The Fairfield Eagles opened the season Monday night, February 19, 2018 with stellar defense and offense, defeating the Westwood Panthers 10-4 in Fairfield.
Despite a double play to end the top of the first inning by Blake Posey and a diving catch by Posey in the top of the second inning, it took a big leadoff hit by Chandler Noble in the bottom of the second to light a fire. He moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Tyler Haynes.
After J.P. Hollingsworth threw a wild pitch, Noble scampered across the plate to score the first run for the Eagles.
“The players seemed a little uptight to start the game,” said Fairfield baseball coach Bill Crawford. “After Chandler stole second and later scored on the wild pitch, everyone relaxed and started having fun.”
Fairfield scored four runs in the fourth inning. Miller Smith and Chandler Noble each had RBIs in the big inning. Smith’s double to center opened the game up, allowing the Eagles to have a lead they could relax behind.
“Miller had been pushing a little too hard coming into that at bat,” Crawford said. “He got his pitch and didn’t miss it.”
Garridan Henderson was on the mound for Fairfield. He lasted four innings, allowing three hits and one run while striking out three.
“Garridan was very solid in his first start of the year. He definitely set the tone for the game.”
Blake Posey, Cody Ferguson, Avery Archibald, Noble, Smith, Andre Carter, and Tyler Haynes each managed one hit to lead Fairfield Eagles Varsity. Ferguson led Fairfield with four stolen bases, as they ran wild on the base paths with 11 stolen bases.
“I told them we would be aggressive on the bases,” Crawford said. “I think that kept their pitcher from settling in. He had to try to hurry everything up to give the catcher a chance. Our kids did great being aggressive. It paid off.”
(Photo submitted)
