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Burgett blanks Madison
By Skip Weaver, Staff Writer
CARLISLE — Ryan Burgett didn't let his nerves get the best of him.
The Fenwick junior threw 99 pitches, struck out seven and allowed his defense to do the rest as the Falcons defeated Madison 3-0 Monday to claim the Division III sectional championship at Carlisle's Franks Field.
"It feels great to be sectional champs," said Burgett, who no-hit the Mohawks over the last four innings. "We lost to these guys last year, so we really wanted this win."
The sectional championship was originally scheduled for last Thursday, but was rained out several times over the weekend. The rest proved to be helpful for the Falcons' ace.
"We've been off for a week," Burgett said, "so I've been ready to go.
"We came out thinking we were going to have to score a lot of runs early. And when we did, that just gave me a boost of confidence."
Kevin Long scored Fenwick's first run in the third inning after drawing a lead-off walk, but it was Tommy Kleingers' two-out, two-run single in the next inning that gave Burgett a comfortable lead.
"What a big hit by Kleingers," said Fenwick coach Jake Long. "He does a good job at the plate for us. He's been in that No. 4, 5 or 6 spot in the lineup all year and leads our team in RBIs.
"This feels outstanding. The kids have worked hard all year. They've played hard and competed and definitely deserve this."
No. 1 seeded Madison (17-6) entered the game as the three-time defending sectional champions.
But even with ace Jarred Barker on the mound, a four-peat wasn't in the cards.
"We didn't play good defense," said Mohawks coach Bob Evick, whose squad committed seven errors. "They did a great job of putting the ball in play and their pitcher changed speeds and kept us off balance.
"It's frustrating, but we still had a successful season. We've been in the sectional finals four straight years. We lose seven seniors, but we'll be OK."
Fenwick (16-9) will play Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Division III District final at Wayne High School.
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2852 or sweaver@coxohio.com.
