Central, Palo Verde eliminated from CIF-SDS Playoffs in close matchups

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) - The postseason came to an end on Saturday for both Central Softball and Palo Verde baseball after a pair of close losses in the CIF-San Diego Section playoffs.

The No. 5 seeded Central Spartans fell to the No. 4 seeded Liberty Charter Lions 5-3 in Division IV. The Lions build an early lead that ultimately proved to be the difference, despite a late push from the Spartans.

Central attempted to rally with runs in the sixth and seventh innings, but could not complete the comeback as their season came to a close.

The Spartans playoff run started strong, as they defeated the No. 12 seeded Hilltop Lancers 2-1 in an elimination game to start playoff play. They then beat the Lions in round one in a close matchup 6-5.

Central went on to lose their next two games against the No. 1 seeded Madison Warhawks 10-0. Their second loss came in a rematch against the Lions, who fought their way through the losers bracket and will be playing the Warhawks on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the top seeded Palo Verde Yellow Jackets were eliminated after dropping back-to-back games. The Yellow Jackets won their first matchup against the La Jolla Vikings after the Vikings forfeited due to travel issues. Palo Verde then lost to the No. 4 seeded Ramona Bulldogs 17-5.

A rematch ensued between the Yellow Jackets and the Vikings after La Jolla was able to make the trip to Blythe. They edged out the Yellow Jackets in a tightly contested game.

Palo Verde nearly pulled off a dramatic comeback late. With two outs and the bases loaded, a walk brought the Yellow Jackets within one run, but they were unable to rally which closed the door on a great season for Palo Verde.