikings pulled away in the end to defeat the Sea Kings Junior Varsity 15-12.
The Sea Kings jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Cason Yarnall (‘27) started off the inning with a single and scored when the Vikings’ right fielder misplayed the ball on Max Brengel’s (’27) single. Prescott Nyman (‘27) was up next and his line drive double to center field plated Brengel. Nyman then stole third base, and two batters later, scored on a passed ball.
The Vikings bounced right back to tie the game at three apiece in the top of the second inning, using a sacrifice fly and two bases-loaded walks.
The offense continued in the bottom of the second inning with the Sea Kings scoring four runs to make the score 7-3. Crosby Eddy (‘27) led off the frame with a double, and after Alex Wellmerling (‘27) earned a walk and Yarnall reached on an error, the bases were loaded. Brengel singled into right field to drive in Eddy and the bases remained loaded. Nyman bounced a ball over the wall in the right-center gap for an automatic double and picked up two RBI as Wellmerling and Yarnall came around to score. One out later, Sam Healy (‘27) singled to score Brengel.
In the bottom of the third inning, the Sea Kings added on another run as Wellmerling singled, advanced to second base on a ground out and then scored on Brengel’s single to right field.
The Vikings closed the gap to 8-5 in the top of the fourth inning with a two-out rally. A single was followed by back-to-back doubles and Marina had two more runs on the scoreboard as a result.
The Sea Kings added another singleton in their half of the fourth inning. Healy and Jacob Olson (‘27) singled, and then stole third base and second base, respectively. Healy then scored as a result of an error on the Vikings’ catcher.
Marina pulled to within two runs in the top of the fifth inning. A full house consisting of two walks and three singles plated two Vikings and made the score 9-7.
The turning point of the game came in the top of the sixth inning. A hit by pitch, a walk and a sacrifice bunt put the tying runs on second and third bases for the Vikings with one out. Following a strikeout, a single to center field brought home both Vikings’ runners and the score was tied at nines. The next Vikings’ hitter singled and there were runners on first and second bases. Marina’s next hitter looked at three straight strikes to apparently end the inning. However, a dropped third strike allowed the batter to safely reach first base and the bases were loaded. They were not loaded for long. A double to left field plated all three runners and the Vikings were up 12-9.
Undaunted, the Sea Kings mounted a gritty rally in the bottom of the sixth inning to tie the score at 12-12. The rally started with a leadoff double by Cash Burns (‘27). An error on the Vikings and a walk loaded the bases. The unconventional rally continued as a hit by pitch and another walk forced in two runs for the Sea Kings. A groundball fielder’s choice brought in another run and the Sea Kings had tallied three runs with only one ball ever leaving the infield.
Not to be outdone in the unconventional rally category, the Vikings were able to score the decisive three runs in the top of the seventh inning despite only collecting one hit, which was only a single at that. Marina was greatly aided by a number of defensive miscues on the part of the Sea Kings in the frame.
Offensive stars shone bright for the Sea Kings up and down the lineup.
Leadoff man Yarnall set the tone at the top of the order going one for three and scoring two runs.
Brengel filled up the box score, going three for five, while scoring two runs and driving in two.
For the second straight game, Nyman had two doubles as part of his three for five day at the plate. Nyman scored a run, collected three RBI and stole a base, while extending his hitting streak to five games.
Healy finished his day with a stat line of two for five, with a run, an RBI and two stolen bases.
Center fielder Olson reached base three times with two singles and a walk. He swiped three bases and scored a run.
Wellmerling scored two runs, as he went one for two and added a walk.
The Sea Kings Junior Varsity travels to Marina to face the Vikings in game two of their series on Wednesday, April 16.
Full-Team Effort Results in Blowout Victory for Sea Kings Freshmen
The Sea Kings Freshmen defeated the Marina Vikings 12-2 in the first game of their three-game set this week. The Sea Kings pounded out twelve hits and drew eight walks, while the Sea Kings pitchers held the Vikings to one earned run.
The Vikings opened the game with a single, and one out later, they scored a run thanks to a defensive miscue by the Sea Kings. This would turn out to be the high point of the game for Marina.
Both teams were held scoreless until it was the Sea Kings’ turn to bat in the bottom of the fourth inning. Luke Kittleson (‘28) started the frame with a leadoff double. Kittleson’s double should have been the extent of the potential trouble for Marina, as the next three Sea Kings’ batters hit balls that should have been fielded for outs. However, the Vikings made an error and the door was left open for a two-out Sea Kings’ rally. The Sea Kings strode through that open door. Kittleson stole home to plate the Sea Kings first run and then William Gould (‘27) singled to drive in Jackson Lawrence (‘28), who had been the beneficiary of the Vikings’ error. The second walk of the inning loaded the bases for the Sea Kings and Luca DiNapoli lined a single to center field to drive in the Sea Kings’ third run.
