Chatsworth's Moustakas sets state record with 48th career home run
On a 3-and-1 count in the first inning Tuesday, Mike Moustakas of Chatsworth hit a changeup over the right-field fence for his 48th career home run, breaking the state record and starting the Chancellors on their way to a 7-1 victory over visiting Woodland Hills El Camino Real in a West Valley League game.
"That's incredible," Chatsworth Coach Tom Meusborn said of his senior shortstop's accomplishment. "He's got remarkable power to all fields."
Moustakas passed John Drennen of San Diego Rancho Bernardo, who hit 47 home runs from 2002 to 2005, according to CalHiSports.com.
"It's a great honor," Moustakas said.
Moustakas' 20th home run this season puts him within one of tying the state's season record set by Lakeside El Capitan's Chris Walston in 2002.
Matt Dominguez hit his 10th home run and James Wharton added his third homer as Chatsworth (24-4, 13-0), ranked No. 5 in the Southland by The Times, increased its school-record home run total to 61. As a comparison, the 2004 Chatsworth team that went 35-0 hit 49 home runs.
"We've got some pretty physical players that are able to drive the baseball," Meusborn said.
Chatsworth scored six runs in the first inning en route to clinching its 15th West Valley championship in 18 years under Meusborn. Trent Jones pitched a complete game to improve to 12-0.
Chatsworth has two regular-season games left, plus four potential City Section playoff games.
Moustakas, last season's City player of the year, has signed with USC, but his development this season has put him in position to become a first-round selection in next month's amateur draft.
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eric.sondheimer@latimes.com
