Baseball: Chatsworth rallies to earn split with ECR

Down by two runs in the bottom of the fourth inning and not wanting to get swept in a critical two-game series against El Camino Real, Chatsworth launched a rally that led to a seven-run inning and an 8-5 West Valley League victory on Friday.

The key hit was a bases clearing double by sophomore Randy Mata. Ethan Lageson added a two-run double in the inning that began with ECR leading, 3-1. Chatsworth is 15-8 and 3-1. ECR is 15-7 and 3-1.

Matt Jardim struck out four, walked none and allowed six hits in Granada Hills’ 5-3 win over Birmingham. Tony LaPorte had two RBI and Chris Murphy and Matt Nash finished with two hits apiece.

Cleveland (16-7, 4-0) is the only West Valley League team without a league defeat after an 8-5 win over Taft. Anthony Rivera delivered the big hit, a bases-loaded single in the fifth inning. Sammy Villa picked up the save.

In the East Valley League, Poly completed a sweep of Verdugo Hills with a 5-3 victory. Mike Galindo threw six innings. Manny Rivera got the save. Ruben Dominguez went three for four. Poly took over sole possession of first place.

North Hollywood defeated Arleta, 5-1. Ryan Ruiz, Brandon Sorto, Brando Ortega and Alex Sepulveda each had two hits.

Twitter:@LATSondheimer