Lions earn pair of wins, Fairchild reaches 500 career victories
The Albany Lions picked up two wins in district action last week, including a milestone victory for head coach David Fairchild, who recorded his 500th career win.
Albany opened the week with an 11-1 win over Haskell on March 17 at home. Aiden Vickers earned the win on the mound, going five innings while allowing just one hit and striking out seven.
At the plate, Vickers also contributed with a 2-for-3 performance that included a double. Calhan Fairchild finished 1-for-3 with two RBIs and a double, while Clay Chapman went 1-for-2 with an RBI. Brody Oliver added a 1-for-1 outing with three RBIs, Blake Briting went 1-for-2 with an RBI, and Cade Fairchild finished 1-for-2.
“Overall good win, but we have to do a better job defensively and getting runners on and moving runners,” said Coach Fairchild.
The Lions followed that performance with a 4-3 win over Anson on March 20 in Albany. The victory marked Fairchild’s 500th career win as a high school baseball coach.
Brody Oliver picked up the win, throwing 4.2 innings with eight strikeouts. Calhan Fairchild secured the save, pitching 2.1 innings and recording three strikeouts.
Offensively, Oliver led the way with a 2-for-2 performance. Calhan Fairchild went 1-for-4 with an RBI and a triple, Aiden Vickers finished 1-for-3, and Clay Chapman added a 1-for-2 effort. Wesley Gleitz went 1-for-1, while Mason McCloy finished 1-for-3 with an RBI.
“Brody struggled a little with command but kept us in the game,” Fairchild said. “Calhan came in and held the rope to victory. Overall both Brody and Calhan did well on the mound.”
Following the game, Fairchild reflected on reaching the 500-win mark.
“Talking about 500 wins, what this means is that I have been blessed with some good teams and good athletes throughout the years,” he said. “I have 392 wins here in Albany, and I can’t express the feelings about all the good teams that have come through. I’m proud for our school, our community and all the athletes I’ve had the privilege to coach.”
Fairchild’s career includes 26 wins at Savoy, 74 at Lockney, nine at Ballinger and 392 at Albany, accounting for his 500 career victories.
Albany now holds a 7-1 overall record and is 2-0 in district play.
