With that mentality, the Firebirds (23-5) have kept things simple. Since Saturday’s 4-3 win over Springboro, they haven’t added any regular-season games. Instead, they’ve focused on the three key aspects that have advanced them to Thursday: Productive hitting, consistent fielding and Jacob Kates.
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Other than a 7-3 win over La Salle in a sectional final last Thursday, every victory has been within one run.
While that’s entailed doing enough to advance, Leurck said he’d like to see his offensive firepower return to its regular-season peak. At one point, his team had a month-long span where it won 10 games by scoring at least 10 runs.
“Not necessarily,” Leurck said about his offense currently playing at its best. “At one point, it was hard to get guys out. Honestly, we haven’t gotten back. I’d like to get out and swing bats.”
What has remained consistent, however, is Kates’ dominance on the mound. Leading the Greater Miami Conference in wins (9-1) and strikeouts (69), the senior has the ability to effectively shut down opposing offenses. His 0.36 ERA has been noticed around the state, said Centerville coach Jason Whited.
“They have an arm,” Whited said of Kates. “Everyone is Ohio is aware with what they do. They find ways to win. Obviously winning the GMC was no easy feat.”
Though it could be argued that finding ways to win is as applicable to the Elks as it is the Firebirds.
Centerville advanced to the regional semifinal by beating Milford 3-2 in extra innings. The Eagles previously upset No. 1 Moeller 3-0.
The Elks (17-9) finished second in the Greater Western Ohio Conference National East Division before making a run through the playoffs. Whited said he plays five sophomores and his team is still developing. Centerville beat Waynesville 8-4 on Wednesday night in a regular-season game.
“We’re playing our best, but not our most capable,” he said. “But we made it clear we wxpected to be here. Our goal is Huntington Park (for the state championship), and we’re not gonna back away from that statement.”
As for announcing a starting pitcher, he kept quiet, joking he’d flip a coin to decide the role with three potential candidates. The top three options are Joey Hecht (6-1), Alex Firsdon (4-0) and Jared Lieberman (3-1).
“We’ll have an idea when we fill out the lineup card. We feel happy with our three options we have right now,” Whited said.
Regardless of personnel, both coaches stressed their comfort with their teams approaching the 2 p.m. start at UC.
Fairfield will face St. Xavier in the second regional semifinal at 5 p.m. The regional final is set for 5 p.m. on Friday at Marge Schott Stadium.
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