The CIF Southern Section has officially unveiled the pairings for the 2025 baseball playoffs, and the stage is set for an intense postseason battle that promises energy and drama across all divisions. The Corona Panthers, hailing from just 30 minutes up the 15 Freeway, armed with three potential first-round MLB draft picks, top the Division 1 bracket and aim to defend their championship title. The Panthers, and 71 other local teams gearing up for postseason action, exemplify the competitive spirit that defines this year’s playoff excitement.
Division 1, already known for its fierce competition, has added an extra layer of unpredictability this year with the introduction of in-season rankings determining playoff seeding. The Corona Panthers, seeded No. 1, secured a first-round bye and will host either Los Osos or Cypress in the second round on Tuesday, May 20. The Panthers last played on May 1, giving them nearly three weeks to prepare for their playoff run.
Meanwhile, locally, Vista Murrieta, also in the Division 1 bracket, opens their campaign by hosting Harvard-Westlake in what promises to be a highly contested first-round showdown on Thursday, May 15. For Vista Murrieta, a deep run in this year’s gauntlet-like bracket would signal their readiness to compete at the highest level after years of postseason near-misses.
Beyond Division 1, several area teams will bring postseason excitement to their respective categories. Temecula Valley’s Golden Bears, who are seeded third in Division 3, will open at home against St. Paul on Thursday. Known for their strong focus on fundamentals and standout pitching rotation, Temecula Valley is a favorite in their division and will aim to capitalize on their high seeding.
Great Oak, after getting snubbed last season, will host San Marino in their Division 3 opener, while another powerhouse from the area, Paloma Valley, faces off against Castaic. These matchups highlight the strength of the area, which has been known for being a hotbed for talent in the past.
Notably, Murrieta Mesa, who haven’t finished better than fifth place in the SWL, since winning a league title in 2021, snuck into the Division 4 playoffs for the second consecutive season as an at-large team. Despite their continuous struggles in league play, the Rams will open at Santa Monica on Friday, May 16.
Cornerstone Christian and Liberty Bison are also positioned for success, earning strong seeds in Divisions 7 and 5, respectively. Cornerstone Christian, the No. 2 seed in Division 7, takes on Schurr at home on Thursday. Meanwhile, Liberty Bison, seeded third in Division 5, will host Santa Paula in a matchup that highlights their resilience as one of the area’s top programs.
Nuview Bridge, the No. 2 seed in Division 9, will take on Gorman Charter at home in their first-round game on Thursday. With a reputation for strong hitting talent, Nuview has the tools to blaze through the division while keeping fans inspired along the way.
One final matchup to highlight is the Rancho Christian Eagles, who took down the Inland Valley League title with a 14-1 record. The highly touted Eagles will face Citrus Hill in a first round matchup.
The CIF-SS playoff bracket structure, which always sparks debates amongst fans and analysts alike, isn’t the most parity driven system, but the focus remains the same for many teams in the same boat…they all intend to make the most of their postseason opportunity.
Mark your calendars for critical first-round games on Thursday, May 15, and Friday, May 16, as local favorites take on formidable opponents. Highlighted by matchups like Vista Murrieta vs. Harvard-Westlake and Liberty vs. Santa Paula, these early games provide an ideal kickoff for what promises to be a thrilling and unpredictable playoff season. Second-round games follow on May 20, ushering in another round of intense competition.
With 72 Inland teams qualifying for the playoffs, the CIF-SS postseason represents the perfect blend of skill, unpredictability, and high stakes. Whether it’s Corona defending their crown, Vista Murrieta looking for a breakthrough, or underdogs like Temecula Prep aiming to defy expectations, this year’s playoffs will undoubtedly deliver moments to remember.
CIF-SS BASEBALL PLAYOFFS
(Games at 3:15 p.m. Dates, sites and times subject to change)
Division 1
First Round:
Harvard-Westlake at Vista Murrieta
Division 2
No local teams
Division 3
First Round:
Beckman at Temescal Canyon
St. Paul at Temecula Valley
San Marino at Great Oak
Castaic at Paloma Valley
Division 4
First Round:
Murrieta Mesa at Santa Monica
Sonora at Linfield Christian
Division 5
First Round:
Laguna Hills at Tahquitz
Rancho Christian at Citrus Hill
Heritage at St. Anthony
Santa Paula at Liberty
Covina at Elsinore
Orange Vista at Camarillo
Division 6
No local teams
Division 7
First Round:
West Valley at Norwalk
Schurr at Cornerstone Christian
Division 8
First Round:
Lancaster Desert Christian at San Jacinto Valley Academy
Temecula Prep at Placentia Valencia
Cal Lutheran at Miller
Division 9
First Round:
St. Jeanne de Lestonnac at Environmental Charter
Cathedral City at Santa Rosa Academy
Gorman Charter at Nuview Bridge
Stay tuned for ongoing playoff coverage as teams continue their pursuit of CIF-SS glory. Follow along and support your local teams as they compete for a shot at championship history!
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