3A Division II State Championship Game

Wall delivered a big blow in the first inning and then delivered a knockout punch in the 4th, putting up 7 runs, as they run-ruled Thrall 14-2 in the 3A Division 2 State Championship Game. This was Wall’s second baseball state championship.

Kellan Oliver started the big 1st inning off with a walk and went to 3B on a Hagyn Barbee single. Oliver scored on a Gunnar Dillard ground ball to SS. Caleb Braden followed up with an RBI single, Dillard scored after a Luke Kemp single and Jacob Braden added an RBI single to give Wall a 4-0 lead to start the game.

Thrall responded with a run of their own in the bottom half of the inning. Maverick McAllister walked on a 15-pitch at bat. He then scored on a Gus Navejas double to make it a 4-1 game. Thrall loaded the bases but Wall pitcher Gage Reichenau got a strikeout to end the threat.

Wall picked up another run in the top of the 2nd. Oliver led off with a triple and then scored on a Barbee RBI double. Wall loaded the bases but Thrall pitcher Dankworth got a pitcher to catcher to 1st base double play to end that threat. Wall led 5-1.

The game stayed at 5-1 until the top of the 4th and then the Wall offense exploded. Dillard had a RBI single. Reid Ballard walked with the bases load. Jacob Braden and Trevor Wyatt both followed with 2 RBI singles. Wall led 12-1.

Wall picked up 2 more runs in the 5th on RBI singles by Kemp and Jacob Braden to increase their lead to 14-1. They needed to hold Thrall to 3 runs or less for a 5 inning run rule.

Reichenau got 2 quick outs in the bottom of the 5th. But Nick Trueter and McAllister had back to back triples to get a run in. Reichenau however got a strike to end the game and give Wall their 2nd Baseball State Championship.

Gunnar Dillard was 3-4 with a triple, 3 RBIs and 3 Runs. He was named the Championship Game MVP. “It’s awesome to end my high school career on a win, especially here in Round Rock,” Dillard explained. “And to do this with my best friends. I couldn’t ask for better teammates. I love being with them. I love practicing with them. It’s bittersweet that my time with them is ending but it’s a great way to go out.”

Head Coach Jeremy Gordon had this to say – “This season has presented so many trials and tribulations, obstacles to overcome and I’m thankful to God and to the kids for overcoming so many things. Tonight was the way you want to start a championship game. We come out and deliver a blow right off the start. And the momentum carried us and especially in the 4th inning. I couldn’t be more proud of these guys.”

		1	2	3	4	5		R	H	E
Wall		4	0	1	7	2		14	2	2
Thrall		1	0	0	0	1		2	8	1