The562’s coverage of Millikan Athletics for the 2025-26 school year is sponsored by Brian Ramsey and TLD Law.
The562’s coverage of Jordan Athletics is sponsored by former LBUSD superintendent Chris Steinhauser and the Timu Foundation.
Millikan baseball set the pace right away on Wednesday afternoon with a dominating 10-0 shutout against the Jordan Panthers.
From the very first pitch, the Rams took charge on both offense and defense. After recording a quick out and allowing a walk, Millikan’s defense responded by retiring the next two batters without trouble.
When it was their turn at bat, the Rams quickly loaded the bases, putting the Panthers under pressure and giving their pitcher a comfortable lead to work with.
“We try to take advantage of the things we do well,” Millikan coach Ron Keester said. “I thought we were able to steal some bases early on. That’s what we do.”
Millikan found its rhythm early and often. In the bottom of the second inning, Ethan Barrientos reached first base on an error and Xavier Kennard brought him home with a drive to center.
While the Rams’ offense set the pace, their defense and pitcher Austin Brett kept the Panthers in check, working with confidence throughout the game and making sure Jordan couldn’t get comfortable at the plate.
“I liked our guy on the mound,” Keester added. “I thought our guy were really composed today. He was throwing two pitches really well.”
Jordan didn’t make it easy, though. Even as the Rams pulled ahead, the Panthers’ defense, which Julian Palayo anchored on the mound from the fourth inning, made several big plays to keep the game tight through the fifth.
“I thought Jordan did a great job of battling,” Keester said. “They made a bunch of plays and kept it very competitive for five or six innings.”
With the score at 3-0 heading into the later innings, Millikan’s offense broke the game open in the fifth. A string of walks and well-timed hits forced the Panthers’ pitching staff to work hard, and the Rams’ ability to put balls in play eventually wore down their defense. The lead stretched to ten, ending the game early on the mercy rule.
Afterward, Jordan coach Phillip Berman acknowledged the uncharacteristic struggles on the mound that gave Millikan extra chances.
“We can’t walk as many guys as we did today,” Berman said. “Usually, our guys throw strikes, but today we were just off. It’s just one game. We’ll be okay.”
Once the game ended, both teams shifted their focus toward their next matchup. For the Rams, they take on Wilson on Friday.
“We just take this one day at a time,” Keester said. “We’re blessed to be out here today and play this beautiful game.”
Long Beach Jordan’s next opponent will be Rolling Hills Prep on Friday.
