Falcons Ride Momentum into Postseason After Statement Win on Little League Night

Folsom Lake is heating up at exactly the right time.

Behind a dominant offensive performance and a lively Friday night atmosphere on American Little League Night, the Falcons powered past Sacramento City 12–5 on April 24, closing out the regular season with momentum and confidence heading into postseason play.

The victory improved Folsom Lake to 27–13 overall (15–9 conference) and capped a strong 4–2 stretch over their final six games. That run included a resilient series against Santa Rosa—where the Falcons rebounded from a 3–2 loss (April 14) with a thrilling 10-inning, 7–6 win (April 16) and a 2–0 shutout (April 17)—before taking two of three from Sacramento City.

After falling just short in a 2–1 battle on April 23, the Falcons responded in emphatic fashion the following night. Sacramento City struck first, but Folsom Lake erupted in the third inning. RBI contributions from John Handy and Connor Barth set the stage for Shane Saunders, who crushed a two-run home run to give the Falcons a lead they would never relinquish.

Saunders delivered a standout performance, finishing with two home runs, a double, and five RBIs, leading an 11-hit attack. The Falcons added on in the fourth and then broke the game open in the seventh inning, capitalizing on timely hitting and defensive miscues by Sacramento City.

Although Sacramento City mounted a brief rally in the eighth inning with a three-run homer from Ben Kreizenbeck, Folsom Lake answered immediately. Handy's sacrifice fly and a two-run double from Saunders extended the lead to 12–5, sealing the win.

On the mound, Gavin McLendon earned the victory with five strong innings and seven strikeouts. Keisen Hayden and Andrew Balentine provided steady relief to close out the game.

Now, the stakes rise.

Folsom Lake turns its attention to May 1, when the Falcons face Cosumnes River at Chabot College to open postseason play. Carrying both momentum and confidence, the Falcons will look to continue their strong play as they begin their playoff run.

With explosive offense, solid pitching, and energy from the home crowd, Folsom Lake enters the postseason as a team no opponent will take lightly.