David Soliz couldn't bear to make the farewell address to his team that he wanted.

The final outcome wore too heavy on the Rio Mesa baseball coach's heart as he stood in the outfield grass along the left-field foul line.

One out away from the program's first CIF championship appearance in 21 years, Rio Mesa (16-11) lost 5-4 to visiting Vista Murrieta (27-4) on Tuesday in the Division II semifinals.

Vista Murrieta used three consecutive two-out hits to score a pair of runs in the top of the seventh to advance to the Division II final Thursday night at 7:30 against Camarillo at Dodger Stadium.

Alfonso Casillas drove in Sean McGehee with the winning run, ending Rio Mesa's playoff run. Rio Mesa had led since scoring three runs in the first inning.

"I didn't say anything to the seniors after the game," said Soliz. "I meet with them in the next two days. It will be tough."

After allowing a home run to Derek Legg on the second pitch of the game and an unearned run in the first inning, Rio Mesa senior ace pitcher Jordan Lindebaum held Vista Murrieta to five hits over the next five innings.

In the top of the seventh, Lindebaum retired the first two batters on infield outs. Ronnie Sims and McGehee hit back-to-back doubles on consecutive pitches to tie the game. Then, on an 0-2 pitch, Casillas singled to left.

"The only thing that we planned was to compete at the plate and hustle," said Soliz.

And that they did.

After Vista Murrieta scored twice in the first, Rio Mesa loaded the bases with one out in its half of the inning. Sean Barber's infield out drove home Randy Cervantes. Lindebaum followed with a two-run single to left.

Rio Mesa chased Vista Murrieta starter Tyler Simmons the next inning. Eddie Cortez opened the second with an infield hit. Chase Crawford singled to left, but was called out at second trying to stretch it into a double. Cervantes was hit by a pitch. Vista Murrieta coach Dave Legg brought in Brian Valenzuela from the bullpen. One out later, Joe Ramirez had an RBI double to give Rio Mesa a 4-2 advatntage.

Valenzuela did not allow a hit for the next 5 1/3 innings.

"Our scouting report said that Simmons would be the best to start against Rio Mesa," said Legg.

Because Valenzuela threw 83 pitches in his 5 2/3-inning stint, Rio Mesa's tenacity may prove to benefit Camarillo on Thursday.

"Valenzuela gave them a chance to keep in the game," said Soliz.

While the seventh inning was fatal, the sixth helped turn the game around.

In top of the sixth, Derek Legg drove in pinch runner Aaron Guibord with a two-out single to close the margin to 4-3. Barber and Lindebaum, the first two Rio Mesa batters in the bottom of the sixth, walked. Alex Ramirez advanced both runners with a sacrifice bunt. Valenzuela retired the next two batters.

"Our guys stuck with a game plan at the plate," said Soliz. "I was happy with the way that they competed."