Sharks Lose Nailbiter in SD Tourney Champ Bracket

The Malibu Sharks participated in the San Diego Lions Tournament this week, emerging with a record of 2-1 after playing on three consecutive days. 

Monday, the Sharks took down Cathedral City, 8-6, under lights, with pitcher Noah Simon going 3 and 2/3 innings to earn the win.

The Sharks were down 6-3 when Simon came in during the 4th and ending up pulling away for the victory. Chase Lambert went 3-for-5 with a double, 2 runs scored, and an RBI. Frank Thomas had 2 hits and 2 runs scored, and Evan Anthony and Jake Bittan both added RBI doubles. 

In Tuesday's game, the Sharks, led by senior Matt Gruskin, defeated High Tech High Chula Vista, 15-1.

Gruskin went 5-5, with a double, 4 RBIs, 3 runs scored, and pitched a complete game 5-hitter with 9 strikeouts. Harry McAlevey went 3-for-4 with 2 RBIs and Hunter Johnson went 3-for-4 with a double and 4 RBIs. 

Wednesday, the Sharks fell in nailbiting fashion to Linfield Christian, 7-6.

Harry McAlevey started for the Sharks, and Noah Simon finished in relief. Both pitched well, but the Sharks found themselves down, 6-3, after committing a few defensive miscues.

The Sharks fought back to tie the game, after a 12 pitch at-bat by Frank Thomas ended with a sharp single to center. However, Linfield Christian scraped out a run in their final at-bat, ending the Sharks' run.

Matt Gruskin earned All-Tournament honors, after going 10-for-13 with 2 doubles, 6 runs, and 7 RBIs, in addition to pitching a complete game, one run, 5-hitter.

The Sharks are now 12-3 on the year. Next up for Malibu is Eastern High from Vorhees New Jersey on Thursday, April 12 at MHS.