The562’s coverage of Millikan athletics in the 2023-24 school year is sponsored by Curtis Boyer.
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The562’s high school softball coverage is sponsored by Playmakers. Visit LetsBePlaymakers.org for more information on their adaptive sports programs.
Millikan’s baseball and softball programs have been on a steady rise, and those two sports accomplished a unique feat this spring. Both teams put together a perfect 12-0 record in Moore League play, sweeping their way to league titles in impressive fashion.
One year after Long Beach Poly went 12-0 on the baseball field, the Rams were hungry to recapture the crown. But it was evident early on that Millikan was after more than just a title, they also had no intentions of losing a league game this season. Led by Moore League Pitcher of the Year Nolan Patterson, plus co-Moore League MVP Anthony Pack, the Rams were the most complete team in the league, outsourcing their rivals by a combined score of 132-8.
The Rams won every league game by two or more runs, and capped off their perfect run with a 14-1 win over Poly to take back the league title in style.
On the softball field, the Rams claimed their fourth consecutive Moore League championship, and finally made it over the hump with a 12-0 record. The Rams had finished 11-1 for three straight years, but were able to hang on to a perfect season despite stern challenges from Long Beach Poly and Lakewood during the second half of league play.
The Rams were able to score six runs in the 7th inning against the Jackrabbits to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the final inning, with Kayla Cisneros delivering a clutch three-run double with her team down to their final out. Then in the regular season finale against Lakewood, the Rams recorded three outs at home plate to deny late scoring chances for the Lancers, holding on for a thrilling 1-0 win.
“We really wanted it,” said senior pitcher Ava Schaffel of the undefeated league title. “These games are what we’re looking forward to the whole year. So when it’s game time we want to win.”
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