CARY, NC—With heavy rain moving toward the East Coast, the National High School Invitational schedule was moved up to get through the quarterfinals and semifinals, making for a long day packed with drama. At the end of it, California remained king with Harvard-Westlake and Orange Lutheran advancing to the finals, guaranteeing that a Southern California program will win its seventh title in eight years of the event. Orange Lutheran is seeking its third straight title while Harvard-Westlake is looking for its first after finish as the runner-up in 2012-2013.

To get there, Orange Lutheran beat Desert Oasis HS, NV, 2-1, and then stomped Monsignor Pace HS, FL, 12-0. 2020 RHP Christian Rodriguez (Orange Lutheran HS, CA) gave the Lancers a complete game against Desert Oasis, allowing one run on eight hits and two walks while striking out seven. 1B Garrett Frechette and 2B Max Rajcic drove in Orange Lutheran’s two runs with sacrifice flies in the first and fifth innings respectively.

Rodriguez has a long, skinny frame and easy delivery, pitching from a high slot. He was up to 92 early, sitting mostly 88-90 with some arm-side sink. His curveball rolls with big 11/5 break at 69-74. He also showed good feel for a changeup that had arm-side sink, but also cut at times. It was 77-80.