Harvard-Westlake baseball has a lineup ready to score runs - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Eric Sondheimer

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Harvard-Westlake High School’s baseball team demonstrated its offensive potential in a dominant 15-1 victory over Southlake (Texas) Carroll on opening day. The Wolverines showcased a lineup filled with talent, including players committed to major colleges and future draft prospects. Jake Kim, known for his home-run prowess as a sophomore, hit his first homer of the season, while Ira Rootman delivered a mammoth three-run shot that could have cleared a professional stadium. Freshman Louis Lappe made an immediate impact with an RBI double in his debut high school at-bat, easing pressure and proving his readiness for varsity competition. The team’s focus on strength training has clearly paid off, as evidenced by Rootman’s 10-pound gain and improved hitting ability. Sophomore pitcher Justin Kirchner further solidified the win by striking out nine batters in four innings, showcasing his dominance early in the season. Harvard-Westlake’s depth extends beyond its stars, with players like James Tronstein and Ethan Price also contributing to the team’s offensive attack. The victory sets a strong tone for the Wolverines’ season, particularly given their history of producing MLB draft picks as pitchers. This year, however, the emphasis is on their powerful hitting lineup, which could make Harvard-Westlake a formidable force in Southern California high school baseball

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/20/2026