Lassiter wins first state baseball title since 1999

MARIETTA - Kevin Bishop homered for Lassiter and made a brilliant catch to prevent a three-run homer by Kell, leading the Trojans to a 9-5 win Saturday and two-game sweep of the Class AAAAA state baseball tournament.<br> <br> Lassiter added a second title to the one it captured in 1999. The Trojans lost the championship series in 2000, &#39;02 and last season.<br> <br> ``Everybody talks about the &#39;99 team,&#39;&#39; said Bishop, who went 2-for-3 with three RBIs. ``Now we have one too.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Elsewhere Saturday, Greenbrier swept Marist 3-1 and 10-0 for AAAA title, Lovett knocked off Wesleyan 8-6 and 4-2 to win the AA title, while Eagles Landing Christian Academy defeated Calvary Day 5-3 and 10-3 to capture the Class A series two games to one.<br> <br> On Friday, Blessed Trinity swept Columbus 1-0 and 2-1 for the AAA championship.<br> <br> Bishop homered in the third to give Lassiter (32-4) a 4-3 lead, then reached over the fence in the bottom half to snare a drive by Clint Roques that would have put Kell (29-7) in front.<br> <br> Robbie O&#39;Bryan and John Goodwin broke the game open. O&#39;Bryan hit a two-run homer in the fifth, and Goodwin added a two-run double in the seventh. Reliever Don Brice kept the Longhorns from forcing a third a game.<br> <br> The Trojans won the series opener 10-9 in 12 innings Friday. Game 2 was postponed by rain.<br> <br> ``Our kids did a great job. There isn&#39;t anything to be ashamed of,&#39;&#39; Kell coach Donnie English said. ``You have to hand it to Lassiter. That&#39;s a good ballclub.&#39;&#39;