SOUTHERN SECTION BASEBALL PREVIEW: HART HITS THE ROAD, BUT IS IT JUST FOR `ANOTHER GAME'?

Byline: Lee Barnathan Daily News Staff Writer

To Hart coach Bud Murray, today's Southern Section Division II quarterfinal baseball contest is ``another game.''

Actually, that's significant because Hart reaches this level infrequently. Only four times in the past 12 years have the Indians advanced past the second round. Plus, Murray's retirement continues to be put on hold. The coach announced before the playoffs began that this season, his 22nd at Hart and 37th overall, would be his last.

So here are the Indians (24-5), seeded second, traveling to Marmonte League runner-up Royal (20-5-1) for a 3:15 p.m. game. It will be Hart's first road game of the postseason.

The Highlanders fell out of the Division I first round this year and seem to have adjusted well to the lower division. Like Hart, they lack many stars but have numerous players who contribute. Most notable are pitcher Scott Rice (7-1) and first baseman Brian Lipman, who went 2 for 4 with a double and three RBI Tuesday against Sunny Hills.

In other quarterfinals:

Chaminade at Corona del Mar: Now the Eagles (19-8) find out if playing in the Mission League helps. The team continues to lean on outfielder Spencer Gordon, and the former Northridge Little Leaguer continues to respond with more than 50 RBI. Corona del Mar, the Sea View League champion, is the fourth seed in Division IV.

South Hills at Paraclete: When the season began, Paraclete coach Steve Hagerty expressed concern the Alpha League wouldn't pose enough of a challenge to the Spirits. Paraclete (19-7) had to win its last three games just to claim the league title, so now it's on a bona fide roll. Today will be a critical test against the second seed in Division IV and Valle Vista League champion.

Desert Christian at Linfield: Justin Schram (13-2, 1.00 ERA) is available to pitch but for just six innings. So coach Dean Spoelstra will go with junior Brandon Morgan (5-0, 1.21 ERA) against the defending Division V champions (18-5-1).

Arrowhead Christian at L.A. Baptist: The Knights (16-6) seem to have their pitching woes resolved. Soreness and confidence cost them a shot at the Alpha League title, but Scott Swenson and Evan Regenstreif have proved to be a tough 1-2 combo in the Division V postseason. Regenstreif gets the start today.

Cornerstone Christian at Grace Brethren: These two don't play in the same league and aren't that close geographically (Camarillo to Simi Valley), but in Division VI, this is among the most heated rivalries. Grace Brethren (18-3), the top seed and defending section champion, holds the advantage over Cornerstone (14-2) with Tim Thompson (11-3, 1.25 ERA, 94 strikeouts in 69 innings, .497 with 34 RBI and 26 stolen bases) leading the way. Cornerstone will answer with Josh Miller, who has 125 strikeouts in 59 innings and is hitting .614 with six home runs.