Division III State Championship: Badin Rams Take Down Bishop Watterson For First Title Since 1996

Akron, OH: Badin jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the first inning and never looked back, dispatching Bishop Watterson 7-2 for their first baseball title since 1996. The Rams got big contributions from throughout their lineup, led by a 2-4 performance by Colt Emerson, who scored twice and drove in a run. Leading the way for Watterson was senior Michael Mulligan, who finished 2-3 with a triple and an RBI.

Early Action

Michael Wozniak got the action started in the first for Watterson with a double off the right field wall. That was immediately followed by a triple to right by Michael Mulligan, giving the Eagles a 1-0 lead in the first. Badin wasted no time in responding, as Derek Ogden drew a walk to start the frame. After Ogden stole second, Chandler Taylor hit a double to deep right field, scoring Ogden. The Rams were not finished yet, as a Vince Laugle single plated Taylor. Colt Emerson followed that up with a walk and advanced to second on a balk. Austin Vangen picked up the third hit of the inning, bringing home Emerson and putting Badin up 3-1 after one.

Both squads would get baserunners on in the ensuing innings, but nothing came to be as all runners were left stranded.

Late Game Fireworks

Caden Mangini got things started for Watterson in the fifth with a leadoff single to centerfield. After a one-out single from Mulligan, Ben Uhlenhake hit a single of his own and a throwing error allowed Mangini to score, drawing the Eagles closer at 3-2 midway through the fifth. A hit-by-pitch loaded the bases, but a smooth 6-4-3 double play ended the threat.

Keegan Sawyer ked off the home half of the inning with a walk, then immediately stole second base. After Laugle was hit by a pitch, Emerson hit a double that scored Sawyer, extending the lead to 4-2. Then disaster struck for Watterson, as a passed ball scored Laugle and advanced Emerson to third. Up came Vangen who hit a sacrifice fly to rightfield, scoring Emerson and putting the Rams back on top. When the dust settled, Badin held a 6-2 lead.

Watterson would get two aboard in the sixth, but a double play then a groundout ended the threat before it could really start. Ogden started off the home half of the sixth with a single to center. After a steal moved him to second and a sacrifice bunt moved him to third, Sawyer hit a sacrifice fly to center bringing home the run. After six innings of play, Badin held a 7-2 lead.

Down to their last at-bat, Michael Mulligan would reach first on a throwing error with one out. After Uhlenhake flew out to center, Mulligan stole second. Unfortunately for Watterson, their season came to an end on a groundout to short, giving Badin a 7-2 win and their first title since 1996.

Post Game Thoughts

Despite the somewhat lopsided score, this one was entertaining throughout. Any time Watterson seemed to start to break through, Badin responded with a big inning of their own. 7 17 Credit Union Park is a beautiful location for the State Championships. But problems arose with the late start of the night game, as the deep parts of the outfield were nearly unlit. Multiple times throughout the contest, umpires had to huddle or coaches argued about plays made in the outfield because they were barely visible. It seemed to get better in the last innings, but was a major issue throughout the early parts of darkness setting in.

Top Performers

Bishop Watterson Eagles

Michael Mulligan: 2-3 3B RBI

Michael Wozniak: 1-4 2B R

Caden Mangini: 1-4 R

Badin Rams

Colt Emerson: 2-4 2B RBI 2 R

Derek Ogden: 1-2 2 R 2 BB

Keegan Sawyer: 1-2 2B RBI R BB

Box Score: https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=661281