Sea Kings blank Mustangs

CORONA DEL MAR — Two teams trying to end losing streaks met Friday.

Corona del Mar High decided to break out of its five-game slump by using a pitching committee.

That left Costa Mesa to gather in right field for a lengthy talk after five Sea Kings combined for a three-hit shutout in a 5-0 nonleague win, handing the Mustangs their fifth straight defeat.

“Just trying to figure out where their heads are,” said Costa Mesa Coach Jim Kiefer for the longer than usual postgame meeting. “They’re a little frustrated. I think we’re all frustrated.”

Each team was searching for some momentum with the start of league play next week.

Corona del Mar (2-5) found it immediately. Costa Mesa (3-5) never bounced back after giving up two runs in each of the first and second innings.

The Mustangs hurt themselves early with their defense, a part of the game that has actually plagued the Sea Kings early on this season. Corona del Mar came into the game with 18 errors. This one was by far the best defensive effort turned in by the Sea Kings.

No errors this time. It made Corona del Mar Coach John Emme’s plan to go with junior starter Steven Manning for two innings, senior Bret Weinberger for one, junior Andy Rovzar for two, junior John Doering for one, and junior Michael Bloom for one a success.

“Everyone was basically pre-assigned the number of innings that they were going to throw,” said Emme, adding that Weinberger (2-1) was the fortunate guy to earn the win despite just pitching one inning.

“We need all our arms ready to play league. Every pitcher did a great job.

“It’s a nice turnaround going to league.”

Next is a big game Monday at Laguna Hills, which won the Pacific Coast League championship and finished one game ahead of Corona del Mar last season.

The Sea Kings’ staff is in for a tough one against the Hawks, ranked No. 2 in the CIF Southern Section Division III preseason poll.

Corona del Mar’s pitchers have kept the team in games, even though two prominent pitchers are missing.

The Sea Kings have been without junior right-hander Danny Moskovits, CdM’s ace from last season. Emme’s also without a top reliever, senior left-hander Trevor Jones.

Moskovits said he won’t pitch this year and isn’t sure of next year. Emme said Moskovits has been bothered by shoulder and elbow problems and was advised by his doctor not to pitch. Emme said he expects Jones to return from a shoulder injury.

Moskovits did his best at the plate against Costa Mesa. He ruined any chance the Mustangs entered their Orange Coast League opener at home Tuesday against cross-town rival Estancia on a winning note.

Moskovits drove in the game’s first run on a single to center field, bringing in Doering, the leadoff hitter, in the first inning. Costa Mesa senior pitcher Andrew Millian (0-1) appeared he was going to get out of a bases loaded jam in the second inning. But Moskovits’ line drive to right field was misplayed, scoring two more runs to push the lead to 4-0.

“We put the ball in play. That was basically it,” said Moskovits, who started at third base and played some shortstop. “We didn’t make any errors.

“We should be able to [contend in league]. We’re just going to keep throwing different pitchers at [the Hawks], try to keep them off balance, keep their bats under control.”

Nonleague

Corona del Mar 5, Costa Mesa 0

SCORE BY INNINGS

Millian, Boulger and Hirsch; Manning, Weinberger (3), Rovzar (4), Doering (6), Bloom (7) and Pederson. W – Weinberger, 2-1. L – Millian, 0-1.

DAVID CARRILLO PEÑALOZA may be reached at (714) 966-4612 or at david.carrillo@latimes.com.