Is Moorpark's Baseball Team Peaking at Right Time?

Moorpark High’s baseball team all but locked up a playoff berth Friday with an 8-4 win over visiting Simi Valley that pulled the Musketeers to within two games of first with two remaining.

Four of the eight teams in the league make the playoffs.

There are big plans ahead, and that’s the way it should be. True, the Musketeers are 16-9 and not 25-0, but after battling it out with so much tough competition over the past two months, Moorpark feels like it’s ready for anything once the Southern Section Division I tournament begins.

Last year, Moorpark made it to the quarterfinals. This year, they’re more hungry.

“It’s just tough to win every game, but that’s because the Marmonte League is one of the best in the nation,” said Matt Higginbotham, who pitched 6 2/3 innings to earn the win over Simi Valley while also contributing a two-run triple.

Moorpark finishes the regular season with a game Monday at 3:30 p.m. against visiting Calabasas, followed with the finale at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at Royal.

“I’m pleased with the way the guys get big hits and battle,” coach Scott Fullerton said. “It’s always going to be tough in the Marmonte League, but once we get to the playoffs, we’ll be ready. Once we’re there, nothing will be a surprise.”

Simi Valley had won 10 of 11 heading into the Moorpark showdown, but the Musketeers rapped 10 hits, committed just one error, and came through with a six-run rally in the sixth inning to break it open.

Sean Houlihan hit a pinch-hit two-run single to give Moorpark the lead for good. Spencer Dubois was 3 for 4 with two RBIs and a run, and Jake Woolley was 2 for 3 with a double and a run.

Higginbotham struck out six, and Steve Donlan came on to pitch the last out, getting Cole Acheronti on bases-loaded grounder.

MOORPARK FRESHMAN PHENOM HONORED

It was a long season for Moorpark’s girls’ basketball team, as the Musketeers finished 9-16 and tied for sixth place in the Marmonte League, but freshman Kailee Severt had a great year.

This past week, she was honored on the Cal-Hi Sports All-State Underclass team, impressive because only 10 freshmen made the list, none from the San Fernando Valley/Conejo Valley area.

The 6-foot post player led the league in scoring with 19.7 points and rebounding with 12.1 per game.

MOORPARK SOFTBALL LOOKS TO STAY IN SECOND

Moorpark’s softball team remains tied for the second place with Royal in the Marmonte League. The Musketeers (14-8) finish with Agoura on Tuesday, followed by the finale Wednesday at Westlake.

In a 10-1 win over Calabasas on Thursday, Cheyenne Sandoval hit two home runs.