East Fairmont is headed back to the state tournament for the first time in 36 years.

The Bees exploded for eight runs in the first inning and rolled past Brooke, 13-2 in five innings, to capture the Class AAA Region I co-final and clinch a trip to Marshall University.

East Fairmont sent 13 batters to the plate in the opening frame, highlighted by a two-run single from Brody Bledsoe and a bases-clearing triple from Owen Music.

Music finished with four RBIs while every Bee batter reached base at least once.

On the mound, Joey Schnore tossed a complete game, scattering seven hits as East Fairmont improved to 20-9 on the season.

The Bees, known as the “Mean 13” due to their small roster size, are returning to the state tournament for the first time since winning the Class AAA title in 1990.