Fairfield all-stars claim state title

BOONE ? Make no mistake, the Fairfield Babe Ruth 15-year-old all-stars are the best in the state.

They proved as much at the state tournament in Boone, where they won three of four games on their way to the Babe Ruth title. Their final victory, a 7-1 win over Ottumwa in the state championship Tuesday, qualified them for regionals in Liberal, Kan.

Austin Gridley threw a no-hitter in the championship and struck out 10 Ottumwa batters.

Fairfield also beat Oskaloosa and Boone by final scores of 13-3 and 10-9, respectively, but lost 8-4 to Ottumwa in game three.

Robbie Laughlin pitched 12 innings and fanned 15 batters in games one and three.

Top Fairfield hitters were: Logan Fleeman, who was 6 for 12 with six runs scored; Cody Craff, who finished 5-for-11; Brandon Plecker, who went 5-for-12 with six runs; and Noah Whitten, who finished 5-for-14 with two doubles.

The Fairfield all-stars kick off regionals against Colorado Aug. 4.