In first start, Peterson key to Mustangs’ win

Costa Mesa High junior pitcher Justin Peterson made the most of his

first varsity start Tuesday, going the distance in a 4-1 win over

crosstown rival Estancia in the consolation quarterfinals of the

Newport Elks Tournament’s Costa Mesa bracket at Estancia.

Peterson, who threw two hitless innings of relief Friday, settled

down after allowing a first-inning run. He struck out seven and

yielded just five hits to even the Mustangs’ record at 1-1. Peterson

also doubles for the Mustangs’ lone extra-base hit.

Senior Adam Beltran was 2 for 4 to lead Mesa’s eight-hit attack.

Mesa broke a 1-1 tie with two runs in the third, a rally that

included an RBI single by senior Robert Rodriguez, who later scored

on an overthrow.

The Mustangs, the designated home team Tuesday despite playing on

the Eagles’ diamond, play the Laguna Beach-Bolsa Grande winner

Thursday at a site to be determined. Should Bolsa win, it would pit

Mesa Coach Doug Deats against Bolsa first-year head man Charles

Chatman, who played for Deats at Mesa.

Estancia (0-2), which got a complete-game from junior pitcher Brad

Young, plays the loser of the aforementioned game Thursday at a site

to be determined.

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Newport Elks Tournament

Consolation quarterfinal Costa Mesa 4,

Estancia 1

Score by Innings

Estancia 100 000 0 -- 1 5 4

Mesa 012 100 x -- 4 8 1

Young and Crom; Peterson and Hunter. W --

Peterson, 1-0. L -- Young, 0-1. 2B -- Crom

(E), Peterson (CM)

*--*