GRAND CHUTE, WI – Championship Thursday at Fox Cities Stadium produced four state champions, including a historic title for Kaukauna and first-ever baseball championships for Columbus Catholic, Pewaukee, and Cedar Grove-Belgium.
Kaukauna Claims First State Baseball Title Since 1953
The biggest story of the day belonged to Kaukauna, which captured its first state baseball championship in 73 years with an 11-5 victory over Madison Memorial in the Division 1 title game.
After falling behind 4-0 in the third inning, the Galloping Ghosts responded with a five-run bottom half and never looked back. Kaukauna pounded out 13 hits and scored in four different innings on its way to the championship.
Bron Schaefer led the offensive attack, going 2-for-2 with three RBIs and two runs scored. Kaden Kress was a perfect 3-for-3 with three RBIs, while Blake Vandeloo finished 3-for-3 and scored three runs. Bennett Geitner earned the victory on the mound, while Paxton Schuh closed out the final three innings to secure the state title.
The championship marks Kaukauna’s first baseball state crown since 1953 and caps a memorable postseason run for the Galloping Ghosts.
Columbus Catholic Wins First Baseball Championship
In Division 4, Columbus Catholic captured the first baseball state championship in school history with an 8-4 victory over Potosi/Cassville.
The Dons broke open a close game with a five-run third inning and never surrendered the lead. Ryan Bernick pitched five strong innings in relief to earn the win while also collecting two hits and an RBI at the plate.
Tyler Hargraves delivered one of the biggest hits of the game, finishing with a triple and three RBIs. Rocco Maher added two hits and scored twice as Columbus Catholic completed its championship run.
Cedar Grove-Belgium Earns Historic Division 3 Crown
Cedar Grove-Belgium also celebrated a historic milestone, winning the program’s first-ever state baseball championship with a 13-9 victory over Dodgeville in the Division 3 title game.
The Rockets came out swinging, scoring four runs in each of the first three innings to build an early lead. Connor Waters scored three runs and collected two hits, while Ira Hilbelink drove in two runs. Seth Race added a triple and three RBIs.
Despite Dodgeville’s 13-hit effort, Cedar Grove-Belgium’s explosive offense proved too much to overcome as the Rockets secured their first state baseball title.
Pewaukee Captures First State Baseball Championship
Division 2 produced another first-time champion as Pewaukee edged Kenosha St. Joseph 5-4.
The Pirates built a 5-2 lead before holding off a late rally from the Lancers. Logan Peterson scored twice and collected two hits, while Jack Tabbert contributed two hits and two RBIs.
JonDavid Jacobs earned the victory on the mound, and Max Metz pitched the final three innings to help preserve the win and deliver Pewaukee’s first state baseball championship.
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