Taylor Ward Powers Angels’ Winning Streak; Rancho Mirage and Cathedral City Chasing CIF Glory

The Los Angeles Angels are heating up, and local standout Taylor Ward is leading the charge. The Angels have now won seven in a row, climbing back within a game of .500—and they’ve done it all without superstar Mike Trout.

Ward, a graduate of Shadow Hills High School, has been on fire during the winning streak. He’s hit two grand slams, posted a .433 batting average, and racked up four home runs and 12 RBIs over the stretch. Over his last 15 games, Ward is hitting .302 with seven home runs and 22 RBIs. His 14 home runs tie him with teammate Logan O'Hoppe for the team lead.

Meanwhile, high school playoff action continues in the Coachella Valley. The Rancho Mirage Rattlers and Cathedral City Lions are both still in the hunt for a CIF state title.

Rancho Mirage, fresh off a big Wednesday win, will face Westminster in Orange County on Saturday. Cathedral City will also play Saturday, following their 3-1 road win against Lennox Academy.

On the baseball side, Rancho Mirage is the Valley’s last team standing. They’ll host St. Monica Prep on Friday afternoon with a semifinal spot on the line. Senior outfielder Marcos Ceja Jr., second on the team with a .409 average and two home runs, says the team has grown together through the season.

“At the beginning of the season, we didn’t have that trust,” Ceja said. “But now we’ve got each other’s backs, and we’re going to leave it all on the field.”

First pitch is set for 2 p.m. Friday.

credit: NBC Palm Springs

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