Fairfield Christian Academy baseball wins fourth straight league title
LANCASTER — The Fairfield Christian Academy baseball team rallied late to clinch its fourth consecutive Mid-State League-Cardinal Division championship on May 14 with a 6-5 victory over Zanesville Rosecrans.
With the victory, Fairfield Christian improved to 14-1 in the MSL-Cardinal Division. This senior class has helped build one of the most successful eras in program history, marking the first time FCA Baseball has achieved four straight league titles.
Seniors AJ Holbrook, Brayden Stem, Caleb White and Reed Rogers have helped establish the standard for Fairfield Christian Academy baseball, leading the Knights through one of the most successful stretches in program history. Holbrook, Stem, and White have been key contributors to all four consecutive MSL Cardinal Division championship teams during their careers.
AJ Holbrook has earned MSL-Cardinal Division Pitcher of the Year honors twice, while both Holbrook and Stem have surpassed the 200-career strikeout milestone — with the postseason still ahead. Their accomplishments reflect the dedication, competitiveness, and leadership that have fueled the Knights’ continued success.
Under the leadership of Coach Josh Baker, FCA has built a championship culture defined by toughness, consistency, and team-first baseball.
Now turning its focus toward tournament play, FCA earns a first-round bye and will open postseason action on May 23.
As for the game against Rosecrans, trailing 5-4 in the top of the fifth inning, the Knights delivered in clutch fashion as Connor Blair ripped a two-run single to give the Knights the lead for good.
The Knights struck first in the opening inning when Brayden Stem grounded out to bring home the game’s first run. Rosecrans answered in the bottom half of the inning, capitalizing on a fielder’s choice and defensive miscues to take a 3-1 lead. The Bishops added another run in the third inning.
Fairfield Christian showed the grit and championship mindset that has defined this senior class all season. In the fifth inning, Josh Witte was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to tie the game before Blair delivered the go-ahead hit.
Stem earned the win in relief for FCA, delivering six strong innings while allowing just two runs, one earned, on seven hits. He struck out five and walked one. Holbrook got the start before the weather delayed the contest earlier in the month, allowing three unearned runs while striking out one over an inning of work.
At the plate, Blair and Ben Vance sparked the offense, each collecting two hits. Blair finished 2-for-3 with two RBIs to lead the Knights offensively.
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Fairfield Christian Academy baseball wins fourth consecutive MSL title
