Prep talk: Early season look at City Section’s top baseball teams
Who are the top teams to watch in City Section high school baseball and likely contenders to reach Dodger Stadium?
1. BIRMINGHAM: The Patriots have two quality starting pitchers, led by sophomore Carlos Acuna, as well as an experienced closer, so if they play defense and get some hitting, reaching Dodger Stadium won’t be a surprise.
2. EL CAMINO REAL: Defending champions City lost key players on the pitching staff to graduation, but members of a standout junior varsity team are already showing signs they can handle the pressure of college ball.
3. NARBONNE: The Gauchos picked up an early season win against Bell that will help them get to the playoffs.
4. BELL: Two years ago, Bell won it all, and several players on that team got off to a good start, led by Jayden Rojas. A 1-0 win over Palos Verdes was impressive behind pitcher Rigoberto Baltazar.
5. SYLMAR: Pitcher Alex Martinez and power outfielder Rickee Luevano are capable of having big seasons.
6. CARSON: The Colts have plenty of experience to compete in the Marine League.
7. SUN VALLEY POLY: Wins over Agoura and Quartz Hill show the Parrots are the favorites to win the East Valley League.
8. CLEVELAND: Just trust All-City player Joshua Pearlstein to strengthen the Cavaliers in the West Valley League.
9. VENICE: The Gondoliers went 29-4 last season and will need strong play from returnee Xander Lippman.
10. SAN FERNANDO: The Tigers may be Sylmar’s strongest opponent in the Valley Mission League.
This is a daily look at positive happenings in high school sports. To submit news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.
