Culver City Observer -

The Culver City High Centaurs advanced to the quarterfinal round of the 2016 CIF Baseball Playoffs after beating San Luis Obsipo Tigers in a tight 2-1 ballgame on Tuesday, May 24 at home. Southpaw starter Eli Saucedo's threw six innings of one-run ball allowing only four hits.

Nolan Martinez came in the seventh inning to get the save with two strikeouts and a flyout to rightfielder Mike Netzel for the final out. It was such a classic pitchers duel that both the home crowd and the San Luis Obispo faithful gave both squads a standing ovation.

"I was a little nervous but I tried not to show it. I threw my fastballs as hard as I could and my changeup, the best that I could do. The defense is always amazing," said Eli Saucedo.

Fred Altieri

Eli Saucedo throws for the victory

The Culver defense made a number of excellent plays throughout the game to stifle the potent Obispo offense that was making good contact with the ball. It was a team effort that cannot be understated.

"What a fantastic two games we've had in the first two rounds of the CIF Playoffs by these unbelievable young men. They worked extremely hard way back in August before this coming season. And wow... what a job," began Culver head coach Rick Prieto.

Culver City continues its 2016 CIF Playoff run at 3:15 p.m. this Friday, May 27 at top-seeded Redondo Union High. Stay tuned for the full report later this week in the Culver City Observer.