Eager to get a chance to play the team that gave ANSLL their first loss ANSLL faced Fairfax American on Sunday afternoon.  A victory was within one strike two weeks ago where Fairfax American had pulled a win from under the ANSLL 9-10 Americans with 2 out and 2 strikes.

ANSLL quickly recovered and reeled off 3 wins and earned another chance to play Fairfax American.

Chris "Little Santan" took the mound for ANSLL and right off the  bat Fairfax came to play as they scored 2 in the first before Jake Williams snagged a grounder and then Santan recorded a K to end the threat.  ANSLL came right back with a leadoff single by Little Santan as he moved to third on a fielders choice.  Jorge Torres singled to bring in Santan and cut the lead to 2-1.

Colin Corey relieved Santan and Fairfax was able to load the bases and score a run on an infield blooper to make it 3-1.  ANSLL fought right back as Garret "Bob" Laraia drew a walk and Zack" Zakinator" Carmichael lined a shot to left that got by the fielder and Jake "Junior" Wartel came racing around from first with Zack hot on his heels.  Junior dashed for home as the throw came in from left and a perfect relay from SS deep in left found the catcher's mitt as Junior slid, but the cather stood his ground.  Little Santan drew a walk and stole 2nd as Zackinator took home on the throw.

The third inning Colin found his groove and sent them down 1-2-3. 

Colin led off with a walk and Steven made it to first on an errant throw from third.  Jorgito produced an RBI on a grounder to third and Steven Adams drew a throw at second base that missed the mark and as the ball rolled into right field Steven rounded third and scored to give ANSLL the lead 4-3 after 3.

Colin sent Farifax down 1-2-3 again in the 4th.  Conner Hall laid down a text book bunt down third but was one step away from being successful.  Santan followed with a single but was stranded.

In the 5th ANSLL held Fairfax scoreless behind a fine play at second from Santan who went deep in the hole to get the out at first.  The next batter sent a single to center and the runner from second rounded third and headed home but a quick throw from CF Ryan "mini-Ichiro" Peich to SS Jake Williams allowed Jake to fire a relay throw home where Garrett "Bob" Laraia stood his ground and applied the tag at the plate to record the 3rd out. 

Steven reached first on a bean ball and Garrett "G-Man" Canterbury drew a walk.  "mini Ichiro" slapped an RBI infield single and scored Steven to put ANSLL ahead 5-3.

The top of the 6th left Farifax with one last hope and Fairfax would not go down easy as they were able to load the bases with two outs and draw a full count walk.

The stage was set....again, Fairfax was down to their final out and down by one run.  It can't happen again, can it?  A line drive down the third base line....everyone listened for the "foul ball" call...there was none, only a point from the ump signaling fair ball.  Tyler Krogel chased the ball into the corner and threw to Jake at the cutoff but the damage was done as Fairfax scored 3 runs and ANSLL once again trailed by 2. 

But wait!!! ANSLL still has their at bats.  "Bob" Laraia led off with a great at bat and fouled off 4 pitches before drawing a walk and providing life.  Little Santan had his third hit of the game and sent a double over the centerfielder's head and the ANSLL crowd had roared into a frenzy.  Colin came to bat with 2 outs and Farifax knew they were in trouble and rolled the dice with first base open they intentionaly walked Colin and loaded the bases. 

The pressure was on the Fairfax pitcher and Steven drew a walk to bring in a run.  ANSLL is now one run down and Jorgito is stepping to the plate with the bases loaded and the tying run 60' away.  Jorge wasn't going to let the pitcher strike him out and was aggressive but quickly went behind 1-2 in the count.  The fans from both teams were on their feet cheering as loud at they could....the 1-2 pitch came Jorge made contact and the ball bounced toward first, the runners broke for their bases on contact and Jorge bolted out of the box, could it be?  Was it going to go into right? ......no the firstbaseman was able to field the ball cleanly and beat Jorge to the bag to end the game and send ANSLL down 7-6.

ANSLL 9-10 American's ended 3-2 and in the final 6 of 16.  They came off the field knowing they gave it their all and the support they got throught the tournament was FANtastic.

This was truely a team effort as players contributed in different ways in different games. 
Colin Corey anchored a pitching staff of Chris Santaniello, Jake Williams, Ryan Peich, and Steven Adams.  They were supported by Garrett Laraia behind the plate.  The defense was solid in every game with Jorge Torres, Zack Carmichael, Tyler Krogel, Garrett Canterbury, Jake Wartel and Conner Hall providing solid play in the games. The players worked hard off the field and their efforts showed on the field.

On behalf of Coach Dave Carmichael and myself it was a pleasure to have worked with a great group of parents and players. 

Coach Mylan, Million Peesh, Payth, Peach