Cassel Caps Chatsworth’s Drive

All-City quarterback Matt Cassel of Chatsworth High can joke about passing for a touchdown and kicking an extra point Tuesday in his team’s 17-3, six-inning baseball victory over host El Camino Real.

Stuck in a season-long hitting slump, Cassel hit a two-run home run, a three-run home run and a two-run single to finish with seven runs batted in and Chatsworth (21-3, 14-1 in league play) clinched its eighth West Valley League championship in 10 years.

“I had a good day--finally,” Cassel said. “I haven’t had the season I wanted to. Hopefully, I’m getting into a groove.”

Cassel dedicated the game to Emily Pilkinton, a Granada Hills student who was critically injured in an auto accident last weekend. They went to junior high together.

Chatsworth pitcher Mike Kunes (9-1) struck out 10, walked one and contributed three hits.

The Chancellors hit four home runs, including two-run home runs by Jeff Spector and Scott Sellz. Steve Kracow, Jason Spector, Sellz and Charles Kenny each had two hits for Chatsworth.

It was one of the worst defeats for two-time defending City champion El Camino Real (17-6, 10-5), which fell behind, 10-0. The Conquistadores were so listless that Coach Bob Ganssle had to chase a foul ball because none of his players wanted to get off the bench.

“I don’t know what’s happening,” said Conquistador catcher Mike Leduc.

El Camino Real played without leadoff batter Matt Schwartz, who missed the game because of disciplinary reasons. Second baseman Scott Gilmore sat out because of illness.

Chatsworth will probably be seeded No. 1 for the City Championship playoffs.