The Skinny: Sidwell started the game white-hot offensively, and managed to hold what was once a large lead against a determined St. Albans team.

Synopsis: Things could not have started off better for the Quakers. After starting pitcher Chase Plebani retired the side easily in the top of the 1st, Sidwell pounced on St. Albans' starter, scoring 4 runs with 0 outs, and 6 total in the inning. It was a true team effort, without any extra-base hits. Plebani carried a no-hitting into the 4th, while the Quakers added 3 more runs in the 3rd, extending their lead to 9.

But just when it looked like Sidwell might run away with the game, potentially even by 10-run rule, St. Albans came storming back. A colossal 2-run shot to right field that landed atop the building across Quebec street started the rally for the Bulldogs. But Plebani was able to work out of a jam with only 3 runs allowed in the 4th, avoiding serious trouble. The 5th brought even more trouble for Plebani, as his walk total climbed to 6 and his pitch count over 100, but still he managed to work himself out of a jam with only 2 earned runs.

With a 9-5 lead and a now stagnating offense, Sidwell brought senior Mark Ossolinski in to pitch. Ossolinski had some initial trouble, giving up a hit and 2 walks to load the bases, but like Plebani, avoided the big inning thanks to a crucial leaping catch on a line drive by David Steinbach to end the inning, likely saving Sidwell 2 runs. The senior pitcher allowed just 2 earned runs and keeping the Quaker lead at 2, with the game now 9-7. But Ossolinski didn't mess around in the 9th, quickly retiring the first two batters. With 2 outs and 2 runners on base, the Bulldog hitter hit a fly ball into the right-centerfield gap. Nick Fernandez, the RF, made a tremendous catch, narrowly avoiding a devastating collision with CF Finn Stern, ending the game in dramatic fashion.

Analysis: The key for Sidwell offensively was their aggressiveness at the plate. In the 1st inning, the Quakers hammered nearly every fastball over the plate, some for singles, others that forced errors on somewhat difficult yet makeable plays. Until St. Albans finally pulled its starter in the 3rd, Sidwell consistently punished the ball, earning its 9 runs. Unfortunately, St. Albans took back all the momentum the Quakers had built on the towering HR in the top of the 4th. Sidwell ended up needing almost all of its 9-run lead, as Bulldog hitters figured out Plebani and began to build some momentum of their own. But Sidwell's ability to limit the damage and avoid a major meltdown defensively was crucial in preserving its lead through 7 innings.

Looking Ahead: The win puts Sidwell in the Private finals of the DC Classic, a game to be played at NATIONALS STADIUM on June 5th against arch-rival Maret. Sidwell has beaten Maret 2 out of 3 times this season, both on the road. Should the Quakers prevail, they would in all likelyhood play DCIAA powerhouse Wilson HS in a televised game in the stadium that night.