Nicholson’s Six Hits Point Way for North in 15-3 Win

David Nicholson of Esperanza had six hits in six at-bats Monday night, leading the North to a 15-3 rout of the South in the 34th Orange County high school all-star baseball game at Cal State Fullerton.

The California-bound Nicholson had a triple, two doubles and three singles, drove in two runs and scored three for the North, which banged out 15 hits in the game and led, 9-0, after three innings.

“I’m not even sure if I’ve ever had five hits in a game,” said Nicholson, who was named most valuable player. “But I know I’ve never had six.”

“I was going to take him out when he was five for five so he could stay perfect,” said North Coach Dave Torres of Anaheim. “I asked him if he wanted to come out, and he said, ‘No, I want to go for six.’ ”

Canyon’s Andy Clay and Rocky Roquet each drove in three runs for the North, which scored in six of eight innings.

Starting pitcher Brian Pilkington of Santiago got the win, giving up two hits and striking out two in two scoreless innings.

Sonora’s Brett Smith pitched a scoreless eighth and ninth.