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. More: Lancaster softball's improbable rally extends winning streak to 14 games 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.