Playoff journey ends in Oklahoma for Albany
By Melinda L. Lucas
The Albany Lions’ postseason baseball run came to an end Saturday after falling in three games to the undefeated Gruver Greyhounds in the regional semifinals, but not before the team delivered one of its most memorable performances of the season.
Albany (12-7-3) opened the best-of-three series with a dominant 10-0 win over Gruver in Game 1, handing the Greyhounds their first loss of the year.
Senior pitcher Chip Chambers was electric on the mound, tossing a one-hit shutout with 12 strikeouts over six innings. At the plate, the Lions tallied six hits and committed just one error, with standout offensive efforts from Clay Chapman (3-for-4, 3 RBIs) and Woods Peterson (1-for-4, 3 RBIs).
“Chip had an unbelievable Game 1 – one of the best outings I’ve seen, especially against an undefeated team,” said Albany head coach David Fairchild. “He was in complete control and commanded his pitches beautifully. Starting with the playoffs, he’s had a great run both on the mound and at the plate.”
Game 2 was a different story, as Gruver bounced back with an 8-2 victory. Albany managed 10 hits but couldn’t capitalize, leaving runners on base throughout the game. Chambers went 3-for-4 at the plate, while Aiden Vickers added a 2-for-4 effort. Brody Oliver and Chapman each drove in a run.
Three pitchers saw action – Oliver, Fairchild, and Vickers – combining to allow 11 hits.
In Saturday’s Game 3, Gruver completed the series with a 9-1 win. Despite strong defensive plays from Wesley Gleitz and Woods Peterson, Albany’s pitching staff was stretched thin. Oliver started and went 3.1 innings before pitch count limits forced a change. Chapman, Vickers, and Fairchild split the remaining innings.
“We’re a young team, and we lost a lot of seniors last year,” Fairchild said. “These kids really fought hard and got better every week. I’m a little surprised at how far we came, especially finishing fourth in our district – but then again, it’s a strong district. All four of us made it to the third round, and Stamford is still playing.”
The Lions played the series at Elk City’s Ackley Park, marking what was likely their first out-of-state playoff appearance.
“It was a beautiful venue,” Fairchild said. “A great setting for these kids to showcase what they can do.”
Albany’s deep playoff run was powered by a mix of senior leadership and rising talent. Looking ahead, Fairchild is optimistic about the program’s future.
“We’ve got great prospects coming back,” he said. “Seven of our starters will return. It’s been a great season, and we’re excited to build on it.”
