Clovis West edges No. 1-ranked foe

James Bitter’s two-out, two-run double broke a 3-3 tie in the fourth, and Eric Karch made it stand up with a three-hitter as fourth-ranked Clovis West High defeated No. 1 Centennial 5-4 in the Fresno Easter Baseball Classic Tuesday night at Stan Bledsoe Field.

The Golden Eagles, 14-2 overall and 3-0 in the tournament, positioned themselves well for the championship game, which is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. today on their home field.

While the forecast of rain has the title game in question — it could be moved to Thursday — there is little doubt as to the future impact Clovis West’s win will have on seeding for the Central Section Division I playoffs.

Head-to-head results are the top priority for the seeding committee, and the Eagles banked a big one against the Golden Hawks (12-4) and ace Grant Watson (4-1).

Pepperdine-bound Karch improved to 5-0. The senior right-hander struck out eight while surviving on a night in which he also gave up three home runs.

The Fresno Bee