ADA, MI – With the bases loaded, a full count and his team’s season on the line, Max Ferrick dug into the batter’s box for a moment little kids dream about when they first pick up a bat in the backyard.

And with one swing, the dream became reality for the Forest Hills Eastern senior, who launched a three-run home run over the left field fence to give his team a 5-1 first-inning lead and spark a 12-4 win over Coopersville in Wednesday’s Division 2 regional semifinal on the Hawks’ home field.

“It gave me a sense of pride because I felt like I was doing it not only for myself, but more for my teammates and everything we’ve done,” Ferrick said of his team-leading fourth homer of the year. “It just felt like I was helping us get to where we need to be.”

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