A CROWN FIT FOR A FALCON; FITCH TAKES THE DISTRICT IN WALK OFF FASHION

AUSTINTOWN OH- District Championships aren’t supposed to be easy. Austintown Fitch learned that lesson all too well on Wednesday night as they hosted Green in the Division 1 Austintown District Championship. For the first 5 innings, Fitch’s defense was able to hold Green in check. However, a five run sixth put the Falcons in a corner. They responded with a run in the bottom, and then a walk off fielder’s choice with the bases loaded to win their first championship since 2013.

Maddy Taylor got the offense started for Fitch in the first inning. After Ayla Ray got on base to start the inning, Maddy Taylor would come up with a RBI double to score her. The score would remain 1-0 until the 4th inning when Sammi Aey smacked a double to right center to make it 2-0.  In the 5th, Fitch added two more with a pair of bases loaded walks. It was 4-0 Falcons going into the 6th.

The sixth inning belonged to the Bulldogs. They quickly grabbed momentum by stringing together a few clutch hits, and adding on a couple drawn walks as well. They had doubled from Carlie Chapman, and Madison Pukansky. Green scored 5 runs in the 6th to take their first lead of the day.

The Falcons quickly responded with a run back in the bottom of the frame to knot the game up. Sydnie Watts then buckled down with a shutout 7th to give Fitch a golden opportunity to win.

The Falcons would load the bases with no outs. Alli Foley stepped to the plate and put the ball in play. It was credited as a fielder’s choice, and that was good enough for a walk off win.

Taylor, and Ray each had multiple hits for the Falcons at the plate. Samantha Severn was on base three times for Fitch on the night drawing three walks, that includes the one that would eventually be the game winning run.   Watts struck out 18 in the 7 innings pitched she put in. She gave up 5 runs on 4 hits, and 4 walks.

Fitch advances to the regional final on Wednesday where they’ll match up against Brecksville. Brecksville won their district championship over Berkshire 10-0.  That game is slated for 5:00 at YSU softball complex.