The Vikings posted a run in the top of the fifth inning to pull back within a run when two walks were followed by an RBI double.
The Sea Kings stretched their lead to 6-2 in the bottom of the fifth inning. The inning started with a walk to Kittleson, who then advanced to third base on a pair of passed balls. Kittleson scored on an RBI-single by Lawrence. The next two Sea Kings made outs, but the Sea Kings again rallied with two outs. Colt Fyke (’28) singled and Gould walked, prior to a single by Brody Majit (‘28) that drove in two runs.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Sea Kings doubled their run total, as they sent eleven batters to the plate and scored six runs. A leadoff double by DiNapoli was followed by a Tait Weissman (’28) single and a walk to Kittleson to load the bases. Nick DeSousa (‘27) then hit a ball up the middle that plated DiNapoli and left the bases loaded. A four-pitch walk to Claire O’Kelly (’28) resulted in the next Sea Kings run when Weissman was forced home. Fyke then singled to drive in Kittleson and the Sea Kings still had the bases loaded. Gould was hit by a pitch and DeSousa scored as a result. Majit’s single brought O’Kelly home and DiNapoli singled to plate Fyke before the inning mercifully ended.
The Sea Kings got outstanding contributions up and down the lineup on Tuesday.
All three Sea Kings hurlers were excellent. Gould started on the bump and ended up pitching four and two-thirds innings and surrendering only two hits and one earned run, while striking out five. Kittleson may have only recorded one out, but it was a critical one. Kittleson relieved Gould in the top of the fifth with two outs and runners on second and third bases, in what was a one-run game at the time. He battled his way to a 3-2 count and ultimately struck out the Vikings’ batter to extinguish the threat. Fyke pitched the final two innings and did not allow a hit or a run, while striking out four Vikings and walking none.
All three Sea Kings pitchers also helped the cause as hitters. Gould reached base three times with a single, a walk and a hit by pitch, and drove in two runs. Kittleson, who extended his on-base streak to six games, was one for one with three walks, three runs and a stolen base. Fyke was two for three plus a walk and scored three runs, while driving one in.
The top two hitters in the Sea Kings’ lineup arguably did the most damage. Leadoff man Majit, who has a four-game hitting streak, was two for three with two walks, three RBI and a stolen base. Number two hitter DiNapoli was three for five with a double, a run scored and two RBI.
The Sea Kings Freshmen travel to Marina to face off against the Vikings again on Wednesday, April 16.
Sea Kings Varsity Offense Comes Alive in Road Win
The Sea Kings Varsity rallied late to overcome a three run deficit and cinch an 8-6 victory in their series finale with the Los Alamitos Griffins on Friday.
Both offenses came out swinging in the first inning, as each team scored two runs in the first frame. The Sea Kings leadoff man, Princeton-commit Vincent Menard (‘25) scored on an error after drawing a walk and Brady Gadol (‘25) singled and scored thanks to an RBI single by starting pitcher Stevie Jones (‘26).
After the Sea Kings went one, two, three in the top of the second inning, the Griffins plated two runs in the bottom of the frame to take a 4-2 lead.
The top of the fourth inning saw the Sea Kings load the bases with one out, but fail to score. In the bottom of the frame, the Griffins extended their lead to 5-2 courtesy of a leadoff home run to left field.
With nine outs remaining and facing a possible series sweep by the Griffins, the Sea Kings offense leveled up in the fifth inning. Menard and Gadol, once again, started the hit parade with back-to-back singles to open the inning. After Ganon Overfelt (‘25) was hit by a pitch, the Sea Kings had the bases loaded. Jones collected his second RBI of the game when his sacrifice fly plated Menard. The next batter, JJ Haley (‘28) grounded into a fielder’s choice, which allowed Gadol to score and the Sea Kings had pulled to within one run. Dylan O’Kelly (‘25) kept the party going with a clutch two-out double to score Haley and tie the game. Catcher Charlie Kaster (‘26) then singled to center field and when O’Kelly came around to score, the Sea Kings had come all the way back to take a 6-5 lead.
The Griffins were not done yet, though. In the bottom of the fifth inning, Los Alamitos parlayed a hit by pitch, a wild pitch and a single into the tying run and the score stood at 6-6 with two innings to go.
In the top of the sixth inning, the Sea Kings first two batters reached base as Jack Phillips (‘28) singled to center field and Menard’s ground ball was misplayed by the Griffins’ third baseman. Gadol then laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners to second and third bases. With still only one out, the Sea Kings again called upon the sacrifice bunt, and this time Overfelt executed it to perfection with both Phillips and Menard scoring on his effort. The inning ended with the Sea Kings ahead 8-6.
