GRIT 9U Closes Spring Season with Richmond Championship
Just two weeks after capturing the Kyle's Kamp Memorial Day Tournament Championship, Fauquier-based 9U GRIT Baseball added one more memorable chapter to its spring season.
Competing up an age division at Richmond's Extra Innings Tournament on Sunday, June 7, the GRIT 9U team battled through three games against 10U competition, defeating the Core Raiders 6-5, the Sandlot Strays 11-3, and the Caroline Savages 8-0 to bring home another championship win.
The title game featured a performance the players and families won't soon forget. Pitcher Paul Carlson threw a perfect game, striking out 10 batters and leading GRIT to the 8-0 victory.
While the win was a fitting way to close the season, coaches say the weekend was another reflection of what this group has built together over the last four seasons. Throughout the day, different players stepped into key moments, with strong pitching, timely hitting, aggressive baserunning, and solid defense carrying the team through older competition.
As they have throughout the season, the boys spend a few quiet moments before each game visualizing the game ahead—seeing themselves make plays, staying composed under pressure, and competing with confidence. Guided by the team's emphasis on mental performance and preparation, it has become a simple but meaningful part of their routine and another way they prepare together before taking the field.
"Our focus is upholding our standard," said Head Coach Chris Forsten. "We want to play the game with respect and never forget to have some fun while we are doing it. Watching these boys rise to the challenge and do it together is what makes weekends like this so special."
The Richmond championship marks GRIT's second tournament title in the past two weeks and caps an impressive 21-2 spring season.
As the boys now turn their attention toward the fall, the excitement isn't just about another season of baseball. It's about another opportunity for this group to continue growing together, building on the trust they've developed over the past four seasons.