Cleanup Hitter

It seems that Francis Scott Key middle infielder Dave Johnson can do no wrong these days.He's batting .474, has been moved into the No. 3 hitting position by coach Bob Caples, steals bases and plays superb defense at second base or shortstop.Johnson (5-foot-9, 141 pounds) is doing all he can to help the Eagles live up to early-season expectations.But it hasn't been easy with most of the other Key players off to sluggish starts."Dave Johnson and Dan Stephenson [pitcher and cleanup hitter] are carrying us," said Caples, whose team is off to a disappointing 2-4 start.

FREDERICK -- Mike Fairbanks' double and two-run homer paced a 12-hit attack as Arundel won a record sixth state championship yesterday with an 11-2 win over Gaithersburg at McCurdy Field.The Wildcats (21-1) got a well-pitched game from junior right-hander Brandon Agamennone, but Fairbanks took the hitter's spotlight.Fairbanks, Arundel's unheralded right fielder, looked like the best hitter on a ballclub noted for its potent offense.The senior went 2-for-4, had three RBI and scored three runs.

BOSTON -- Some power guys will gladly bat third, fifth or sixth in the lineup, but they'd rather forfeit their meal money than bat cleanup and deal with the attendant pressure."