FOUNTAIN SPRINGS — It took just one swing, one pitch and one big boost of confidence for Marian’s baseball team Monday afternoon in the District 11 Class 2A semifinals.

Rocco Griguoli crushed a fastball to dead center field, sending it well beyond the 350-foot marker and an estimated 30 feet into the playground at North Schuylkill’s elementary center.

That was just the start for the Colts, who made a statement against Williams Valley in a 9-2 victory. The win sends Marian to its second district championship appearance in four years. The Colts will play for the gold medal Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Robert Wetzel Field on the North Schuylkill campus.

“I was looking for a fastball and (just) took it to center,” the excitable Griguoli said. “It felt really awesome.”

Griguoli was one of several standouts for manager John “Pilsy” Petrilyak. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound slugger added two more hits and finished with three RBIs.

Senior Cole DeFrancesco also delivered in a big way. Called the “consummate” teammate by his coach, the Marian left fielder ripped a three-run triple. Brayden Grant chipped in with a two-run double.

Meanwhile, ace Roman Bednarek was dominant on the mound. The sophomore threw a complete game, allowing three hits while striking out four and walking two. He threw 89 pitches, including 64 strikes.

“Roman was fantastic,” Petrilyak said. “I think the last four starts, ah, I don’t know (for sure) how many runs he has given up ... I think two total. He’s had two no-hitters going in three of his last four starts. If he is not one of the best in our league, he’s pretty darn close for being a sophomore.”

Griguoli’s home run set the tone early and gave Marian control from the start. Williams Valley never seriously threatened, though the Vikings cut the deficit to 4-2 in the fourth inning.

“Those things happen, I never got worried,” Bednarek said. “First thing is, I want to thank all my teammates, especially Rocco. He had three big hits ... Brayden had some really nice plays behind me, that’s what really propelled me and gave me some confidence.”

Bednarek worked efficiently throughout the 1-hour, 50-minute game. His fastball had life, and his curveball consistently challenged hitters inside. He credited his defense for making key plays behind him.

“It’s okay, because I’ve got really good fielders behind me,” Bednarek said about the balls put in play.

After Marian’s early offensive burst, the game slowed down. The Colts added another run in the second inning when Chase Quinn-Gutsie walked and later scored on Bednarek’s RBI double to make it 4-0.

Williams Valley answered in the fourth. Leadoff hitter Fletcher Thompson beat out an infield single, and after a fielder’s choice, John Rautzhan hustled out another infield hit that drove in a run. Chevy Green later hit a sacrifice fly to right field to score Rautzhan.

Marian responded with five runs in the fifth inning. Eight batters came to the plate, with Grant, Chase Grier and DeFrancesco all helping fuel the rally.

“The greatest part of the club, if the top of the order isn’t hitting the bottom does,” Petrilyak said. “Just so you know before Brayden Grant hit that double, he missed the bunt sign. I think he is the RBI leader on this team as a seven hole which is crazy.”

Griguoli’s performance especially stood out to his coach.

“Rocco Griguoli is one of the most outstanding stories (this year),” Petrilyak said. “He is probably going to go and play some football at a pretty high-level next year. He comes back off a horrific ankle injury (basketball), in four months and could have very easily said, you know what I’m taking off the rest of the year no I’m done. (Instead) he hung around and came to every practice and hung in there.”

Now Marian turns its attention to Wednesday’s championship game against high-powered Tri-Valley at North Schuylkill. The winner advances to the state playoffs.

SMOOTH OPERATOR ... Bednarek stayed composed throughout the game, never rushing on the mound. Even when he narrowly missed calls on the inside corner, he stayed locked in and trusted his approach.

BOOM BOOM ... Griguoli’s home run jumped off the bat and was a no-doubt shot from contact. The line-drive blast carried with very little loft, making it even more impressive.

NEVER ON TRACK ... Williams Valley struggled early, and the slow start proved costly. Even after trimming the deficit to 4-2, the Vikings lacked the offensive spark to mount a comeback against Bednarek’s inside-out pitching approach.

A LITTLE FROWN ... Petrilyak still believes in small ball. Players are expected to bunt when called upon or risk hearing about it from the dugout. Old-school baseball still matters.

AT THE PLATE ... Four of Marian’s six hits went for extra bases: Griguoli’s home run, DeFrancesco’s triple, and doubles by Grant and Bednarek. Williams Valley managed singles from Thompson, Rautzhan and Bowder, with two coming in the same inning.

BACK IN THE SADDLE ... Marian senior catcher Ethan Labenburg returned after missing several games with an injury. Sophomore AJ Reaman filled in effectively during his absence.

Williams Vy. 000 200 0 - 2 3 0

Marian 310 050 x - 9 6 1

Bower, Hubler (4), Green (5) and Thompson; Bednarek and Labenburg. W - Bednarek. L - Bower.