VIRGINIA BEACH, Va (WAVY) — Playoff baseball is heating up, and Virginia Beach was the place to be on Saturday afternoon. The Cox Falcons moved to 20-3 after a THRILLER of a win over Great Bridge.
Final score: 2-1, and it lived up to that score line. It was a nailbiter.
“It’s one of those where there’s respect on both sides in our dugout and their dugout. We knew we would have to play a full 7 innings… Just proud of the guys,” said Cox Head Coach Matt Ittner
Now, the Falcons are back in the State Tournament after missing out last season. A lot of the reason why they got it done was because of how good the pitching was.
“Bringing one myself and having a big impact on the team.. If I can say I won a State Championship with this team, with this family, that would mean the world to me,” said Junior Reliever MJ Lemke
In relief, MJ had three strikeouts, gave up one hit, and no earned runs. He was lights out, earned the win, and Coach Ittner knew how much that meant to him.
“I think there’s some history there. Last year he was in that spot in the Region Semifinal game and it didn’t go our way. He’s been waiting a full year now to redeem to himself. He took that opportunity and made the most of it and I couldn’t be more proud of him,” said Coach Ittner
The Falcons will take on Ocean Lakes in the Region Championship game Tuesday, June 3 at Indian River High School. First pitch is at 5 p.m.