Gold Standard

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

It was another day at the office for the Palisades High baseball team. The Dolphins blanked University 10-0 on Monday at George Robert Field to clinch the Western League title—something they have grown accustomed to doing under Coach Mike Voelkel.

Since he took over the program in 2008, Voelkel has led the Dolphins to nine league titles and, if the Dolphins took care of business yesterday, five undefeated seasons. Over that span, Voelkel has posted a sparkling 148-16 mark in league play (a .902 win percentage). The team’s record speaks for itself:

• 2008: 14-1 (1st in Western League)
• 2009: 18-0 (1st in Western League)
• 2010: 11-1 (1st in Western League)
• 2011: 11-1 (1st in Western League)
• 2012: 12-0 (1st in Western League)
• 2013: 7-5 (5th in Western League)
• 2014: 11-1 (1st in Western League)
• 2015: 9-3 (2nd in Western League)
• 2016: 10-2 (2nd in Western League)
• 2017: 10-2 (2nd in Western League)
• 2018: 12-0 (1st in Western League)
• 2019: 12-0 (1st in Western League)
• 2020: Canceled due to COVID-19
• 2021: 11-0 (1st in Western League)*
  * before league finale vs. University

Monday’s victory was Palisades’ fourth shutout in 11 league games and its second consecutive shutout overall. Jabe Payne led the way with three hits and two runs while Nate Akiba, Emanuel Boror and Ryan Johnson each added two hits (one of Johnson’s being a two-RBI triple).

Jake Moore allowed two hits with nine strikeouts in four innings on the mound and Zach Ritts pitched a scoreless fifth against the Wildcats.

Palisades is fighting for a spot in the City Open Division bracket (reserved for the top 12 teams) and closes the season Saturday at 3 p.m. at home against Marine League frontrunner San Pedro.