During a recent practice, St. Dom’s was playing “27 Outs,” a game where they split the squad into two teams and the first team to get 27 consecutive outs without an error wins.

“Everybody go hard,” assistant coach Allan Turgeon said to the players.

“That’s right coach,” sophomore shortstop Alex Parker said. “That’s the only way.”

Whether they’re on the soccer pitch, the hockey rink or the baseball diamond, Alex and older brother Casey Parker know only one way to play.

As the baseball team’s keystone combination this spring, the Parkers have been the heart of the defense and the diminutive catalysts of the offense. When the Saints try for their third Class C state title Saturday against George Stevens Academy (2 p.m,, Mansfield Stadium in Bangor), the Parkers will be in the middle of a lot of the action.

“It’s great (to get back to the title game),” said Casey Parker, who played in championship games in 2006 and 2007, winning it in 2007. “We’ve been working hard all year long. For St. Dom’s baseball, this is where we want to be and expect to be.”

The Parkers have played together in two other championship games – winning the 2007 Class C soccer title and losing this year’s Class A hockey final. This will be there first time competing together for a baseball crown.

“We’ve been there before,” said Alex, who played Little League baseball in Lewiston with his brother for their father, Bob. “Most brothers don’t get the chance to play on the same team, and we get three state championships together. That’s pretty good.”

Casey, a four-year starter at second base, has not only been a table-setter at the top of the order but has been one of the Saints’ most productive power hitters. Alex has provided surprising production at the bottom of the order and stabilized the infield after being installed at shortstop, committing just one error during the season.

“They both have the ability to know the situation and execute what needs to be done,” said Saints coach Bob Blackman.

“It’s nice to have that brotherly connection, I guess,” Casey said.

Alex, who saw limited playing time at third last year, moved to shortstop this year and said he feels more comfortable playing at his natural position. He knows what to expect playing alongside his brother, who is no slouch in the field, either..

“He’s very consistent, so I always know what to expect,” Alex said. “And he always keeps me on task. He’ll never let me slack off.”

“He’s made a big difference,” Casey said of Alex. “This is probably the best infield I’ve had at St. Dom’s. He’s consistent, and not making errors is key.”

Alex showed a strong, accurate arm while playing third, but his lack of offensive production kept him on the bench for most of his freshman year. This year, he finished fourth on the team in batting average (.362) hitting out of the ninth spot in the batting order.

“I knew my defense would be average to above average, but I knew I needed to work on my hitting to stay in the lineup,” Alex said.

“Having (Alex and Casey) come up is like having two leadoff batters. They work well together even in the batting order,” Blackman said. “They both set the table for us.”

Casey batted .350 this season and scored 35 runs in the leadoff spot. He can and will run, but opponents often look at his size (he’s 5-foot-7. Alex is 5-foot-5 1/2) and expect him to hit like Jacoby Ellsbury when he’s more in the Dustin Pedroia mold. More than half of his 21 hits (12) were for extra bases.

“I was the No. 2 hitter the first couple of years, but last year I stepped in as the leadoff batter. I just go to the plate and take my cuts,” Casey said. “I’m not really one to draw a lot of walks. Early in the count, I just look to drive the ball, drive the gaps, gap to gap, and use the whole field.”

Blackman admitted to judging Casey by his size the first time he saw him, but Casey quickly busted the myths and became perhaps the Saints best hitter in pressure situations.

“Casey impressed me from the first day of tryouts (his freshman year),” he said. “I’m throwing batting practice and this little freshman, doesn’t stand 5-foot-6, steps in and I couldn’t throw the ball by him. I knew he wasn’t just going to make the team, he was going to start.”

The Parker brothers will split up again next fall. Casey will be at the University of Maine, where he plans to study business and play a little club hockey. Alex said he is staying at St. Dom’s, despite rumors to the contrary.

In the meantime, they plan on basking in one last brotherly connection at St. Dom’s.

“Our father taught us to never take anything for granted,” Casey said. “Just enjoy ourselves and the time we have together.”