Harvard-Westlake Dominates Sherman Oaks Notre Dame in 8-0 Win

Stellar pitching and hitting performances lead Wolverines to victory

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:50am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic action of a high school baseball game, with players and the field abstracted into bold, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of vibrant colors.Harvard-Westlake's dynamic duo of James Tronstein and Justin Kirchner lead the Wolverines to a decisive victory over Mission League rival Notre Dame.Los Alamitos Today

Harvard-Westlake's baseball team cruised to an 8-0 win over Sherman Oaks Notre Dame on Tuesday, led by standout performances from junior pitcher Justin Kirchner and senior shortstop James Tronstein. Kirchner threw a three-hit shutout with six strikeouts, while Tronstein went 4-for-4 with a triple, double, and two RBIs.

Why it matters

This win keeps Harvard-Westlake in the hunt for the Mission League title, as they sit just behind league-leading Notre Dame. The Wolverines' strong pitching and hitting have them poised for a deep playoff run, with Tronstein emerging as a top MLB draft prospect.

The details

Kirchner was dominant on the mound, needing just 10 pitches to strike out the side in the first inning. He finished with a complete game, three-hit shutout, striking out six and walking one. At the plate, Tronstein had a standout game, going 4-for-4 with a triple, double, and two RBIs. Ira Rootman added three hits, and freshman Louis Lappe drove in three runs.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
  • Harvard-Westlake and Notre Dame will play again on Wednesday, April 15 and Friday, April 17.

The players

Justin Kirchner

A junior pitcher for Harvard-Westlake who threw a three-hit shutout with six strikeouts in the win.

James Tronstein

A senior shortstop for Harvard-Westlake who went 4-for-4 with a triple, double, and two RBIs.

Ira Rootman

A Harvard-Westlake player who had three hits in the win.

Louis Lappe

A freshman for Harvard-Westlake who contributed two hits and three RBIs.

Sherman Oaks Notre Dame

The opposing team, who came into the game in first place in the Mission League.

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What they’re saying

“Just playing baseball.”

— James Tronstein, Harvard-Westlake Shortstop

“It's a blessing and am super grateful for the opportunities.”

— James Tronstein, Harvard-Westlake Shortstop

“I've definitely grown as the season has gone on. Our team has grown. Our offense has grown.”

— Justin Kirchner, Harvard-Westlake Pitcher

What’s next

Harvard-Westlake and Notre Dame will play again on Wednesday, April 15 and Friday, April 17 to complete their three-game Mission League series.

The takeaway

Harvard-Westlake's dominant performance against the league-leading Knights showcases their potential as a top contender for the Mission League title and a deep playoff run. The Wolverines' stellar pitching and timely hitting have them poised for a strong finish to the season.