Gorman rides wave into another state berth

There was a detour, but Bishop Gorman still arrived at its expected destination -- the Class 4A state baseball championships in Reno.

The Gaels had to slog their way through the losers bracket of the Sunset Region playoffs. But they finished strong Friday at Centennial High School, eliminating Durango with a 3-0 victory and then taking the title with a 13-8 win over previously unbeaten Spring Valley to earn one of the two state berths from Southern Nevada.

Gorman (38-3) will head to Reno on Thursday in an attempt to win a third consecutive state title. Momentum will be with the Gaels. Since its 2-1 opening-round loss to Palo Verde, Gorman outscored its opponents 70-13 in the regional.

"Our goal was three straight, and now we have a chance," said Johnny Field, who was the hitting star for Gorman against Spring Valley after reaching base safely in all five trips to the plate, including a two-run homer, a double and five RBIs. "After we lost that game to Palo, we knew it was lose-and-go-home, and nobody wanted to go home."

The Gaels scored early and often against the Grizzlies, getting two runs in the first inning, four more in the second on triples by Corey Lafler and Joey Rickard and a home run by Field and then adding three in the third.

Gorman coach Chris Sheff had his players aggressive on the basepaths, looking to take the extra base and putting pressure on the Spring Valley outfielders.

Gorman was looking to end it early, leading 10-1 in the fifth inning. But it couldn't push the added run across to end the game on the 10-run mercy rule. Spring Valley rallied with four runs in the bottom of the fifth to chase starter Jeff Malm and get back in the game at 10-5.

Senior reliever Donn Roach got things back under control as the Gaels held on.

"We talked about getting off to a fast start and trying to get them on their heels," Sheff said. "I think getting that big lead helped our guys relax."

Spring Valley (23-9) was eliminated despite losing only one game in the regional.

"With all the momentum they had, it was imperative we contain them early," Spring Valley coach Mike Gomez said. "They're an intimidating team, and they overwhelmed us early."

Gorman's long day started with an impressive pitching performance by Paul Sewald, who struck out nine Durango batters and held the Trailblazers (23-13) to two hits. The Gaels, who had routed Durango 22-0 Thursday, ran their shutout streak to 12 innings.

Field's solo home run to left field in the third was all the offense Sewald needed. Malm then tripled and scored on a throwing error to make it 2-0.

Gorman added another run in the bottom of the fourth and let Sewald handle it from there.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@ reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.