Tie game, extra innings and the bases are juiced.
It was just like every kid’s backyard dream, but for LSU commit CJ Weinstein, it was an opportunity to knock off Santa Margarita and clinch another series win for Orange Lutheran.
Weinstein was probably the last guy Santa Margarita wanted to see at the plate.
After a groundout in his first at-bat, the shortstop adjusted, barreling up for a double in his next AB and eventually scored Orange Lutheran’s only run to tie it up at 1-1.
“I made a good adjustment after the first at-bat. I had a good swing in that second at-bat,” said Weinstein.
He was intentionally walked in his next plate appearance, but the Eagles were forced to face him now in the bottom of the eighth with bases loaded.
There’s no better display of the fear that Weinstein brings to the dish than Santa Margarita bringing in a whole new pitcher in the middle of the at-bat.
“You never really see that. I always have a lot of confidence in myself, but that kind of boosted it even more,” said Weinstein.
It didn’t matter. Weinstein unloaded on the first pitch he saw for a no-doubt walk-off grand slam.
“I saw that fastball belt high and just let it rip. I wasn’t trying to hit a home run, just get something deep and it worked out,” said Weinstein. “I pretty much knew right away.”
Weinstein finished his day 2-for-3 at the plate with four RBIs and two runs scored to lead the Lancers to a 5-1 victory.
“Walk-off granny, that’s pretty insane. It was awesome,” said head coach RJ Farrell. “CJ has been clutch all year. We knew CJ was going to stay in his zone and he did exactly what he’s been doing all year.”
Farrell couldn’t have said it better. The senior has been unreal, batting .349 with 18 runs scored, 24 RBIs and a 1.034 OPS against the toughest competition in the nation.
He’s got a beautiful left-handed swing and is never trying to do too much.
“It’s a lot of hard work with these guys. It’s hard work I put in the cage with my dad,” said Weinstein. “It’s all about the work and when it comes to my at-bats, I’m not thinking about anything, just letting my work show on the field and doing my thing.”
Weinstein has quick hands and a college-ready exit velocity. He tallied nine doubles, two triples and two home runs.
Not only are pitchers constantly pitching around him, but he’s got an outstanding eye overall, drawing 18 walks in his senior campaign.
His glove is just as reliable as his bat. He’s posted a .979 fielding percentage with only two errors in 24 games played.
Weinstein is the definition of a five-tool player. His combination of speed, power, contact, defense and clutch factor makes him a prospect who will make an immediate impact at the next level.
The transfer from Huntington Beach has been key in Olu’s dominant 2026 season. They finished the regular season 23-5 and won the Boras Classic tournament championship.
“Our culture is super strong. Everyone believes in each other, no matter who it is,” said Weinstein. “A lot of work with the guys, a lot of trust and it’s just been awesome. The season’s been great, but we still have more work to do.”
