AMERICAN LEGION: WEST HILLS GRAND IN TITLE-GAME VICTORY WEST HILLS 15, MOORPARK 9.

Byline: Sean Ceglinsky Staff Writer

WESTWOOD - Chris Franco was locked in at the plate from the opening pitch to the final out Sunday, and there was nothing the Moorpark pitching staff could do about it.

The third baseman hit two home runs - a three-run shot in the first inning and a grand slam in the seventh - to power West Hills to a 15-9 victory in the American Legion Area 6 championship game at UCLA's Jackie Robinson Stadium.

``I just try to stay relaxed,'' said Franco, a Chaminade of West Hills graduate bound for Cal State Los Angeles. ``Some guys would buckle up and ground out in situations like I was in today. I did what I had to do. I took my little trot around the bases, went back into the dugout, relaxed and waited for my next at-bat.''

Rodney McMahon also had two solo homers, one that sailed well beyond the 330-foot mark in left field in the second inning and another to the opposite field.

``I was shaky at first, then I calmed down and saw the ball good,'' said McMahon, who will play at Cal State Northridge next season. ``I don't try to think too much. See the ball, hit the ball.''

West Hills had contributions throughout its lineup. Leadoff hitter Eric Boranian reached base in his first five at-bats and was 3 for 4 with two doubles and three runs scored. Timothy Poyer, batting third, hit a grand slam in the second, and West Hills had 15 hits.

``(West Hills players) want to keep playing. This is their last hurrah,'' said West Hills coach Tom Franco, Matt's father.

West Hills advanced to the American Legion state championship at Yountville, north of Napa, with tournament play beginning this Saturday.

``They know when they step on the field it's the other side that has to challenge them,'' Franco said. ``We have a lot of confidence. We're ready to go.''