LONG BEACH – The Elsinore Tigers’ historic quest for their first CIF Southern Section title in 55 years reaches its climax on Saturday, May 31, when they clash with the St. Anthony Saints under the lights at Blair Field. With both teams entering the championship with high stakes and even higher momentum, this Division 5 showdown is brimming with anticipation.
Elsinore (22-7) arrives at this championship game riding high after a decisive 6-0 shutout against Camarillo in the semifinals. Behind Brayden Stankus’ standout pitching, the Tigers stifled Camarillo’s bats completely, allowing just three hits across the game. Stankus has been pivotal throughout the playoffs, and his composure on the mound could once again be a difference-maker as the Tigers seek their historic championship win.
While Stankus dominated defensively, Elsinore’s offensive lineup proved to be equally dynamic in the semifinal. Seven players contributed with at least one hit, with Robert Gates shining bright by going 1-for-2 and recording two runs. Such depth in their batting order positions Elsinore as a tough team to pin down, making them a well-rounded contender for the title.
On the other side of the diamond, St. Anthony (21-8) has been electrifying throughout their playoff run. After edging out Northwood with a 6-5 nail-biter on Tuesday, the Saints are entering the championship fresh off a wave of momentum and offensive firepower. Seniors John Arnold and Benny Lane led the charge in their semifinal effort with pivotal home runs. Lane, in particular, has been a standout this season with a .456 batting average, 41 RBIs, and nine home runs. His dual role as both a reliable infielder and a pitcher with a 10-1 record and a 2.81 ERA makes him a critical player to watch.
The Saints’ lineup is stacked with offensive threats. Jaylen Butler adds another potent presence, batting .448 with 27 RBIs this season. Their recent performances also reflect consistency at the plate, as the Saints registered at least eight hits in their last three games. The ability to consistently put the ball in play could create problems for Elsinore’s defense should opportunities arise.
Saturday’s game stands out not only for the talent on display but also for what’s at stake historically. For Elsinore, this marks their first shot at CIF glory in 55 years, which has placed an enthralling narrative behind their season-long campaign. Their prior win over St. Anthony back in March, where they claimed a 3-0 victory, gives them confidence heading into this rematch. However, the Saints now have the partial advantage of fighting for the trophy less than three miles from their home campus at Blair Field. With loyal fans ready to pack the stands, their energy could tilt the atmosphere in St. Anthony’s favor.
Elsinore, while not at home, holds the intangible asset of knowing they’ve rallied through adversity already in the postseason. Their narrow 5-4 quarterfinal victory against Liberty and their semifinal shutout against Camarillo proved this team can adjust tactically depending on the game-changing moments.
For St. Anthony, having survived a tough postseason gauntlet with close wins over Jurupa Hills and Northwood, their resilience has been equally impressive. The Saints averaged 10.2 runs per game across their last nine home wins, a remarkable testament to their offensive synergy and adaptability.
Both teams have tasted playoff tension and proved themselves adaptable across high-pressure situations. Whichever side has the sharper edge in execution could likely walk away with the coveted title.
The matchup also offers intriguing head-to-head contrasts. The Saints’ power-hitting in combination with their base-running finesse, highlighted by Austin Cassidy’s performance (3-for-4 with a stolen base in the semifinals), will be tested by Elsinore’s disciplined pitching and reliable defense. At the same time, the Tigers’ balanced offensive depth will need to adjust to St. Anthony’s standout pitchers, Lane and Butler, who have anchored the Saints’ efforts all season long.
As game time nears, anticipation continues to build. Fans and players alike are aware of the stakes, not just for this moment in the present but for how it shapes their programs’ legacies. Whether it’s the Tigers’ long-awaited dream to reign as champions or the Saints’ drive to defend their home field in glory, Saturday’s showdown promises an evening of unforgettable baseball.
The first pitch is set for 7:30 p.m. This is a fight for history, resilience, and the thrill of baseball at its finest. Don’t miss it.
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