With additional reporting by George Laase. 

The Culver City High School baseball team is locked into a three way tie for first place in the Ocean League with El Segundo and Santa Monica.

All are 2-0, but games this week will separate the elite teams.

The 10-7 Centaurs plays 8-12 El Segundo twice this week, including Thursday at 3:15 at Jerry Chabola Stadium. Nolan Martinez, Coach Rick Prieto’s ace and one of the hardest throwers in the nation, will be on the mound.

Culver City’s schedule does not get easier. On Tuesday, they go to Santa Monica, and next Thursday they pay the Vikings at home at 3:15 with Martinez pitching.

April has been good to the Centaurs. Their bats have come alive and pitching has been outstanding. In the first four games this month, they have scored 25 runs while allowing only five.

Senior Michael Netzel is leading the Centaurs with a .500 batting average. As for other seniors, Kevin Murillo is at .404, Mason Mulvihill is at .333 and Jacob Weiner, .308.

“What better way to open up league,” Coach Prieto said after sweeping Lawndale 10-1 and 3-1 last week. “A great week for Culver City baseball. But you can’t take any team lightly. All of them are competitive.”

With 13 runs in two games, “I am glad we are scoring because you never know what’s going to happen,” Prieto said. “A game can change on one pitch.”

Netzel also is happy about the run production.

Explaining his .500 batting average, Netzel said that “I am seeing the ball better this year.”

Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com

Mr. Laase may be contacted at GMLaase@aol.com