Jacob Davis was in a slump, and he figured it was time to end it.
For him and his teammates, the timing was priceless.
Davis belted a two-run homer to highlight a six-run, third inning that helped host Faith Christian Academy rout Plumstead Christian, 12-3, in the PIAA District One Class A semifinals Tuesday afternoon.
With the win, the Lions advanced to meet Delaware County Christian in the championship game at Immaculata University Thursday afternoon.
Davis didn’t have any second thoughts about the destination of the ball when he hit it.
“It was a fastball right down the middle,” said the junior, who drove in four runs on three hits (3-for-4). “When I first hit it, I knew it was gone.
We were down at the start, but we got our bats going and took advantage of it.
“I knew I had to be more aggressive at the plate because I was struggling a bit. It worked and I have been hitting again lately now toward the end of the season. I knew I had to get it going.”
The Lions fell behind 2-0 through the first two innings, but they batted around in the third and blew the game open. Faith ended the game with 14 total hits, having five players with two or more hits.
Along with Davis, Peyton Curry went 3-for-4 with two RBIs; Parker Curry, 2-for-4, RBI; Josiah Smith, 2-for-4, RBI; and Carter Heller, 2-for 5.
Parker Curry and Smith each had RBI doubles in the six-run third.
“Plumstead made us nervous through the first two innings,” said Faith head coach Ed Curry. “We had a good feeling about the game and I didn’t doubt the outcome. We played good baseball and our bats came around.”
Aidan Fretz started the game for the Lions and he threw the first 2.2 innings, allowing two runs on one hit and recording three strikeouts.
Brendan Moyer relieved and picked up the win, as he went 1.2 innings and issued one run on one hit and had a single strikeout.
Heller threw the final three innings, holding Plumstead Christian hitless and notching five strikeouts. Faith pitchers only allowed two hits on the afternoon, but they issued seven walks.
“Our guys threw well today,” added Curry. “Our plan was to do what we needed to win this one. Heller did a nice job over the final innings.”
The Lions will be looking to avenge a pair of season losses to Delco Christian, only one of three blemishes on the season (15-3, 10-2 league). They beat Delco, 8-7, to win their second straight district title last year.
“The last loss refocused us,” said Curry. “We are playing as well as we did when we started the season in Myrtle Beach (South Carolina).
“Playing them gives us a little edge and to get back after it. It is a little grudge match and they will look to have some revenge after we beat them last year.
“Losing to Delco helped us pull it together as a team,” added Davis. “I can’t see us losing three-in-a-row to them. We have a lot of balance in our lineup, and as long as we are hitting, we’re winning.”
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
