For the second year in a row, the host team of the Colt World Series has claimed the title.
The Marion team beat the team from Covina, California 3-2 in the Aug. 2 championship game, played at Rent One Park.
Marion's offense started the championship game hot, scoring all three runs in the first inning. A line drive single by Camden Raddatz put Marion on the board. Then, with the bases loaded, aggressive running brought in two runs off a line drive single by Morgan Fricker.
In the following three innings, a defensive battle ensued. Neither team was able to score, leaving Marion still up 3-0 going into the top of the fifth inning.
Covina got on the board in the bottom of the fifth inning. After Marion walked Aiden Barcelo and Kevin Rubio, an error gave Rubio the opportunity to steal home, with Barcelo getting out at third shortly after to make the score 3-1.
Neither team scored in the sixth, and Covina had one more chance in the seventh. They made it exciting.
With bases loaded and only one out, Douglas Zuniga hit a fly ball which was caught by Morgan Fricker in right field. Efrain Miranda scored, making it 3-2.
But Aiden Barcelo was thrown out at third to end the game and once again, Marion emerged as champions.
To get to the championship game, Marion first beat Greensboro, North Carolina, 9-1 on July 30.
The next night they won 5-4 over Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
On Aug. 1, Marion beat Greensboro again, 8-5, to advance to the championship game on Aug. 2.
The roster of players for Marion is Noah Arnold, Brendan Bergan, Connor DeeWerdt, Jack Ford, Morgan Fricker, Ethan Golish, Dawson Griffith, Jack Harre, Cruz Harlan, Brady Jackson, Aiden McManaway, Mychael Menicucci, Tanner Middendorf, Drake Moss, Chase Niemeyer, Camden Raddatz, and Caleb Siebers.
The team is managed by Matt Harre.
