Photos: Lowell, Fong brothers upend Washington, their sister in SF Section title baseball game at Oracle Park
SAN FRANCISCO — There was some history, redemption and a whole lot of pride — school and family alike — when Lowell's baseball team upended Washington 11-3 in Thursday's San Francisco Section title game at Oracle Park.
Washington junior Isabella Fong became the first female to pitch in a SFS title game — the section dates back to 1912 — but she lasted only 1.2 innings as the Cardinals (15-10) chased her with six runs in the second.
Fong's twin Roman and their freshman brother Reggie Fong helped Lowell win their 22nd SFS title and eighth in nine seasons. It also avenged a 6-1 loss to Washington in last year's championship.
Reggie Fong had a two-run double off his sister in the second inn and reached base three times while scoring two runs. Roman reached base twice, scored a run and recorded the last out of the game after Finean Hunter-Kenney pitched 6.2 innings and struck out nine.
Liam Mahoney was the hitting star for Lowell with a double, two singles, a walk and three RBI. Joaquin Ruiz had two hits and an RBI for Washington (9-14).
The game is annually played at Oracle thanks to the San Francisco Giants. The three siblings - at home plate after the game - reflected on a memory that will last forever. They are the only three children of Roger and Pia Fong, who were directly behind home plate sporting specialized caps with both Eagles and Cardinal monikers.
Reggie, Isabella and Roman Fong after Thursday's San Francisco Section championship game, an 11-3 win for Lowell over Washington. Photo: Darren Yamashita.
"It was incredible," said Reggie Fong, who also field five ground balls cleanly from second base. "We've been coming here as a family since we were really young. Stepping on the field alone was really magical. Just warming up felt really good. To get the win was even more exciting."
Roman Fong wraps his arms around his younger brother Reggie after Lowell's 11-3 win over Washington at Oracle Park. Photo: Darren Yamashita.
Said Isabella about taking the mound at a major league field: "To be out on the same mound as the Giants was pretty incredible. Especially being on the same field as my brothers. My coaches reminded me that the field is the same dimensions as any other field. It helped ground me a little."
And facing her brothers: "In that moment I was just focused on my catcher and where to throw the ball."
All the photos below from Darren Yamashita:
