Fort Cumberland Secures Mountain District Championship With 2‑0 Win

High‑Stakes Battle At Garrett College

The rivalry intensified on Tuesday at Garrett College as Fort Cumberland (Post 13) needed one more out to clinch the Mountain District title. The game unfolded in just one hour and thirty‑nine minutes, a brisk duel that left little room for error. With the bases loaded and a two‑out jam, Garrett County threatened, but the Post 13 defense and bullpen shut the door. Myles Bascelli, called in from center field, delivered a crisp strike to Landon Yoder, and a soft line drive flew into shortstop Kohen Madden’s glove for the final out.

Madden’s Masterclass Pitching

Kohen Madden dominated across 6 ⅔ innings, using 106 pitches to allow just three hits while striking out six and walking three. He kept the line drive effort at bay and earned the win after a hit‑by‑pitch loaded the bases in the late innings. “I knew I had to be efficient, work ahead, stay ahead throughout the whole game,” Madden said after his 106‑pitch effort. His control and stamina set the tone for the entire contest, earning him the victory and a place among the area’s top pitchers.

Offensive Spark In The Fourth

Both runs for Fort Cumberland arrived in the fourth inning, beginning with a sacrifice fly from Coye Resh that plated the first run. Jake Rice followed with a two‑out RBI single to right field, stretching the lead to 2‑0. The cheap runs highlighted Fort Cumberland’s ability to manufacture scoring when the pitching staff needed support. Resh also shone defensively, turning a bases‑loaded, one‑out jam into a clutch double play by stepping on third and firing to first.

Bascelli’s Dual Impact

Myles Bascelli not only closed out the game but also contributed offensively earlier, doubling to drive in Kohen Madden and allowing Colt Resh to score. His performance on the mound and at the plate underscored his value as both a pitcher and a hitter for the champs. After the final strike, Bascelli made sure the victory was secured, painting the inside corner to finish the one‑hour‑ thirty‑nine‑minute duel.

Garrett County’s Hard‑Fought Effort

Garrett County (6‑11) pushed the champions to their limits, with right‑hander Landon Yoder delivering a seven‑inning gem that yielded only five hits and three strikeouts. Both runs against him were unearned, as Post 13’s fourth‑inning rally began with an error. “Two good pitchers, two of our better pitchers in the area went at it today,” said manager Phil Carr. Despite a costly defensive lapse and a loss, the Warriors fought until the very end, marking a respectable finish to a tough season.

Postseason Outlook For Fort Cumberland

Fort Cumberland now holds a 9‑5 overall record and has clinched the best‑of‑10 summer series with a 6‑1 district mark, earning the right to host a one‑game playoff for a state‑tournament berth. The scheduled showdown at the Hammer Complex in Cumberland is set for Sunday, with the opponent and exact time yet to be announced. After a year off, the squad aims to end its streak and return to Joe Cannon Stadium under the guidance of manager Brian McAlpine. “Their whole mentality, physical appearance, everything is different,” McAlpine noted, praising the team’s growth and experience.