BASEBALL BEAT : KEEPING TABS.

Harry, the closer: There's no mistaking the impact freshman right-hander Harry Kenoi has made at Pierce College. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound Chatsworth High grad is the state's No. 1 relief ace. He has appeared in 24 of 31 games, including 13 in a row. He has nine saves, a 2.00 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 36 innings.

``He's a big, strong kid who wants the ball every day,'' Pierce coach Bob Lofrano said. ``He has the classic makeup of a reliever. He's not nervous, he doesn't get intimidated.''

And Lofrano has certainly given Kenoi plenty of chances to go crazy on the mound. He has thrown him into bases-loaded jams at home and on the road. Kenoi hasn't blown a save.

``You can't teach anybody about the pressure, about everybody screaming at you,'' Lofrano said. ``He's reacted fabulously.''

Kenoi was switched to a reliever late last season by Chatsworth coach Tom Meusborn.

``I really don't have to hold back any because I'm not throwing many innings,'' Kenoi said. ``I just try to throw strikes and get people out. I do get to throw a little harder because I'm not pacing myself.''

Closer II: Former Montclair Prep pitcher Russell Ortiz has been chosen the California League pitcher of the week. Playing for the San Francisco Giants' Single-A team in San Jose, Ortiz has struck out 16 batters in 7-2/3 innings with four saves. One day, the Giants could have as their relief stars Ortiz and ex-Grant star Rod Beck.

Hacking away: Former Chatsworth first baseman Rich Aude is off to a fast start for the Pirates' Triple-A team in Calgary. After nine games, he's batting .429 with three home runs and 11 RBI.

The next Darryl Stroh: Former Granada Hills outfielder Scott Berger is 9-0 as coach of Brentwood's JV baseball team.

OFFBEAT  Roasting marshmallows: As a three-sport star at Camarillo High School, Joe Borchard hasn't had a vacation in two years. He finally took three days off last week to go camping with a couple of friends. Not that Borchard knew what he was doing.

``He's the mountain man,'' his father, Joe Sr., said. ``He doesn't even know how to operate a lantern.''

Asked what his son and friends would be cooking on their camping trip, Joe Sr. said, ``I'm sure they'll be going to McDonald's.''

God save the swing: Chaminade outfielder Keith Mait missed his team's tournament in Orange County last week to spend eight days in England with 50 other Chaminade students studying British literature.

Asked how he stayed in shape for baseball, Mait said, ``I kind of found a broom or two and swung. Before I went to sleep, I'd take 100 swings.''

TREND WATCH Most underrated player: His team hasn't performed particularly well the past two seasons, but don't blame Burbank shortstop/pitcher Freddy Sanchez. He has as much talent as any player in the area.

``I'll be real surprised if he's not drafted,'' Bulldogs coach Frank Des Enfants said. ``He's got an arm you can't teach. You're born with that kind of arm.''

The 5-11 Sanchez has made some plays at shortstop that fans can't believe. He was a first-team all-Foothill League pick last season as a junior. This season, he's hitting .370 and starting to contribute as a pitcher. He had a win and save last week in two wins over Burroughs.

Asked if he takes good care of his arm, Sanchez said, ``It's my baby.''

Comeback: Quartz Hill junior pitcher Mark Madsen, sidelined most of the season with back spasms, has been cleared to begin throwing in practice next week, according to coach Dave Stradling.

Up for grabs: Quietly, very quietly, Eagle Rock's Marco Hernandez is having an MVP season. The senior is 6-0 as a pitcher and is 4-0 in the Northern Conference with a 0.00 ERA. Zero. Hernandez has hurled four shutouts in conference and has led Eagle Rock to a surprising 10-2 record.

Incredibly, Hernandez is not garnering much attention despite standing 6-2 and weighing 190 pounds. As the starting fullback on Eagle Rock's 3-A finalist club, Hernandez was an all-leaguer and bruising runner. On the mound, his pitches reach up to 84 mph. His pitching is giving Eagle Rock a good shot for a 3-A playoff spot and a possible league title.

Secret to beating Kennedy: Nationally ranked Kennedy (18-3) has lost only three games this season, with each defeat coming to a team that used an elite pitcher. The three pitchers who have beaten Kennedy have signed letters of intent with Florida, UCLA and Arizona State, respectively.

Reseda honor: Reseda will dedicate its field in the memory of former coach Quentin Quick, who died last year at age 74 after a long illness, on Saturday at 2 p.m. An alumni game will take place after the ceremony.

Up to stay: Chaminade coach Denny Barrett has promoted 14-year-old freshman pitcher Nathaniel Dunlap up from the JV team. Dunlap, star of Northridge Little League's 1994 U.S. championship team, is 4 for 8 at the plate and has a 2.87 ERA in 7-1/3 varsity innings. ``He'll never see a JV uniform again,'' Barrett said.

Future watch: Kennedy won the Royal JV tournament behind the play of sophomore Tim Arroyo.

CAPTION(S):

Photo, Chart

Photo: KENOI

Chart: AREA RBI LEADERS