Warriors Advance to Championship Game

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The Warriors advanced to the Championship Game of the Homer Athletic Club tournament after defeating the Flossmoor Firebirds on Sunday night by a score of 12-6.

Flossmoor scored two runs in the top of the first inning and another two runs in the second inning to take a 4-0 lead over the Warriors into the third inning.

Ryan Novak entered the game in relief for the Warriors in the third inning. Ryan held the Firebirds to just two unearned runs in the remaining five innings of the ballgame. In his first four innings of work, he faced just one hitter (13) over the minimum. Ryan was awarded the game's MVP by the Flossmoor coaches for this outstanding pitching accomplishment along with his two hits, two runs scored and two runs batted in! His only out of the game came on a line out to the third baseman.

The Warriors' bats came alive in the bottom of the third inning. Jason Waner and Paco Lauciello each singled in runs in this four run inning which tied the game.

After Ryan Novak again held the Firebirds scoreless in the top of the fourth inning, the Warriors put another five runs on the board. C.J. Brucki doubled to deep centerfield to score two runs. Jim Robley lined a hit to leftfield to score C.J. Ryan Novak singled home Jim. The Warriors held a 9-4 lead as the game moved into its fifth inning of play.

With the assistance of some great defense, Ryan held the Firebirds scoreless in the top of the fifth and sixth innings. Ryan Knightly made some outstanding plays at first base--stretching for some high and wide throws and digging a few throws out of the dirt. Meanwhile, the Warriors tacked on insurance runs in each of these innings to extend its lead to 12-4.

Flossmoor scored two runs in the top of the seventh before Jack Lebert fielded a ground ball at second base to end the game.

WARRIORS: 12 runs, 8 hits, 2 errors, 7 left on base
FLOSSMOOR: 6 runs, 7 hits, 3 errors, 4 left on base