On Preakness Weekend, 12-Palazzo Wins the Black Eyed Susan

Firebirds 12U-Palazzo spent the weekend in central Maryland, winning all six of their games and claiming the USSSA Black Eyed Susan NIT 12U C championship. After leading most of the final game against the Langhorne Lightning, the Firebirds entered the fifth and last inning trailing 10-9. They scored two runs in the top and Maddie G. struck out the side on 11 pitches in the bottom to close out the game and capture the first place medals.

The top of the Firebirds order put up big numbers over the weekend. Leadoff hitter Mya C. went 11-16 at the plate and scored 14 runs. Baylee S. contributed 7 RBI while batting 10-16. Marina P. and Maddie G. contributed 10 and 9 RBI, respectively. Maddie dominated in the circle, allowing only 4 earned runs over 15.1 IP, while fanning 31.

12U-Palazzo Wins Kaboom Spring Classic

Firebirds 12U-Palazzo got off to a strong start in their first tournament of the spring, going 5-0 over the weekend in Loudoun County to win the USSSA Xplosion Kaboom Classic 12U-C championship. Marina P, Molly R, and Claudia C led a balanced offensive attack, each driving in 3 runs during the tournament. Maddie G struck out 33 batters over 16 innings, and Caitlyn L struck out 10 while giving up just 2 runs over 7 innings; she pitched a no-hitter against the Stars on Saturday.

In the championship game, the Firebirds took an early 2-0 lead over the Urbana Rippers, and added what proved to be the winning run in the third before giving up 2 runs in the fourth. They held the Rippers scoreless for the final two innings to win the game 3-2. Maya C went 2-2 with a walk, and Marina P drove in 2 runs. Maddie G was fantastic in the circle, striking out 10 and giving up just 5 hits over 6 strong innings.

14U-Sable Picks Up Where They Left Off, Claims Diamonds R 4Ever Title

After finishing the fall by winning 18 of 21 games, Firebirds 14U-Sable dominated in their first complete tournament of the spring, going 6-0 over the weekend en route to the USSSA Diamonds R 4Ever 14U Open championship. They outscored their opponents 38-8 over the weekend. Kaylie DeChicchis pitched four games, giving up just 9 hits and 3 earned runs, while striking out 24 over 18 innings. Alli Goetz paced the offense with a home run and 7 RBI for the tournament.

In the championship game, the Firebirds were down 2-1 entering the bottom of the fourth. They put up 5 runs that inning and ran out the clock to claim the title. Maya Sable pitched four strong innings, giving up just 2 earned runs and striking out 7. Giada McGillin went 2-2 from the plate, driving in 3 runs.