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Fairmont strolls into Division I regional with 1-0 win over Elder for District title
END-OF-GAME CONTROVERSY
DOESN’T STOP FAIRMONT FROM
CELEBRATING DISTRICT TITLE
Alex Marcano drew a full-count, bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the seventh inning as Kettering Fairmont stunned Cincinnati Elder, 1-0, for a Division I District baseball championship at Princeton Middle School on Saturday afternoon, May 23.
“It was just like you drew it up when you were five years old playing Wiffleball in the backyard,” Fairmont coach Kent Drake said.
The victory wasn’t without controversy, however.
According to Drake, Marcano had difficulty reaching first base after the walk because he was mobbed by celebrating teammates. An Elder player tagged Marcano, and the umpire made an “out” call.
“Thirty-five minutes later, after the umpires and tournament officials huddled, Alex was ruled safe,” Drake said. “Then we celebrated again.”
Left-handed pitcher Alex Lilley picked up the victory, firing a two-hit shutout with seven strikeouts.
The Firebirds will face Lakota West in a regional semifinal on Thursday at 5 p.m. at the University of Cincinnati.
Brendon Cunningham, who scored the winning run, led off the seventh inning with a single and took second on a groundout.
David Steele drew an intentional walk, setting up a force at any base. Don Ross III went down on strikes for the second out.
Chris Donese walked to load the bases, then Marcano provided the dramatics with a full-count, two-out, bases-loaded walk.
“It’s a great feeling,” Drake said. “We’re really excited to be going to Regionals. Like I’ve said all along, we’re not just going to be happy to be there. We want to get to State.”
Fairmont is the only Dayton-area team alive in D-I.
Lakota West hammered Northmont, 8-0, and Cincinnati Moeller routed Vandalia-Butler, 10-0, in six innings in a pair of other District finals.
Beating Elder represents a huge step forward for the Firebirds program. Elder has won more state baseball championships (12) than any school in Ohio.
Permalink | Comments (7) | Post your comment | Categories: Baseball
Comments
By Jeff A
May 23, 2009 10:29 PM | Link to this
I think it is great for the program.Coach Drake is doing a great job with this program. Good Luck and hope you make it to State.By frmr bird
May 24, 2009 1:03 AM | Link to this
great job FAIRMONT!!! u guys deserve it! firebird pride wins!By James S
May 24, 2009 10:56 AM | Link to this
Coach Drake is a god. He is a coaching legend in my mind. The Fairmont administration made a great move in hiring Coach Drake as its leader of its program last year. The kids are certainly buying into his philosophy and his teachings are paying off with great dividends. Firebirds for life.By Mom and Dad
May 24, 2009 3:50 PM | Link to this
Congratulations on your hard work and determination. Coach Drake, we are very proud of you. Good luck Firebirds— on to the Regionals—Sweet 16.By Aunt Connie
May 24, 2009 5:12 PM | Link to this
Coach Drake and Firebirds: Great job and continued success with the tournament trail. I am sure all your hard work and effort will pay dividends as you continue to work toward your goal of State!By Pete
May 26, 2009 1:18 PM | Link to this
Congrats to Coach Drake and the Firebirds! Coach Drake is a young Sparky Anderson in the making.By James S
May 28, 2009 10:57 AM | Link to this
Coach Drake is the man…Fairmont Firebirds vs. Hurricane Katrina….I would go with the Firebirds by a 7th inning rally led by Coach Drake in the 3rd base coaching box…Firebirds by a run vs. Lokota West and Hurricane Katrina.