The Claremont High School boys varsity baseball team season ended after the Wolfpack lost the first round of CIF to Cypress High School on Thursday, May 18 by a score of 2-0.

It was a tight game, with no scoring until the 5th inning. The fact that Claremont was able to keep up the pace for most of the competition against the Centurians, who were ranked 4th seed coming into CIF—says a lot for the team, said head boys varsity baseball Coach Geoff Ranney.

Faced with an opponent predicted by the Los Angeles Times to take the CIF championship, the Wolfpack “battled as best they could,” said their coach.

“We really represented ourselves well,” Coach Ranney said. “The big steps we’ve made as a program, the hard work our players have done, were really evident.”

The defeat at the hands of the Centurions comes after CHS won the wild card round of CIF against Burbank High School on Tuesday, May 15 by a score of 6-1. The star of that game was Dillon Tate, who pitched all 7 innings, struck out 7 and didn’t give up a walk.

While the Centurions go on to play Glendora in the second round of CIF on Tuesday, May 22, the Pack is left to assess their achievements in a season Coach Ranney said has been marked by strong pitching and even stronger teamwork.

The team ends the season tied for third place with Damien in Sierra League play, a strong showing in what Coach Ranney considers a tough league.

“Every game is like a championship feel,” he noted earlier in the season.

As the team prepares for its annual banquet, Coach Ranney is already looking ahead to next year. With 5 starters returning and other varsity players ready to step into starting roles, next year’s team is already shaping up. There is also a good pool of talent on the JV level and a few freshmen will inevitably come to CHS with strong playing skills. 

“I think we’re in a good position,” Coach Ranney said. “I think next year will be exciting as we see these athletes develop.”

—Sarah Torribio

storribio@claremont-courier.com