By Justin HAGER

Three teams began last week undefeated in the Pacific League boys’ baseball standings with an opportunity for one or two of them to separate themselves from the pack as the top four teams played each other in regular season action.

The drama began on Friday, March 25 when Burroughs hosted Pasadena in a matchup that was supposed to be a cakewalk win. Burroughs entered the game undefeated, tied for first place in the Pacific League, and had defeated Pasadena 9-3 just three days earlier. Pasadena, however, had decided to assume the role of spoiler and, despite being out of contention for the Pacific League title, defeated Burroughs 3-0 in extra innings.

Then, last week, Burroughs hosted undefeated rival Arcadia in the first game of a two-game showdown. After another marathon eight-inning game, Burroughs once again found itself on the losing end of a valiant effort, losing 1-0.

That same night, across town Burbank High School was hosting the CVHS Falcons in a matchup of two-undefeated teams who were outscoring their opponents by a ratio of at least 5-1. The Bulldogs came out swinging with a leadoff double but solid defense by the Falcons, including an outstanding catch by Jacob Deno, helped the Falcons escape the inning still tied at 0-0.

Burbank scored on a fielder’s choice in the second and led 1-0 at the end of the inning, and that’s when the Falcons started heating up. A line drive double by Jameson Ferraro scored Kris McCollum and tied the game in the top of the third. A double by Niko Terenzi drove in a second run in the fourth. That was all the offense either team could muster and the Falcons went on to beat the Bulldogs 2-1, were undefeated in the League, and tied with Arcadia for first place.

Two nights later, Arcadia surrendered five unearned runs to Burroughs, giving Crescenta Valley a chance to take sole possession of first place as they hosted Burbank at historic Stengel Field. The crowd was electric for what turned into one of the most impressive pitching duels in recent memory.

CVHS pitcher Conner Campbell threw 11 strikeouts, one walk and allowed only two runs on five hits. Unfortunately, it was an outstanding performance that came in a losing effort to an even more incredible pitching outing as Bulldog ace Daniel Neria threw a 10-strikeout, no-hit shutout, leading Burbank to victory 2-0.

The result leaves three teams – Burbank, CVHS, and Arcadia – tied atop the Pacific League standings with Burroughs just one game behind the pack. None of the teams have a regular season league matchup until next Tuesday, April 12, but the Falcons will host an exciting non-league matchup against rival La Cañada tomorrow night, (Friday, April 8) at 6 p.m.