INLAND FIELDHOUSE

I’m covering the MoVal Canyon Springs-Redlands East Valley CIF-Southern Section Division 2 1st Round playoff game today, Thursday, May 19, 2016, for The Sun/(@sbsun) and Southern California Newspaper Group/(@SoCalNewsGroup).

First pitch is set for 3:15 p.m. at Redlands (Calif.) East Valley High School.

THE LOW DOWN:
The Cougars (16-11 overall, 8-7 Inland Valley) practically fell into the playoffs after losing their last four regular season games, stumbling in as the IVL’s No. 3 team. Coach Janine Monahan has had four 20-win seasons over the last 12, but this looks to be another of those teams that plays closer to the mean. Senior P Erica Johnson is a three-year starter, and an experienced and speedy outfield threesome are strengths.

The Wildcats (16-6 overall, 10-4 Citrus Belt) had a bad, bad week last week, losing all three of their games in narrowly hanging onto the CBL’s No. 2 spot. Coach Debbie Garcia and her coaching staff must get the team to turn a corner or it will be a sudden end to their season. Freshman Madison Ferrao (2.77 ERA, 7-0) likely will get the start, and will hope for some production from senior CF Riley Plogger (.409, 26 runs), sophomore Julia Salomon (.453, 24 RBIs) and crew.

THE KEY PLAYERS:
Canyon Springs — C Samantha Bohlen, Sr. (#1); OF Elizabeth Dickson, Sr. (#3); SS Kailee Gilbert, Sr. (#15); P Erica Johnson, Sr. (#17); OF Me’Lani Kendle, Sr. (#4); OF Zy’ann Walker, Jr. (#2)

REV — P/1B Madison Ferrao, Fr. (#18); P Eve Harvey, Soph. (#36); OF Riley Plogger, Sr. (#2); INF/OF Stephanie Ruelas, Sr. (#19); INF Julia Salomon, Soph. (#3); OF/INF Abby SanPedro, Sr. (#11)

THE DIFFERENCE:
Redlands East Valley has tons of power and is playing at home.

THE FINAL SCORE:
REV 12, Canyon Springs 2