by AKRON OH – 7:00 PM. Credit Union Park. Two Teams. One TItle
No. 1 ranked Hamilton Badin Rams and No. 2 ranked Columbus Bishop Watterson Eagles have spent the entirety of their season proving they are among the best teams in Ohio. Now, they will go head to head for the ultimate prize: an OHSAA state championship.
Hamilton Badin Rams
Hamilton Badin enters the game as one of the hottest teams in Division III. The Rams have been nothing short of dominant throughout this postseason, defeating their opponents 55-1 during their tournament run prior to the state semifinals where they took the victory against Padua Franciscan. Whether it has been timely hitting, almost untouchable pitching, or making routine plays in the field, Badin has looked every bit like a championship team.
A big factor for that success has been Alabama commit Chandler Taylor. Taylor recently became Badin’s all-time RBI leader with 112 career RBIs, and this has not stopped him from continuing to deliver in big moments throughout the postseason. Caleb Driessen, Miami University commit, has also been outstanding on the mound this season, especially in high pressure situations.
Standing in their way is Bishop Watterson, a team that refuses to back down from anyone.
Columbus Bishop Watterson Eagles
The Eagles enter tonight’s championship game having won 23 of their last 24 games, including a 5-1 victory over CVCA in the state semifinals. Making their first state tournament appearance since 2015, Bishop Watterson is led by seven seniors giving them the experience and confidence needed for a championship win.
Ben Burleson, Class of 2026 RHP, has been a major factor throughout the postseason, contributing both on the mound and at the plate. Michael Mulligan and Caden Mangini have also shown great offense, helping push Watterson back to the state’s biggest stage.
The Matchup
On paper, the matchup of these two teams is intriguingly even.
Both teams can pitch.
Both teams can hit.
Both teams have experience in big games.
In all honesty, tonight’s game could come down to who can handle pressure the best.
One thing that often gets overlooked in games, especially championship games, is nerves. Everything feels different. Every action matters even more. Everything feels bigger and heavier. Sometimes the most talented team doesn’t win. Sometimes the team that stays calm wins.
Badin and Bishop Watterson haven’t made it this far by being scared, so I expect the teams to be very aggressive from the start.
For Bishop Watterson, getting runners on base and putting pressure on Badin will be crucial.
For Badin, continuing to have strong performance from their pitchers could be the key to bringing home a state title.
The biggest factor will be who can make the fewest mistakes. In championship baseball, one error, or one missed opportunity can change everything.
When two teams like Badin and Bishop Watterson play with a championship on the line, the smallest details often determine who leaves Akron as state champion.
No matter who wins, this game is bound to be a good one.
Two powerful programs.
One state championship on the line.
My Prediction
Both teams have done their equal part in earning their place in the championship game, but Badin’s postseason run, and their ability to execute in any situation makes me think they will become OHSAA state champions.
Badin 5, Bishop Watterson 3.
