Ejections draw an automatic one-game suspension. Exeter appealed and Crichlow reduced it in half for a junior whose presence was key to the comeback against eighth-seeded Coalinga, which had led by 16.

Crichlow says he reviewed two videos in addition to discussing the incident with a section officials supervisor who was present: "The videos don't show the hit, that's why he was allowed to play a half."

Clovis' Patrick 2 shy of joining rare 600 club

Clovis' James Patrick needs two wins to become the third baseball coach in section history to reach 600, but getting there this week will be difficult for four reasons: Stockdale, Redlands, Frontier and rain.

He is scheduled to play those teams at home Thursday through Saturday in his Central California Showcase -- an 18-team, four-section tourney that rivals the state's finest. But rain is forecasted Thursday and Friday.

The Cougars (7-1), ranked fourth in the section and 11th in the state, are to play Stockdale at 2 p.m. Thursday, Redlands at 4:30 p.m. Friday and Frontier at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Stockdale and Frontier are perennial powers and Redlands a Southern Section heavyweight that is 5-0 this season following 24-6, 24-5 and 24-5 campaigns.

Patrick is 598-207-2 in 28 seasons at Memorial (two) and Clovis (26), where he has captured six section titles.

In the 600-win club from the section, according to Barnett, are Mike Noakes (708-261-7, 32 seasons, Bullard/Central) and Ken Papi (610-420, 39 seasons, Fresno), who still is coaching.

Baseball Top 10

1. Clovis North 7-1

2. Buchanan 7-0-1

3. Clovis West 7-1

4. Clovis 7-1

5. Centennial 3-1-1

6. Garces 4-2

7. Bakersfield 4-1

8. Stockdale 3-2

9. Frontier 4-1-1

10. Central 6-1

-- Andy Boogaard