Warriors Claim Share of Conference Title after Sweep over L.A. Harbor
![Warriors Claim Share of Conference Title after Sweep over L.A. Harbor](/sports/bsb/2018-19/photos/03-04_vs_Rio_Hondo/DSC_0038_carousel.jpg?max_width=1200)
TORRANCE, Calif. – It was an ugly game, but everything came up roses for El Camino College following a 4-2 South Coast Conference, South Division victory over L.A. Harbor Friday afternoon at Warrior Field.
Coupled with a Long Beach loss to Compton on Friday, the victory helped the Warriors complete the sweep over the Seahawks and claim a share of the SCC, South Division title. It is the fifth conference title in ECC history, second in the last three years and third since 2010. In all three years, the Warriors advanced to the CCCAA State Championships after winning the conference. It is also the fourth SCC title under head coach Nate Fernley, who took over as coach and 2007 and promptly won the conference title in his first year at the helm.
Friday's game was a slosh offensively as neither team could get much going. The Warriors scored four times but had just three hits and two RBI, both on one swing of the bat from Taishi Nakawake whose two-run double in the fifth inning pulled the Warriors even at 2-2.
The Warriors scored their final two runs of the game were scored thanks to a wild pitch and a throwing error.
Luckily, it proved to be enough as the pitching staff held firm for the Warriors. Max Pappas was excellent in seven innings of work. He allowed two runs on six hits and struck out six en route to a no-decision.
Spencer Long picked up his first victory of the season as he tossed the final two innings. He set down all six batters he faced including one by strikeout.
The Warriors finish the season with a 32-6 regular season record and a 17-5 mark in conference play. Both marks are a regular season program record under Fernley.
The Warriors will now await to find out their seeding in the upcoming CCCAA Baseball Southern California Regionals. The Warriors won the season series against Long Beach, 2-1, and thus will have a higher seed and likely host the first round of the playoffs, which begin on Friday, May 3.
Pairings are expected to be announced on Sunday. Keep checking on ECCWarriors.com and on the ECC Athletics twitter account, @ECCWarriors, for updates on who the Warriors will take on this Friday.