Buoyed by four home runs and the solid pitching of senior right-hander Trent Jones (middle photo), the host Chancellors defeated Granada Hills, 11-1, today in five innings in the West Valley League opener for both teams.

 

The Chancellors (6-3) conclude the two-game set with the Highlanders (6-3) on Thursday at 3 p.m. at Granada Hills.

 

Jones (4-0), who gave up five hits and struck out four batters, was staked to a 1-0 lead in the first inning when senior center fielder Nick Devian (top photo) led off with a double and scored on an error by the pitcher on a pick-off attempt with runners at the corners.

 

Chatsworth went ahead, 3-0, in the second inning after junior left fielder Matt Moreno walked and scored on sophomore second baseman Kasey Toven's triple. Devian followed with a sacrifice fly.

 

Senior right fielder Bobby Coyle led off the third inning for the Chancellors with his fourth home run of the season, junior first baseman James Wharton was hit by a pitch and junior designated hitter Josh Reece followed with a home run, his second. Coyle has homered in three consecutive games.

 

Devian increased the lead to 7-0 with a leadoff home run in the fourth inning, his first this season, and senior third baseman Matt Dominguez (bottom photo) ended the game with a walk-off three-run homer in the fifth inning, his first this season and 29th of his career. Dominguez also had a single in the first inning.

 

JV: The Chancellors and the Highlanders tied, 4-4, in eight innings of a WVL opener at Granada Hills.

 

Sophomore shortstop Ryan  Cooperstone had a double and a triple, freshman catcher Sean O'Connell had two hits, and sophomore left fielder Freddy Ramirez had a triple and an  inning-saving catch.

 

The Chancellors (7-1-1) play host to Granada Hills on Thursday at 3 p.m.

 

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