The Los Angeles Daily News 2026 baseball rankings, March 5:
1. Harvard-Westlake (4-1): The Wolverines’ only loss is to Santa Margarita with wins over Cypress and Huntington Beach. James Tronstein is already showing why he’s in the running for Daily News Player of the Year this spring.
2. Notre Dame (4-0): Sophomore Dru Wilson is off to a hot start from the plate, batting .667 with six hits in four games and three RBIs.
3. Sierra Canyon (3-1): Trailblazers have won three straight over high-quality programs in Huntington Beach, West Ranch and Etiwanda. Junior pitcher Sean Parrow is set to have a great year from the bump.
4. Oaks Christian (5-0): Carson Sheffer is batting .500 with six hits, two RBIs, two doubles and a homer through five games. The Lions are the team to beat in the Marmonte League and Ventura County.
5. Royal (4-1): The Highlanders outscored their first four opponents 31-8, including two shutouts. Senior Peyton Visage has six hits and four doubles — batting a team-high .353.
6. Calabasas (5-1): The Coyotes’ only loss is to Oaks Christian in a non-league, tournament game. The two will face off in a Marmonte League three-game series April 28, 30 and May 1.
7. Simi Valley (3-1): The Pioneers are getting strong contributions from Andrew Nicklaus (.571) and Evan Rodriguez (.429) early. Freshman pitcher Trenton Nelson has already earned a win this season.
8. Thousand Oaks (6-0): The Lancers will likely climb up these rankings eventually, but are donned newcomers for now after an impressive start to the season, including quality wins over Mira Costa, Birmingham, and Chaminade.
9. Birmingham Charter (5-1): The Patriots appear to be on the hunt for another City Section Open Division title. Time will tell … but the promising start looks good.
10. Chaminade (5-1): Anthony Costa (.500), Drew Kostich (.389) and Bronson Jackson (.429) are leading the way offensively. Jackson Schroeder has tallied nine strikeouts in 4⅓ innings.
Bubble: Castaic, Westlake, Sylmar, El Camino Real