Albany sweeps Bearcats, advances to area round
By Melinda L. Lucas
The Albany Lions baseball team took down the De Leon Bearcats in two straight games last week to win their bi-district playoff series and move on to the area round of the UIL Class 2A playoffs.
The local players advance to the area level, with games against Wink today (Thursday) in Colorado City.
Bi-District Details
Albany opened the best-of-three series with a 5-2 win on Thursday, followed by a 2-1 victory on Friday to complete the sweep.
In Game 1, senior pitcher Chip Chambers delivered a dominant performance, going the full seven innings, striking out 11 and walking only one. Chambers also starred at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a triple.
Calhan Fairchild added a triple of his own, while Mason McCloy, Wesley Gleitz, and Aiden Vickers, with 2 hits each, and Clay Chapman with one also contributed at the plate. Defensive highlights included strong plays by Landon Picquet and McCloy.
“Chip Chambers was in control and had great command,” said head coach David Fairchild. “We had some good defensive plays too, especially from Landon Picquet and Mason McCloy.”
In Game 2, Brody Oliver pitched a complete game, striking out 11 and allowing just two hits.
Albany struck early with a bunt by McCloy that brought Fairchild home from second.
Chapman had a solid game behind the plate with key blocks, and the defense turned a crucial double play in the fifth inning – Vickers to McCloy to Fairchild. Picquet again made several key catches of hard-hit balls.
“Clay Chapman had a good game catching, and Brody had a great game on the mound,” Fairchild said. “I was very pleased with our pitching as well as with our defensive play in both games.”
Area Facts
The Lions now turn their attention to the area round, where they’ll face the Wink Wildcats in another best-of-three series.
Game 1 is scheduled for Thursday, May 8 at 2 p.m. at A.W. Phillips Field in Colorado City (1137 Cherry St.), followed by Game 2 approximately 30 minutes after the first game ends. If necessary, Game 3 will take place at the same location on Saturday, May 10 at 4 p.m.
Tickets are available online at ccity.esc14.net. Click “Wolf Tickets” in the top right menu bar. Admission is $3 for adults and students.
The Lions are hoping to improve on last year’s playoff run, which ended in the regional quarterfinals with a loss to the Hawley Bearcats.
