No. 1 Liberty didn't take long in their second-round contest to get going.
The Lions 7 in the first and 6 in the second en-route to a 15-2 thumping of No. 8 Tempe McClintock at Tempe Diablo Stadium Tuesday night.
District rival Kellis did it differently later Tuesday, but ended up in the same place. The No. 13 seed Cougars added another upset victim to their list, knocking off No. 5 Gilbert Mesquite 3-2.
Kellis (19-11) will get a chance to add No. 1 to No. 4 and No. 5. Liberty won the earlier meeting 7-5 in March.
It sets up for a showdown with both aces — Liberty junior Isaiah Montoya and Kellis senior Adrian Salazar slated to go. The Westside fest starts at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Diablo.
"The kids look forward to it because of the familiarity. It's two Peoria Unified Schools should be a little fun for them. They have a great program and I've known Chris (Raymond) forever," Kellis coach Michael Deardoff said.
To win the winner's bracket semifinal and advance to one victory away from the 5A final, Deardoff's team will have to slow down a lineup that is peaking at the right time.
Liberty scored 12 runs in a round 1 win. Through two playoff contests they have 27 runs on 26 hits.
Liberty pitcher Chandler Murphy winds up against the McClintock batter. (Jerry Burch for West Valley Prep)
"Credit to our kids they've just embodied our approach of ground balls. The way our kids practice and prepare is the determining factor for game success. This week it has showed," said Coach Chris Raymond.
Sophomore Chandler Murphy went just three innings and struck out four in the win. Jake Kelley went the last two to get some work and save Murphy's pitch count for the rest of the double-elimination bracket.
Every Lion except one reached base at least twice. Raymond said he loved that stat.
"Our guys 1-25 in this program are competitive everyday. As a coach seeing them push each other is special," he said.
In the second game of the double-dip Raymond S. Kellis senior Nate Young drew a two-out bases-loaded walk in the fourth which held up to defeat Mesquite 3-2.
Kellis senior Nathan Stogden was effective throwing six innings and scattering nine runners. The Wildcats left seven on base to help the cause.
Mesquite's runner is half a step late getting to first base in their contest against Kellis. (Jerry Burch for West Valley Prep)
It was a pitching performance the Cougars needed. They talked about it on the way over.
The first three hitters for the Cougars ignited the offense for the 13 seed. Salazar was one for two with two walks. Combined with junior Jonathan Ornelas, and Young the top three Kellis batters reached base eight times. That set the table for some chances.
"Probably one of the best performances he has had all year (Stogden). We knew they had great pitching. To get one run in three innings we'll take it," replied Head Coach Michael Deardoff.
Kellis junior Jonathan Ornelas takes a ball in their contest against the Mesquite Wilcats in their state playoff game in Tempe.(Jerry Burch for West Valley Preps)
