Birmingham Patriots Stun Granada Hills in West Valley League Opener, 9-3
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Birmingham, CA – In a stunning upset, the Birmingham Patriots launched their West Valley League season with a decisive 9-3 victory over the Granada Hills Highlanders on Friday, March 7, 2025. This win is a significant milestone for head coach Matt Mowry,who,despite securing five City Section championships,is still pursuing his first West Valley League title in his 19 seasons at the helm. The Patriots, sporting their distinctive green uniforms, displayed a powerful offensive performance coupled with strong pitching to defeat the four-time defending West Valley champions.
The game’s turning point arrived swiftly in the first inning when Zion Wadell adn Isaac Monterrubio connected for back-to-back home runs, instantly propelling Birmingham into the lead. This early offensive surge established the patriots’ intent to challenge Granada Hills’ long-standing dominance in the league. The atmosphere was electric as the Patriots took control of the game early.
Monterrubio’s extraordinary performance extended beyond the home run,as he also added a double to his impressive stat line. Cristian Martinez also shone at the plate, going a perfect three for three. Freshman Jordan Lindsay made a significant contribution with two hits and two RBIs, highlighting the depth and talent within the Birmingham squad. The team’s performance underscored a well-rounded approach to the game.
I’ve never seen back to back home runs in a high school game. Zion Wadell and Isaac Monterrubio just did it in first inning for Birmingham. 3-0 at Granada Hills. Wind is blowing out. pic.twitter.com/DXAdzU1rfu
Dominant Pitching seals the Victory for Birmingham
The Birmingham pitching staff played a pivotal role in securing the victory. Freshman pitcher Carlos Acuna exhibited remarkable poise and skill, striking out eight and walking four in 3 2/3 innings. Nathan Soto relieved Acuna and delivered a stellar performance, throwing 3 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing only one hit, and striking out five. Soto’s ability to shut down Granada Hills’ offense solidified Birmingham’s lead and ensured the victory. The pitching duo proved to be a formidable force.
Despite the loss, Granada hills had some bright spots. Max Szczech had three hits, including two doubles. Luke Chau provided relief on the mound, pitching four scoreless innings after the team fell behind 6-0 and closed the gap to 6-3. Chau’s performance demonstrated the Highlanders’ resilience and determination to fight back. His efforts helped to mitigate the damage and keep the team in contention.
Around the League: Other Baseball Action
In other baseball action around the area:
- Sun Valley Poly 9, Bell 4: Sun Valley Poly defeated defending City champion Bell, handing them their first loss of the season.
- Sierra Canyon 7, El Camino Real 0: Greyson Gullage lead Sierra Canyon with three hits, while Kingston Monette pitched four scoreless innings.
- Calabasas 4, Chaminade 3: Calabasas secured a walk-off victory against Chaminade on a wild pitch in the seventh inning.
- El Dorado 1,El Modena 0: Logan Steenburgen pitched a complete game shutout for El Dorado,striking out six.
- Foothill 2, Villa Park 0: Gavin Lauridsen’s two-run single and Adam Ujiie’s six scoreless innings led Foothill to victory.
- Mission Viejo 4, Fullerton 0: Aiden Chapuis pitched five scoreless innings, and Jacob Powley hit a home run for Mission Viejo.
- Edison 6, San Clemente 3: Kobe Kee’s three-run double propelled Edison to a win over San Clemente.
- Arcadia 6, Muir 1: Arcadia continued their strong start to the season, improving to 7-0 with a win over Muir.
- Servite 2, Long Beach Millikan 1: Servite edged out long Beach Millikan in an 11-inning thriller.
- Corona del Mar 8,Tesoro 0: Stevie Jones improved to 3-0 with three shutout innings,and Vincent Menard homered for Corona del Mar.
- La Mirada 8, Bellflower 4: Aiden Aguayo and Kevin Jeon each had two hits for La Mirada in their win against Bellflower.
- Paloma Valley 7,valley View 2: Paloma Valley remained undefeated,improving to 6-0 with a win over Valley View.
- Sherman Oaks Notre Dame 3, San dimas 0: Beckett Berg pitched five scoreless innings, and Dominic Cadiz hit a home run for sherman oaks Notre dame.
Softball Highlights
The softball scene also saw exciting action:
- Orange Lutheran 5, La Mirada 4: Chloe McGreevey and Carlie snyder homered for Orange Lutheran in their victory.
- Norco 13, Bonita 0: Ashley Duran and Tamryn Shorter each hit three-run home runs for Norco.
- JSerra 8, Lakewood 1: Liliana Escobar dominated on the mound, striking out 17 for JSerra.
- Huntington Beach 14, Aliso Niguel 4: Bree Carlson hit two home runs for Huntington Beach.
