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With one returning starter and zero innings of varsity pitching experience entering the year, the Albemarle baseball program shocked North Stafford, 4-3, to advance to the Commonwealth District Tournament championship.

The Patriots (15-6) will play Mountain View on Thursday evening at the Virginia Sports Complex. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.

"This whole team has stepped up," said Bickers, who's in his first year at AHS. "The pitching staff has cut down on walks, and we're getting clutch hitting from everyone."

The Patriots have beaten Mountain View twice this season. Still, that's all history, Bickers said.

"They both went into extra innings," he said. "[Mountain View] also beat Colonial Forge 9-1 last night."

Colonial Forge, which swept AHS this year, won the CD regular season title and has already secured an invitation in the Northwest Region baseball tournament.

The winner of the Albemarle/Mountain View matchup will also earn a regional berth.

The Patriots have exhibited toughness and solidarity in advancing this far. Starting pitcher and clean-up hitter Tyler Molinaro broke his hand in gym class about three weeks ago, Bickers said.

"He's our pitcher, No. 4 batter and first baseman," said Bickers, who has been without Molinaro for four games (last two regular season, two CD tourney).

The Patriots have persevered.

"We've done this together. Everyone has stepped up," Bickers said. "And sometimes your fortunate. You know how baseball is."

GO PATRIOTS!

EDITOR'S NOTE: Head Coach Carroll Bickers will be featured on "Sports Rap" on Sports Radio 1400 this afternoon at approximately 3:40 p.m.

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Posted by Jerry Miller on May 21, 2008 11:59 AM | Permalink

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