Context:

In the CIF-Southern Section Division 3 baseball playoffs, Great Oak High School will host San Marino, despite a significant disparity in their regular-season records. Great Oak, with a record of 12-16, has faced one of the toughest schedules in California, showcasing resilience by improving to 11-8 after a challenging start. San Marino, on the other hand, boasts a strong 21-6 record, having dominated a less challenging schedule and entering the playoffs with momentum, winning five straight games. The winner of this match will advance to face either St. Paul or Temecula Valley in the next round. The game will be streamed live on the NFHS Network, with the first pitch scheduled for 3:15 p.m. PT on May 15 at Great Oak High School in Temecula.

Dive Deeper:

• Great Oak's baseball team, with a 12-16 record, has endured a difficult schedule, notably in non-league games and within a competitive league including Vista Murrieta, which has prepared them well for the playoffs.

• Despite early setbacks, including an eight-game losing streak after their season opener, Great Oak turned their season around, achieving an 11-8 record since then, highlighted by a strong performance at Norco's tournament.

• San Marino enters the playoffs with a 21-6 record, having played a less challenging schedule, but their recent form is impressive, with five consecutive wins and victories in eight of their last nine games.

• The matchup between Great Oak and San Marino promises to be competitive, despite their record differences, as Great Oak's difficult schedule and San Marino's recent success suggest a closely fought contest.

• The playoff game will be streamed live on the NFHS Network, requiring a subscription, and is set to commence at 3:15 p.m. PT on May 15, held at Great Oak High School in Temecula, California.

• The winner of the Great Oak vs. San Marino game will proceed to the second round, where they will face either St. Paul or Temecula Valley, adding further stakes to an already high-tension matchup.

• Lance Smith, a seasoned sports journalist, has been covering high school sports since 2019 and provides insights into the game, emphasizing the significance of both teams' journeys leading up to this playoff encounter.