FULLERTON – The Nuview Bridge Knights proved once again that perseverance pays off as they claimed the CIF-SS Division 9 baseball championship with a dramatic 3-2 win over Mountain View on Saturday at Cal State Fullerton’s Goodwin Field.
Trailing most of the game, the Knights turned it around in the top of the sixth inning, using timely hits and stellar pitching to secure their second-ever section title and first since 2014. Sophomore standout Nelson Lara played a pivotal role, delivering three shutout innings of relief while driving in the game-winning run with a sacrifice fly.
The win continued Nuview Bridge’s postseason momentum, marking their sixth consecutive victory and improving their season record to 17-10. Mountain View, making their first championship appearance, saw their six-game winning streak snapped and ended their season at 15-12.
Starting pitcher Luca Canales kept Nuview Bridge within striking distance, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out five over four innings. The Vikings’ offensive spark came in the third inning when two-out hits from Luke Davila and Ryan Molinar brought home both of Mountain View’s runs. Canales stymied the rally by striking out Eder Salas, keeping the deficit manageable at two.
Nuview Bridge had its chances early, nearly breaking through in the fourth inning. Tobias Olague began with a single, and Joshua Rodriguez was hit by a pitch, setting the stage with two runners on and no outs. When Carson Lagor singled up the middle, hopes were high, but a close play at the plate ended their opportunity to score. Mountain View’s Alex Moreno escaped the inning unscathed, leaving four Knight runners on base in the first four innings.
Meanwhile, Mountain View looked ready to extend their lead in the fourth inning, threatening with two outs after a bloop single and walk. However, Canales induced a pop-out, closing his day’s work and setting the stage for the big moment.
The game’s momentum shifted completely in the sixth. Nuview Bridge loaded the bases on a Mountain View error, a single from Rodriguez, and a walk. That’s when Isaac Murillo delivered the critical hit of the game, tying the score with a two-run single ripped down the third-base line. Moments later, Lara’s sacrifice fly brought home the go-ahead run, giving the Knights a lead they would not relinquish.
Lara’s composure on the mound in the final innings was unmatched. Mixing lethal off-speed pitches with precision, the sophomore struck out five in three innings of relief. He struck out the side in the seventh, sealing the victory with a breaking ball that left Mountain View swinging at air.
Nuview Bridge’s offense was led by Olague and Christian Morales, who both tallied two hits. For Mountain View, Davila and Molina provided two-hit performances, though their offense couldn’t break through when needed most.
With the Division 9 championship under their belts, the Knights now turn their attention to the CIF State Southern California Regional playoffs. The team faces Port of Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 3, at 4 p.m. in the Division V bracket. POLA was the LA City Section’s Division 2 champion. Having proven they know how to win when things get tough, Nuview Bridge enters state play as a team no opponent should underestimate.
“This is a big moment for our program, but it’s definitely not the end,” Dufour said. “We’ve got more baseball to play, and these kids are hungry to see how far we can go.”
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