Skaggs Returns, but Samohi Loses:

Following four victories in elimination games the Santa Monica High baseball team came to the end of the road Tuesday.Despite the return of senior pitching star Tyler Skaggs, who had been out for a month with a sprained left ankle, the Vikings lost a CIF Division 3 second round playoff game to visiting Los Altos High of Hacienda Heights, 3-1.The Vikings finished the season with an 18-15 record.There was a spirited capacity crowd on hand and scouts from major league teams held radar guns to measure Skaggs’ fastball, which was in the 90 mph range.Skaggs pitched well but was outdueled as he gave up a long double that produced the game’s first run, then a home run over the left field fence and an insurance run in the seventh.Both pitchers worked the entire game and neither team committed an error.Designated hitter Alfredo Morales drove in Samohi’s only run with a fourth inning double and the Vikings had a chance to tie the game in the fifth when Logan Whitchurch led off with a double and reached third with one out. But Samohi couldn’t advance him.”It was a well-played game,” said Samohi Coach Rob Duron. “Los Altos made the plays and limited our opportunities.”If strong indications from both sides are accurate Duron coached his final Samohi game. The administration has not backed him in several disputes and he has expressed disappointment.Athletic Director Norm Lacy promises “a complete review of the baseball program,” but that won’t be necessary if Duron resigns by next week.Duron coached the team for two seasons. A year ago Samohi went 10-0 in the Ocean League but lost a first round playoff game to Diamond Ranch.