MARION — Thanks to a strong defensive performance that included a game-saving catch that led to a game-ending double play, Marion made it back to back Colt World Series titles by beating Covina, California 3-2.

Trailing 3-1 in the bottom of the seventh, Covina loaded the bases with one out. Doug Zuniga hit a rocket to right center that, off the bat, appeared would be a bases-clearing, game-winning gapper, but Hardin County’s Morgan Fricker tracked it down with a diving effort. A run scored on the play, but Fricker alertly connected with Marion’s Jack Harre who threw out the potential tying run at third base to end the game.

An inning prior, shortstop Cruz Harlan from Centralia made a lunging catch in short left field to rob pinch hitter Jacob Nguyen of a hit that would’ve driven in two runs to tie the game.

Fricker led the offensive attack as well for Marion with three hits, including a two-run single to cap a three-run first inning as Marion batted around to open the game. Effingham’s Camden Raddatz singled in Harrisburg’s Brendan Bergan for the game’s first run

Marissa’s Tanner Middendorf was the starting pitcher for Marion. He allowed one unearned run in five innings of work to pick up the win. Harrisburg’s Noah Arnold worked the final two innings to earn the save.

Marion beat Brownsville, Texas 7-1 last August to win the 2021 title. Harlan and Goreville’s Drake Moss were the lone holdovers from that team and celebrated winning a second title.