By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Fair Grove’s journey to a district championship did not begin two months ago, or even this past winter.
It began once the 2021 season ended, when the Eagles lost to Skyline in the district finals.
“We had a sour taste in our mouths from that one,” said Fair Grove starting pitcher Garin Geitz.
Huddled in the right field corner of Parkview High School’s baseball field, the Eagles vowed that next season would turn out different.
“We told them, ‘Hey, if you want to get back to this game, you know what you’re going to have to do,” said Fair Grove coach Christian Overstreet.
Fair Grove found its long-awaited prize on Tuesday night, earning the program’s first district championship since 2013.
The Eagles beat Strafford for a third time this season, the trilogy win coming 5-1 in the Class 3 District 12 championship game at Tim Leeper Field in Fair Grove.
Fair Grove’s lineup features eight returning starters from 2021. Most of them are successful in other sports, too.
“It’s hard to put into words right now,” Overstreet said of Tuesday’s win. “The commitment level we’ve had with this group – these guys have been competing since last summer in football, soccer and basketball. They’re just a bunch of athletes who compete.”
Geitz led the way for Fair Grove, keeping Strafford in check over 6 2/3 innings. He allowed five hits, two walks and an unearned run while striking out seven.
“Throwing strikes early and getting ahead in the count really helped,” Geitz said. “I was getting ahead with my fastball. I was able to force fly-balls, ground balls and the defense was working behind me.”
Fair Grove will host East Newton (12-13 overall) on Tuesday, May 24 in the Class 3 sectional round. Start time has not been determined.
East Newton beat Diamond 12-3 on Tuesday to win the District 11 title.
Geitz did not pitch in either of Fair Grove’s two regular-season wins (1-0 and 4-0) over Strafford. Instead, the Eagles threw Jaxon Rowden, who pitched a pair of complete-game shutouts.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE GAME
“(Rowden) is also a really good pitcher, but Garin’s been our guy all year and he earned this spot tonight,” Overstreet said. “You had to give it to him.
“The best thing about (Garen) is he’s even-keeled. He doesn’t get too high or too low. He just attacks.”
After spotting Strafford an early 1-0 lead, Geitz helped his own cause by igniting a three-run Fair Grove rally in the bottom of the first.
Geitz’s RBI single tied the game, 1-1. Two batters later, Hayden Carver put the Eagles ahead 3-1 with a two-run single.
“After I hit that single in the first inning, I knew it was going to be a good game for us,” Geitz said. “And it turned out that way.”
In the second inning, the Eagles tagged on two more runs against Strafford starter Mason Denning. Kade Gallion’s two-run double pushed Fair Grove ahead, 5-1.
In the field, the Eagles defense picked up Geitz with highlight-worthy plays from the likes of third baseman Logan Daniels and center fielder Ryken Adkins.
“Our defense sold out tonight,” Overstreet said. “To win games like this, you have to sell out and leave it all on the field. That’s what our guys did.”
Fair Grove’s early surge proved vital as Strafford brought on ace pitcher Evan Helton in relief.
Helton was flawless in four scoreless innings, striking out nine without giving up a hit or walk.
Strafford finishes 14-9 overall. The Indians have posted nine straight winning seasons.
Fair Grove is now two wins away from reaching the state baseball final four for the first time.
Coincidentally, Fair Grove’s last district baseball title (2013) occurred in Overstreet’s first season as head coach.
This past February, Overstreet was promoted to principal at Fair Grove High School beginning in the 2022-23 school year. This spring marks his final season as Fair Grove’s baseball coach.
“Right now, I’m just appreciating every moment I can with these guys and this team,” Overstreet said. “I couldn’t be more blessed. Fair Grove’s a great place. I love Fair Grove. It’s been awesome to us. We just need to keep going.”
