Last Friday, April 1, 2016 the McLean boys varsity baseball team played in their fourth Conference game against Langley High school. After winning their game against St. Albans high school on Thursday, the team was determined to defeat the Saxons to further improve their record of 7-3.

The game began with a special guest to throw the first pitch. Sabrina Brennan, a 6-year-old who was previously diagnosed with neuroblastoma, was honored at McLean’s second annual Kyle’s Kamp game.

“I was really grateful to be a part of the Kyle’s Kamp game this year, and we had a lot of fun hosting the game and welcoming Sabrina back to throw the first pitch,” senior designated hitter Will French said.

The purpose of the Kyle’s Kamp game is to fundraise for pediatric cancer research. The movement was started in 2010, after Kyle Hahne was diagnosed with Leukemia and has raised over $1.5 million for Children’s National since 2012.

After the first pitch was thrown, the Highlanders started off strong in the first inning. Senior pitcher Jon Clines hit a single to right field, and senior outfielder Tom Shue scored the first run of the game.

Clines held off the Saxons for another 6 innings with 10 strikeouts and only 1 run.

“By the end of the game I was pretty tired, but it was a Langley game so of course the guys and I were in it till the very last pitch,” Clines said.

The game tied in the bottom of the 7th inning, the Saxons intentionally walked two McLean players in hopes to get the an out at home plate. With bases loaded and tensions high, senior Conor Grammes hit a single to left field, scoring the game-winning run.

“I knew what [the Saxons] were trying to do, but when they walked [our players] to let Conor bat with the bases loaded, it was over,” Clines said.

The boys varsity baseball team has a promising 4-1 conference-game record, and hopes to beat the Rebels in their game at Fairfax high school on April 8, 2016.

“When the last run scored we were very excited. Not only because we beat Langley, but also because we kept our winning streak going,” Clines said. “That’s something that we’re gonna continue to keep up throughout the whole season and hopefully postseason.”