The Culver City 10/11-year-old All-Stars defeated Beverly Hills on Monday by a score of 5 to 2, advancing to the semi- final game against North Venice on Wednesday.
If Culver City wins, the team advances to the championship series against undefeated West Los Angeles on Friday at 5.
Ace pitcher Andy Perez dispensed with Beverly Hills on just 54 pitches in the six-inning game.
Perez allowed just three hits, striking out three. He did not walk anyone.
Perez was helped out by a stellar Culver City defense, which converted all but one play. Beverly Hills was thoroughly baffled, hitting only one ball out of the infield.
Culver City jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the third inning.
Brandon Zeidman’s two-run double to the fence in left center drove in Perez and Stephan Thomas, both of whom had singled.
Culver City scored two more in the fourth on Jesse Tanahara and Tommy Peacock singles. Culver City got its fifth run on a walk to Leo Matsuoka, a Jared Bojorquez sacrifice and a single to center by Tanahara.
After the game, Perez complimented the Beverly Hills team. “They battled hard,” he said. “They made contact, but my fielders did what they had to do.
“We were able to keep them from scoring until late in the game. I thank my infield for their great play.”
First baseman Thomas Chee explained that he loves playing defense behind Perez,
“Andy is so dominating,” Chee said. He fools the batters. When they do make contact, it’s generally a lazy pop fly or an easy ground ball. He makes us look good as fielders.”
Mr. Zeidman may be contacted at