SBLive’s California Baseball Top 25: Orange Lutheran No. 1 in first statewide rankings of 2022 season

The Lancers have talent all around the diamond led by pitcher Louis Rodriguez and shortstop Mikey Romero.

The 2022 high school baseball season in California is underway. Orange Lutheran, who finished the 2021 season ranked No. 4 in the state, begins the 2022 season with the No. 1 slot in our first statewide rankings of the season. The Lancers started fast in week one, beating Gahr, Ayala, and Huntington Beach. The Lancers have talent all around the diamond led by pitcher Louis Rodriguez and shortstop Mikey Romero.

Here’s a look at the top baseball teams in California to begin the regular season. SBLive’s statewide California high school baseball rankings are compiled by SBLive reporter Bodie DeSilva and are released weekly throughout the season.

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SBLIVE CALIFORNIA TOP 25 BASEBALL RANKINGS

February 21, 2022

1. Orange Lutheran (3-0)

The Lancers open the season on top after three impressive wins in week one. TCU-signee Louis Rodriguez leads the Orange Lutheran rotation.

2. Yucaipa (3-0)

The Thunderbirds return a lot from last season's 21-win team including Washington-signee Jacob Reimer who hit .440 with seven home runs as a junior. They'll take on top-ranked Orange Lutheran on Monday night.

3. Harvard-Westlake (2-1)

The reigning Southern Section Division 1 Champions went 2-1 in week one, losing to Yucaipa by one run.

4. JSerra (3-0)

The Lions cruised through the first week of the season, outscoring their opponents by 14 runs.

5. Sierra Canyon (4-0)

Senior right-handers Jaden Noot and Kassius Thomas are as good of a pitching duo as anyone in the state.

6. Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks) (3-1)

The Knights were averaging ten runs per game through three games until Saturday's loss to Sierra Canyon.

7. Buchanan (3-0)

The Bears have ten college commits on this season's roster, led by Ole Miss-signee Sam Tookoian.

8. Huntington Beach (1-2)

The Oilers lost to Alemany and Orange Lutheran during the first week. UCLA-signee Ben Jacobs is the leader on the mound.

9. Corona (2-1)

The Panthers lost to JSerra on Wednesday but followed it up with a dominant 21-3 victory over Mira Costa.

10. Santa Margarita (0-0)

The Eagles get the season started on Monday against Gahr, preparing for a loaded group of teams as usual in the Trinity League.

11. Servite (2-0)

San Diego-signee Mikiah Negrete struck out six in his season debut for the Friars last week.

12. Ayala (1-2)

The Bulldogs lost to Orange Lutheran and Gahr each by one run last week. Sophomore Arizona commit Vinny Hudson has reached base multiple times in all three games.

13. Elk Grove (0-0)

The Thundering Herd will begin the season on Saturday. Senior catcher Noah Canter is one of the state's best at the position.

14. Liberty (Bakersfield)

Liberty was shutout by Buchanan in their opener. They'll be back on the field against Clovis West on Friday.

15. Archbishop Mitty (0-0)

The Monarchs will head to Leland for Friday's season opener.

16. Woodcreek (0-0)

The Timberwolves will head to Rocklin on March 4th to begin the season.

17. Maranatha (3-1)

The Minutemen began the year with three straight wins until Saturday's loss to Bonita.

18. Foothill (1-2)

The Knights had a loaded first week, losing to Harvard-Westlake and JSerra by one run each. They beat Capo Valley 3-1.

19. Clayton Valley Charter (0-0)

The Ugly Eagles will begin the season on Tuesday with a trip to Kennedy (Fremont).

20. King (Riverside) (1-1)

Arizona State commit Jase Evangelista returns after hitting .364 with six doubles as a sophomore.

21. Granite Hills (0-0)

The reigning San Diego Section Division 1 Champions return ten of their top 11 hitters from last season led by Hawaii commit Grant MacArthur.

22. San Dimas (3-0)

Arizona State commit Landon White returns after hitting .474 with 14 doubles as a freshman.

23. De La Salle (0-0)

The Spartans won't begin their season until March 2nd. They'll have a big opportunity when they host No. 7 Buchanan in game two.

24. Villa Park (2-0)

Junior shortstop and Texas A&M commit Gavin Grahovac hit .411 with six home runs during his sophomore campaign.

25. San Marcos (1-0-1)

Ryan Rivera and Zac Farrell return to lead a deep Knights lineup after combining to hit 21 home runs last season.