Baseball: Mission Viejo looks like a No. 1 team

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What a season it has been for Mission Viejo. The football team reached the Pac-5 final. The basketball team is unbeaten. And the baseball team might be No. 1 in Southern California this spring.

That’’s my impression after watching the Diablos defeat San Juan Capistrano JSerra, 6-3, in a winter game on Saturday at JSerra. Mission Viejo also defeated La Puente Bishop Amat, 4-2.

If pitching is the name of the game, the Diablos have plenty. Their ace is Cal State Fullerton-bound Willie Kuhl. Junior Kieran Lovegrove, an Arizona State commit, also was impressive. The defense looked good, especially new shortstop Derek Meddings, a junior.

Among the hitters, outfielder Austin Saenz, another Fullerton recruit, is a terrific leadoff hitter. Cal State Northridge signee Ryan Raslowsky had a two-run single.

JSerra and Bishop Amat also will be top teams. JSerra defeated the Lancers, 1-0. Outfielder Clay Williamson from JSerra will be a standout. Bishop Amat is going to pitch by committee this season, and it might work.

-- Eric Sondheimer