The preseason scouting report on senior catcher Carson Sheffer of Oaks Christian was that he's an elite defensive player with an electric arm. Little did anyone know how much work he did in the offseason getting stronger and improving his hitting.
On Wednesday in a season baseball opener, Sheffer showed his improved power at the plate, delivering two doubles, while also showing off his speed with an infield single and stolen base. Oaks Christian came away with a 2-0 victory over host Valencia.
Sheffer is an Oklahoma State commit but also a pro prospect. Last season the Lions had Quentin Young, who became a second-round draft pick. Coach Rick Hirtensteiner said Young dealt with the pressure by just trying to have fun, and Sheffer, playing with his younger brother, Ryan, a starting shortstop, appeared to do just that Wednesday.
Sheffer had an RBI double in the third and Luke Puls had an RBI single in the seventh.
Carson Sheffer has infield single, stolen base and now RBI double. Oaks Christian 1, Valencia 0. pic.twitter.com/jbWT9lYHFi
— eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) February 18, 2026
Connor Shahagun threw 4 2/3 scoreless innings to start the game and Gavin Geyer added 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief.
Castaic 10, Cleveland 0: Aiden Arroyo had two RBIs and Andrew Bond gave up one hit for Castaic.
Santa Margarita 7, Crespi 0: Sophomore Tyler George made an impressive debut, striking out nine in five innings for the Eagles.
St. Francis 6, Hueneme 3: JT Martin, Daniel Izaguirre and Landon Pure each had two hits for St. Francis.
Softball
Norco 12, Great Oak 0: Peyton May struck out nine and gave up one hit in five innings. Sadie Burroughs and Sasha Pham each hit home runs.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.