Lutheran South Gets Three-Peat, Routs Southwest Christian in DII State Championship Game

Easton Brenner led a 18-hit barrage with a 4-hit day and 4 RBIs and Nelson Klein had a complete game shut out on just two hits as Lutheran South captured the 2021 TAPPS Division II State Baseball Championship with a 16-0 win over Southwest Christian. It was the 3rd State Championship in a row for Lutheran South capturing the title in 2018 and 2019. The 2020 season was cut short last year due to CoVid 19.

Lutheran South got things started in the top of the 2nd when Wyatt Kuhlow scored on an infield single by Tyler Ehlinger and Colt Powledge scored on an Brenner RBI double as LSA took a 2-0 lead. They scored another run in the 3rd when a Tyler Helpenstill single scores Deundre Jones. LSA then scored 3 runs in the 4th, 3 runs in the 5th and 7 more runs in the 7th.

Meanwhile, Klein was taking care of business on the mound. He retired the first 9 batters before giving up a single in the 4th. He only allowed 2 more baserunners the rest of the way. Klein finished the game with 3 K’s and no walks.

Easton Brenner got on base all 6 times in the game. He was 4-4 with 2 walks, hit 2 doubles, had 4 RBIs, scored twice, and had two stolen bases. For his performance Easton was named the THSB Division II State Championship MVP.

“I feel like my pre-game routine and my work all year has led to me seeing the ball real well and my hitting has just kept improving,” Brenner said. “Our coaches and my hitting coach work with us a lot and it shows because we are hitting the ball well as a team. We are a scrappy team and have lost several one run games. We knew things would start falling our way.”

Lutheran South finished tied for 2nd in district but have put it all together in the playoffs. They won their five playoff games by a combined total of 39-0.

For Head Coach Aaron Schneider, the third championship is as good as the first one. “This moment feels just like the other moments. Each team is different. They have their own identity and strengths. It just feels special every time you do it.”