Brennan Bauer’s Complete Game Sends Newport Harbor Home in CIF-SS Division 1 First Round (2025)

Newport Harbor’s playoff run opened on a quiet note Thursday afternoon, as the Sailors were shut out 2–0 by Santa Margarita in a CIF Division 1 first-round matchup. Both teams saw strong outings on the mound, but the Eagles capitalized early and held steady behind a complete game shutout.

Santa Margarita struck quickly in the top of the first inning. After Brody Schumaker and Chase Marlow each reached and executed back-to-back steals to move into scoring position, Gavin Spiridonoff came through with a two-RBI single to right field, plating both runners and giving the Eagles a 2–0 lead before the Sailors had stepped to the plate.

That would prove to be all Santa Margarita needed, as right-hander Brennan Bauer delivered a complete game gem. He kept Newport Harbor off-balance all afternoon, allowing just three hits while striking out three and walking one over seven shutout innings.

Newport Harbor’s pitching kept the game within reach. Gavin Guy worked through six innings, allowing five hits and two runs (one earned) while striking out four and walking four. Tyler Clark and Lucas Perez combined for a scoreless seventh in relief, but the Sailor bats couldn’t break through against Bauer.

Offensively, Newport managed just three hits on the day, including singles from Adam Martin, Wyatt Gahm, and Keoni Wun. The Sailors did show flashes of sharp defense, turning three double plays over the course of the game to keep the Eagles from extending their lead.

Gavin Spiridonoff was the offensive standout for Santa Margarita, finishing 1-for-3 with both of the team’s RBIs. Carter Enoch led all hitters with a 2-for-3 day at the plate. The Eagles also turned one double play and executed a clean game defensively.

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Pitching

Santa Margarita’s Brennan Bauer was the difference-maker on the mound, going the distance with seven innings of three-hit ball and just one walk. He needed just 78 pitches to silence Newport Harbor and was efficient in limiting baserunners all game.

For the Sailors, Gavin Guy battled through six innings, allowing just one earned run while striking out four in a gritty performance. Relievers Tyler Clark and Lucas Perez each recorded outs in a clean final frame, but the early damage stood.

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Batting

Newport Harbor’s offense came from Martin, Gahm, and Wun, who each notched a hit, but no runner advanced beyond second base. Despite putting the ball in play, the Sailors struggled to find rhythm at the plate against Bauer.

Santa Margarita did their damage in the first inning, with Spiridonoff’s two-run single proving to be the deciding blow. Enoch reached base twice and provided key contact to keep pressure on Newport’s defense.

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What’s next

With the loss, Newport Harbor’s 2025 season comes to an end in the first round of the CIF Division 1 playoffs. The Sailors finished the year as the Sunset League’s No. 2 seed after a strong league performance.

Santa Margarita advances to the second round against Sunset League leader, Huntington Beach, and will look to use this momentum as they continue their playoff push.