The Sea Kings called upon senior Noah Bertrand (‘25) to come out of the bullpen and secure the save. Bertrand pitched the final two innings, allowing zero hits and zero runs, while facing the minimum six batters.
The Sea Kings got contributions up and down the lineup on Friday.
Leadoff man Menard was one for three plus a walk and scored three runs.
Out of the two hole, Gadol was two for three and scored two runs.
Overfelt reached base on a hit by pitch, but most significantly, recorded two RBI with his winning sacrifice bunt.
Jones also collected two RBI for the Sea Kings via a single and a sacrifice fly.
O’Kelly wrapped up his day with a stat line of one for three with a double, a run scored and an RBI.
Kaster lead the team with three hits, going three for four on the day and collecting an RBI and a stolen base.
The Sea Kings Varsity hit the road to face the Marina Vikings in game one of their three-game series next Tuesday, April 15.
Griffins Pull Away from Sea Kings Junior Varsity Over the Final Innings
A one-run game turned into a 7-2 victory for the Los Alamitos Griffins when the Sea Kings Junior Varsity offense stalled out after four innings.
Los Alamitos broke a 0-0 tie in the top of the third inning when a single and a walk were coupled with a pair of stolen bases and followed by a two-RBI single to make the score 2-0 Griffins.
In the top of the fourth inning, Los Alamitos added a run after a leadoff double was cashed in by a two-out single.
The Sea Kings mounted a comeback in the bottom of the fourth inning, scoring two runs to make it a one run deficit. Cash Burns (‘27) started the inning by drawing a walk. Prescott Nyman (‘27) then hit a double into the right-center gap and the Sea Kings had runners at second and third bases. Maxwell Morton’s (‘27) ground ball to shortstop resulted in an error and plated Burns. Brooks Johnson (‘27) then singled to left field to score Nyman.
The Sea Kings could only manage two base hits the rest of the way, while the Griffins tacked on four more runs to make the final score, 7-2.
Nyman extended his hitting streak to four games, as he led the Sea Kings’ offense with two doubles in three at bats, and scored a run.
Burns also reached base twice for the Sea Kings with a single and a walk, and he scored the team’s other run.
Morton and Johnson each earned an RBI for the Sea Kings.
The Sea Kings Junior Varsity kicks off a three-game series with the Marina Vikings Tuesday, April 15 at home.
Sea Kings Freshmen Close Out Series with Griffins
The Los Alamitos Griffins completed their season sweep of the Sea Kings Freshmen on Friday, scoring an 11-3 victory. The Griffins got the hit parade going early and held down the Sea Kings offense until the final inning.
The Griffins sent ten batters to the plate and scored four runs in the second inning to take an early lead. Los Alamitos added three more runs in the third inning when a pair of doubles sandwiched a single after a leadoff walk. The wheels came off the wagon in the fourth inning, as the Griffins tacked on four more runs aided by three Sea Kings’ errors, two hit by pitches and a walk.
The Sea Kings struggled to mount any offense until the seventh inning when they tallied three runs. Brody Majit (‘28) started the inning with a line drive single, which was followed by a Luke Kittleson (‘28) walk. After two outs, the Griffins’ pitchers continued to struggle with control. The Sea Kings were able to bring home three runners as a result of three more walks and a hit by pitch.
Kittleson continued his hot streak for the Sea Kings, as he reached base for the fifth straight game. His closing stat line for the day was one for two plus a walk and a run scored.
Majit reached base three times with a single and two walks, and scored a run.
Colt Fyke (‘28) performed well both at the plate and on the mound for the Sea Kings. He pitched the final three frames, allowing zero hits and zero runs, while striking out three. As a hitter, Fyke was one for two with a walk and a run scored.
The Sea Kings Freshmen return to action on Tuesday, April 15 when they host the Marina Vikings.
Sea Kings Varsity Drops Low-Scoring Game to Griffins
On Wednesday, the Sea Kings Varsity dropped game two of their three-game series with the Los Alamitos Griffins by a final score of 3-1. The game was remarkably similar to game one of the series, as the Sea Kings jumped out to a first inning lead only to struggle on offense the rest of the way.
Princeton-commit Vincent Menard (‘25) lead off the game with a double and advanced to third base on a wild pitch. One out later, a groundout by Ganon Overfelt (‘25) brought home Menard and the Sea Kings were up 1-0.
The Griffins struck back in the top of the second inning in unconventional fashion. The Griffins’ leadoff man singled, proceeded to second base via a balk, went to third base on a wild pitch and then scored on a sacrifice fly. Los Alamitos’ second man up in the inning walked, stole second base and then came home on a single, putting the Griffins up 2-1.
In the sixth inning, the Griffins added a third run when a leadoff double was followed by a single.
