Crescenta Valley’s Lee Makes Fast Work of Pasadena, 6-2

PASADENA — After he pitched Crescenta Valley High to a 6-2 victory over host Pasadena in a Pacific League opener Friday, Garrett Lee wanted one thing on the record:

“My defense was superb today. Make sure that gets in.”

That out of the way, understand that Lee’s pitching was the primary reason the Falcons won.

And pitching will be the reason for most of Crescenta Valley’s victories. Lee is half of a starting tandem that includes Jim Parque, a UCLA-bound left-hander.

“In my opinion, we have the two best pitchers in the Pacific League,” catcher John French said. “(Lee) was blowing the ball by people today.”

Lee, a right-hander, scattered four hits, struck out seven and walked one. His performance was nothing new for the Falcons, though. In four games, Crescenta Valley (3-1) has given up four runs.

“The best thing about our team is the pitching,” Coach Tony Zarrillo said. “At our level, 75% to 80% of the game is pitching. Two kids can carry a team.”

Lee (1-1) struggled slightly with control of his curve, but it hardly mattered because the Pasadena hitters couldn’t catch up to his fastball.

“We didn’t have our best day,” Bulldog leadoff hitter Steve Durham said, “and maybe (Lee) had one of his best ones.”

Lee received his primary offensive support in the fifth inning. Leading, 1-0, the Falcons started the inning with a triple by Brian Peterson.

Sophomore Jesse Mitchell, who was two for two, drove in Peterson with a double. Mitchell scored on a double by Kirk Hagge, who was two for four with two runs batted in. Hagge scored on a double by Marty Lane, boosting the lead to 4-0.

After the Bulldogs (2-5) closed within 4-2, scoring on a fielder’s choice in the fifth and Ron Koen’s home run in the sixth, they fell apart on defense.

Pasadena made four errors in the seventh, contributing to Crescenta Valley’s final two runs. After appearing shaky in the fifth and sixth innings, Lee retired the side in order in the seventh. He finished with a strikeout.

“I was pleased to see that when he had a few tough spots, he battled through,” Zarrillo said. “If he continues to rise to the occasion, we are going to have two very good pitchers.”