BELLFLOWER CA- The CIF Southern Section high school baseball playoffs have long been known for their unpredictability and this year is no exception. Despite entering the postseason as reigning champions and top-seeded favorites, Corona was handed a shocking semifinal defeat at the hands of St. John Bosco, who delivered a commanding 2-0 win on Tuesday afternoon in Bellflower.
At the heart of the Braves’ stunning victory was left-handed pitcher Trevor Heishman, who turned in a masterclass performance on the mound. Heishman allowed just one hit over 6 1/3 innings, shutting down a potent Corona lineup that featured three projected first-round picks in the upcoming MLB Draft: Seth Hernandez, Anthony Murphy, and Brady Ebel.
Heishman racked up nine strikeouts, attacking the zone with confidence and precision, and consistently keeping Corona’s heavy hitters off balance. The Panthers, who were averaging over five runs per game entering the matchup, were held scoreless and managed only a single base hit in one of their quietest offensive showings of the year. The Braves’ defense also played a crucial role, executing flawlessly behind Heishman and preserving the shutout. Offensively, Bosco capitalized on timely hitting and manufactured two key runs to back their ace more than enough with Heishman in command.
The championship game is set for Friday night at 7 p.m. at Cal State Fullerton, where St. John Bosco will look to continue its improbable playoff run and capture the Division 1 crown. With their pitching firing on all cylinders and the momentum of a giant-killing win behind them, the Braves are no longer underdogs — they’re contenders.