- Mater Dei 4, Garden Grove Pacifica 1: Elle McCloskey homered, and Sienna Acosta struck out seven for Mater Dei.
Conclusion: A Promising Start for the Patriots
The Birmingham Patriots’ dominant performance against Granada Hills signals a promising start to their West Valley League season. With a combination of powerful hitting and strong pitching, the patriots are poised to be a formidable contender for the league title. As coach Matt Mowry aims to break the West Valley League jinx, this victory provides a significant boost of confidence and momentum for the team. The road ahead will be challenging, but the Patriots have demonstrated they have the potential to go far.
High School Baseball Upset: Birmingham Patriots Shock West Valley League
Did you know that a seemingly improbable victory can reshape the trajectory of a high school baseball team’s season, and even a coach’s legacy? That’s exactly what happened when the Birmingham Patriots defeated the four-time defending West Valley League champion Granada Hills Highlanders.
Interview with Coach Davis, High School Baseball Strategist
Senior Editor (SE): coach Davis, the Birmingham Patriots’ 9-3 victory over Granada Hills is being hailed as a stunning upset. What factors contributed to this unexpected outcome?
Coach Davis (CD): The Patriots’ win was a result of a potent combination of factors. First, their offensive strategy proved exceptionally effective. The back-to-back home runs by Wadell and Monterrubio in the first inning promptly put pressure on the Highlanders, setting the tone for the game. This decisive early lead was crucial in neutralizing granada Hills’ normally dominant offense. Their ability to hit consistently and move runners efficiently was key. The team also demonstrates strong fundamental skills including base running and bunts and sacrifices. It was a total team effort—every player making key contributions.
SE: The game highlights some exceptional individual performances, notably on the pitching mound. Can you elaborate on the significance of their pitching strategy?
CD: The pitching duo of Acuna and Soto were outstanding. Acuna’s early dominance set the stage,showcasing exceptional control and strikeout ability. Soto’s relief performance was equally crucial. His ability to shut down Granada Hills’ batting lineup in the later innings entirely solidified Birmingham’s victory. This demonstrates the importance of a well-rounded pitching staff, capable of adapting to different game situations and exploiting opposing batting weaknesses. A great pitching staff is the cornerstone of a triumphant high school baseball team—even more so at the competitive level of the West valley League. this win further emphasizes the importance of effective pitching and how it can dictate what are essentially high-stakes contests. The performance underscores the effectiveness of both pitching selection and the value of high-quality relief work.
SE: Granada Hills’ loss marks their first in the West Valley league in several years. What does Birmingham’s win signify for the future of the league’s dynamics?
CD: This upset victory dramatically alters the landscape of the West Valley League. it breaks the long-standing dominance of Granada Hills, injecting new excitement and competitiveness into the league. Other teams will undoubtedly be emboldened by Birmingham’s success, leading to a more unpredictable and exciting season. This unexpected turn of events serves as a powerful reminder that in high school sports, talent and preparation do not always equate to a preordained outcome, even against extremely dominant opponents. The win demonstrates the importance of preparedness and tactical planning in sports.
SE: Beyond the game itself, what lessons can other high school baseball teams learn from Birmingham’s success?
CD: Several vital lessons emerge from Birmingham’s victory:
Early Offensive Pressure: A strong start can significantly impact the momentum of the entire game.
Strategic Pitching Combinations: A well-rounded pitching staff with complementary styles can be exceptionally effective.
Teamwork and Depth: Success relies on contributions from all players, not just star athletes.
Mental Fortitude: Maintaining focus and composure under pressure is critical in high-stakes contests.
Aggressive base Running: Smart base running can create scoring opportunities and unsettle the opposing team’s defence.
SE: What is the significance of this win for Coach Mowry and the Birmingham program?
CD: This win is a monumental achievement for Coach Mowry and the entire Birmingham program. It underscores years of hard work, dedication, and strategic planning. While he has a noteworthy record with City Section championships, this West Valley League victory represents a significant milestone in his coaching career, potentially signifying a new and lasting era of athletic excellence for the Patriots. This victory may well be a turning point for all involved—players,the school and the coach—that will have a significant impact on their long-term viewpoint and success. Further,it’s an example of achieving the seemingly unfeasible after many years of hard work.
SE: Thank you, Coach Davis, for these insightful comments.
Final Thoughts:* Birmingham’s stunning win highlights the unpredictable nature of high school sports and embodies the power of teamwork and strategic planning. Share your thoughts on this incredible upset in the comments below or on social media! What aspects of this game do you find most impactful, and what strategies could your own team adapt from analysis of Birmingham’s victory? Let’s continue the conversation.