In a display of resilience and seizing opportunities, Resurrection Catholic baseball team clawed their way back from a four-run deficit to secure a nail-biting 8-7 triumph over West Union in Game 1 of the MHSAA Class 1A Baseball State Championship series. The showdown between the all-Eagle teams left spectators on the edge of their seats on Tuesday afternoon.
The stage is set for an exhilarating Game 2 of the series, scheduled for Thursday at 1 p.m., as both teams look to outshine each other once again.
Right out of the gate, Resurrection Catholic’s Luke Schnoor unleashed an impressive RBI single to left field, granting his team an early 1-0 advantage in the top of the first inning. However, West Union quickly countered with two runs of their own in the bottom half, capitalizing on a throwing error at home plate to snatch a 2-1 lead.
Cole Willard of West Union extended their lead to 3-1 with a solid RBI single to left field. The fourth inning saw West Union continue their offensive prowess, as C.J. Shirley blasted an RBI single to right, followed by a balk, propelling them to a commanding 5-1 advantage.
But Resurrection Catholic refused to surrender. Determined to mount a comeback, the Eagles staged an impressive rally in the fifth inning, driving in three runs and narrowing the West Union lead to a mere 5-4. Jesus San Miguel played a crucial role with a two-run single, while Schnoor displayed his batting prowess once again with an RBI single to center field.
In the top of the sixth, Resurrection Catholic’s Walker Frederic stepped up with a clutch RBI single to center, leveling the playing field at 5-5 and setting the stage for an electrifying finish.
West Union refused to back down, reclaiming the lead in the bottom of the sixth, with Cole Willard smashing an RBI single to right and Mack Wallis capitalizing on a throwing error to score, putting them ahead 7-5.
However, the resilient Resurrection Catholic team had one last surge in them. In the top of the seventh inning, they rallied with remarkable tenacity. Carter McCammon showcased nerves of steel, delivering a crucial RBI groundout with the bases loaded, breathing new life into Resurrection’s hopes. Levi Foshee then executed a perfectly timed squeeze bunt, tying the game and sending shockwaves through the stadium. The final blow came in the form of a fielding error, as Nicholas Watts dashed home, propelling Resurrection Catholic to an 8-7 lead.
Luke Schnoor’s offensive prowess shone throughout the game, as he notched three hits and two RBIs, leading Resurrection’s charge. On the mound, Levi Foshee (10-0) emerged as the hero, pitching a complete game despite surrendering 10 hits and seven runs (six earned), while failing to record a single strikeout.
West Union’s C.J. Shirley shouldered the burden of the loss, as his team fought valiantly but fell short in this thrilling encounter. Cole Willard proved to be a standout performer for the Eagles (28-5), contributing four hits to their cause.
West Union’s pitching staff utilized five different hurlers, but struggled with control, gifting Resurrection Catholic 10 walks and hitting two additional batters. These mistakes would ultimately come back to haunt them, as Resurrection Catholic capitalized on every opportunity to secure a remarkable victory.
Fans can expect more riveting action and high-stakes drama in Game 2 as both teams strive to claim the coveted title of MHSAA Class 1A Baseball State Champions.
