Walk-Off Hit Keeps Fairfield American Alive

FAIRFIELD, Conn.—Brendan Bucher and his teammates on Fairfield American faced an immense amount of pressure Sunday. Bucher stepped to the plate in the last inning of a tie game against Glastonbury American. A loss would mean that Fairfield’s run to their second state title would end. But Bucher rose to the occasion, ripping a walk-off hit to secure a 3-2 victory and push a winner-take-all game three.

“My heart was racing. I was really nervous up there,” Bucher said after the game. “I feel great right now.”

Starting pitcher Eddie Schwartz was dominant on the mound Sunday for Fairfield American. He struck out eight batters and only allowed five hits. Two of those hits were solo home runs, however, keeping Glastonbury in the game until the final inning.

Schwartz was one out away from a complete-game victory, but because of his pitch count he could not face Glastonbury’s final batter. Brendan Layne’s single strikeout was enough to earn him the win. Ian Halpin was charged with the loss for Glastonbury, but struck out three in his full six-inning performance.

“My arm felt great today,” Schwartz said. “Sometimes I have those days when I just don’t have it. Today I had it.”

Fairfield American was first on the board, picking up a run on a Philip Vlandis single in the second. Glastonbury answered right back in the top of the fourth with the first of their homers, by Aidan Scott. A Jon Annuzzi double gave Fairfield the lead again to close out the fourth, but Glastonbury's Kory Armando tied the game again with his solo home run in the fifth.

Grant Carnemark started Fairfield’s sixth-inning rally with a single to center field. He moved to second on a passed ball and headed to third on Brendan Flynn’s infield hit. Carnemark then scored the winning run on Bucher’s long hit over Glastonbury’s right fielder.

Fairfield American improves to 3-0 in elimination games this summer. They will try to make that mark one better in the final game of the series Monday evening in Prospect. Monday’s winner moves on to the New England Regional tournament in Bristol.

Do you think Fairfield American can win their second straight state championship Monday? Wish them luck in the comments below. 

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