Flames Baseball Wins Championship in Inaugural Season

In an incredible debut season, Flames Baseball clinched the Frederick County Wooden Bat League championship on Sunday, November 3. The team, part of Flames Homeschool Sports, capped its inaugural run with a thrilling playoff performance and a hard-fought title victory.

A Rocky Start, a Strong Finish

Flames entered the playoffs as the fourth seed after finishing the regular season 3-3, with wins over Central High School (Woodstock), Warren County High School, and Skyline High School. The team faced a daunting challenge in the semi-final against top-seeded and undefeated Hampshire High School.

The Flames set the tone early, erupting for six runs in the third inning to take a commanding 7-1 lead. Jake Bosacco’s two-out RBI single capped an impressive rally fueled by five hits and two walks. John Pegis, the starting pitcher, was a standout both on the mound and at the plate. He struck out eight batters in four innings, allowing only one earned run while contributing three hits and two RBIs.

Hampshire attempted a comeback, but key plays like Gus Kasinski’s throw from left field to catcher Patrick Beer, cutting down a runner at the plate, kept the Flames ahead. Benedict Hibl closed out the game on the mound, securing an 8-4 victory and a spot in the championship.

Championship Rematch

In the final, the Flames faced Sherando Red, the team that had edged them out 3-2 in their first game of the season. Sherando struck first with two runs in the opening inning, but the Flames steadily fought back. They tied the game by the third inning and broke through in the sixth.

Colin Campbell took one for the team, being hit by a pitch and eventually scoring the go-ahead run after a double by Benedict Hibl and an RBI ground-out by Edmund Beer. Hibl then scored on a double by his cousin Nick Elliott, extending the Flames’ lead to 4-2.

On the mound, Benedict Keough gave the team a strong start, pitching four innings before being relieved by Hibl and Joseph McGuire. The game’s dramatic conclusion came in the bottom of the seventh inning. With Sherando’s bases loaded and the winning run on first, McGuire struck out Sherando’s lead-off hitter, sealing the championship for the Flames.

Looking to the Future

Flames Baseball is already setting its sights on a full spring season, aiming to build on the success of its first year. Part of Flames Homeschool Sports, which has supported homeschool athletes in Warren and surrounding counties since 1992, the program emphasizes teamwork, hustle, and discipline.

With a championship under their belts, the Flames hope to continue offering homeschool athletes opportunities to compete and elevate high school baseball in the region.