Fairfield Expos – Air Force win opener of California American Legion Baseball Championship Tournament 11-1 over Lakewood Wilson Bruins Cardinals – Marine Corps (Expos News)
Thursday marked the kickoff of the California American Legion Baseball State Championship. Post 182 & 185 Fairfield Expos – Air Force triumphed in their opener with an 11-1 victory over Post 178 Lakewood Wilson Bruins Cardinals – Marine Corps despite another key injury.
A first-inning collision at the plate knocked starting catcher Aaron Strong out of the game, but Matty Hague stepped in, collecting three hits and three RBIs to help secure the win. Jace Parkinson and Cy Dempsay each contributed two hits. Nick White pitched four strong innings for the win, while Jackson Kolakoski finished the game, allowing no runs.
The Expos’ injury list continues to grow, affecting their pitching staff. The team’s other two catchers, Jai Benedito and AJ Perrin, are also injured, leaving only one good catcher. With Hague catching, he cannot pitch. The team is hopeful that Strong can return soon.
Semifinal games are scheduled for Sunday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Chapman, and the championship game is set for Monday at 10 a.m., with a potential second game at 1 p.m., if needed. The state champion will advance to the Western Regionals in Fairfield from August 7-11. The Expos have hosted the Western Regionals annually since 2019, except in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. They plan to continue hosting through 2025 and have petitioned to be the permanent host, though this decision is still pending.
The American Legion Baseball World Series will take place in Shelby, North Carolina, from August 16-20, with the Western Regional winner earning an all-expenses-paid trip to the national finals.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