The Sea Kings tried to mount a last-gasp rally with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning when Dylan O’Kelly (‘25) singled and JJ Haley (‘28) was hit by a pitch. The potential rally ended there though, as the Griffins’ relief pitcher registered a strikeout to end the game.
Menard was the highlight on offense for the Sea Kings, going two for three with a double, a run scored and a stolen base.
Will Chavez (‘26) pitched a complete game for the Sea Kings, allowing three earned runs, while striking out two.
The Sea Kings Varsity will face off against Los Alamitos for the final time this season on Friday, April 11.
Sea Kings Junior Varsity Loses in Extra Innings
In a game that saw the Sea Kings Junior Varsity bang out a season-high ten hits, the Sea Kings lost 4-3 in nine innings to the Los Alamitos Griffins.
The Griffins established a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning when a leadoff base hit ultimately turned into a run as a result of a passed ball.
Los Alamitos returned the favor in the top of the third inning when a Sea Kings leadoff single by Jacob Olson (‘27) turned into a run thanks to a pair of errors by the Griffins’ catcher and center fielder.
In the bottom of the third inning, the Griffins retook the lead when a hit by pitch and stolen base were followed by an RBI single making the score 2-1 Los Alamitos.
The Griffins pushed the lead to 3-1 in the bottom of the fifth inning when they loaded the bases and then scored on a groundout.
The Sea Kings took their own turn loading the bases in the top of the sixth inning when they started the frame with consecutive singles from Alex Wellmerling (‘27), Cason Yarnall (‘27) and Max Brengel (‘27). Wellmerling was driven in by a single off the bat of Prescott Nyman (‘27) and then a sacrifice fly by Maxwell Morton (‘27) brought home Yarnall to tie the score 3-3.
In the bottom of the seventh inning, the Griffins were in position to score a walk off victory after a hit by pitch and stolen base put the winning run on second base. The Griffins’ hopes came crashing down when Sea Kings’ center fielder Olson made a game-saving, diving catch and doubled up the Los Alamitos baserunner to send the game into extra innings.
The Sea Kings threatened to score and take the lead in the top of the eighth inning when leadoff batter Brengel reached on a two-base error and then stole third base. Brengel tried to score when the next batter, Nyman, hit a chopper back to the pitcher, but was cut down at the plate. Cash Burns (‘27) followed with a single, and then Nyman and Burns advanced to second and third bases, respectively, on a passed ball. The inning ended when Morton lined out to right field and Nyman was thrown out after tagging up and trying to score from third base.
The Griffins went quietly in the bottom of the eighth inning, as did the Sea Kings in the top of the ninth inning.
In the bottom of the ninth, the Griffins were able to push across the winning run with an RBI single after loading the bases on a hit by pitch, a single and an error.
Burns got his first start of the season on the mound for the Sea Kings and provided four and one-third solid innings of mound work, allowing two earned runs on three hits, while striking out six. At the plate, Burns contributed two base hits in his three at bats.
Sam Healy (‘27) relieved Burns and was excellent. He pitched two and two-thirds innings of one hit ball and did not allow a run.
Yarnall scored a run as part of a two for four day at the plate, while Brengel was also two for four and stole a base.
Wellmerling finished his day one for three with a run scored.
The Sea Kings Junior Varsity will close out their season series with the Los Alamitos Griffins at home on Friday, April 11.
Sea Kings Freshmen Fall 7-1 to Griffins
The Los Alamitos Griffins broke open a scoreless game in the third inning and coasted to a 7-1 victory over the Sea Kings Freshmen in game two of their three-game series.
The Griffins and Sea Kings combined for only three baserunners over the first two innings of Wednesday’s matchup, but the pace of play took a drastic turn in the bottom of the third inning. The Griffins pounded out six hits in the frame on their way to scoring three runs.
More of the same followed in the bottom of the fourth inning, as the Griffins plated four runners, aided by a pair of bases-loaded walks, and the score stood at 7-0.
The Sea Kings had opportunities to mount a comeback in both the fifth and sixth innings, but ended up scoring only one run to make the final score 7-1. In the fifth inning, Brooks Johnson (‘27) led off with a line drive double to left field and one out later, Brody Majit (‘28) was hit by a pitch. The Sea Kings were in business with two baserunners and only one out. The potential rally died when an out on the basepaths was followed by a strikeout.
In the top of the sixth inning, the Sea Kings loaded the bases with no outs and scored a run on a wild pitch. The Griffins’ pitchers then bore down and struck out the next three Sea Kings batters to quash the rally.
Jackson Lawrence (‘28) scored the Sea Kings’ lone run and was one for three for the game.
Luke Kittleson (‘28) reached base twice with a single and a walk, and extended his on-base streak to four games.
The Sea Kings Freshmen return home to face the Los Alamitos Griffins for the final time this season on Friday, April 11.