Phoenix Municipal Stadium

It's been 60 years since a big school won four straight titles in Arizona. Clinging to a 4-3 lead, the Chaparral Firebirds survived a bases loaded, 7th inning jam for history and their fourth successive 4A Baseball Crown.

With Cox 7 TV and a lively crowd looking on, Chaparral (32-3-1) took on their neighbors from the south, Tucson Amphitheater (24-10). Starting pitchers were Chaparral senior ace Jason Jarvis (12-0, University of San Diego commit), and for Amphi southpaw Richie Sanvoval (11-4).

The Firebirds scored first on a single by Arizona State commit Kyle Williams, a stolen base, passed ball, and an RBI single by Casey Lytle. This was the first of three hits for Williams, whose father Ken - the Chicago White Sox general Manager - was in attendance. They increased their lead to 3-0 in the bottom of the 2nd on a walk to Race Hansen, an RBI double by Spencer Rothery, and a double steal. The Firebirds plated their last run in the 4th, on a single by Jesus Lopez, and the number nine batter Ryan Duffy came through with a big RBI double. The score was now 4-0.

Amphi missed a golden opportunity in the 5th, as Jesus Lopez singled, Duffy doubled, but the inning ended on a double play. Amphi touched Jarvis for a run in the 5th, and the Firebirds entered the 7th and final inning with a 3 run cushion. Enter senior fireballer Charles Brewer (10-0, UCLA commit), to secure the final three outs. Brewer retired the first two batters on a strikeout and a ground ball to the 3rd baseman. Amphi then struck for four straight singles, by Duffy, Stanley Muller, Jamie Miranda, and a big bases loaded two-RBI shot by Rafael Neda, his fourth hit of the game. With the score now 4-3, and the sacks loaded, up to the plate stepped cleanup hitter Ben Humphrey. He hit a slow grounder to Brewer, who threw to first base for the final out, triggering a wild celebration and a pileup on the mound. For Brewer, it was de ja vu, as he was standing on this same mound in relief to secure the 2005 State Title.

Chaparral coach Jerry Dawson and his Chaparral Firebirds had secured their place in history. "This group had very good pitching and defense," Dawson said. "We didn't make an error in the tournament. I don't care what level you play at. You go 28 innings without an error, with the pressure we were under. We didn't blow anybody away. The pitching was the biggest thing (this year). We weren't the offensive club we've been the last few years, but we had enough." He then added, "This group of seniors has never seen us not win a State Championship." Indeed.