West Union’s baseball team achieved a historic milestone by winning its first-ever state championship, defeating Taylorsville 4-1 in Game 2 of the series. This victory capped off a successful season for the team, showcasing the hard work and dedication of players, coaches, and fans alike.
Coach’s Pride
Coach Todd Brown expressed immense pride in his players, highlighting their commitment throughout the year.
"We’re just so proud of these kids. They’ve worked so hard all year long to get to this point," Brown stated.
He praised the team’s ability to remain focused and composed under pressure, a key factor in their success.
"They’ve been able to stay calm when things got tough. That’s what separates good teams from great teams," he added.
Taylorsville’s Resilience
Taylorsville, a team with two state championships since 2013, faced disappointment in this series. Coach Brian Hines acknowledged the challenges they encountered.
"We knew we were going up against one heck of an opponent. We just didn’t execute when it mattered most," Hines said.
He noted that crucial errors ultimately cost them the game.
"We made some mistakes out there that hurt us big time. You can’t make those kinds of mistakes at this level," he explained.
Standout Performances
West Union’s pitching staff excelled throughout the series, with senior pitcher Tyler Smith leading the charge. He recorded seven strikeouts in six innings during the decisive game.
"He was unbelievable tonight," Brown remarked about Smith’s performance. "He threw strikes all night long and gave us exactly what we needed out there."
Smith credited his teammates for their unwavering support.
"I couldn’t have done it without my teammates behind me every step of the way. They’re like brothers to me," he said.
A Historic Moment
The victory was a momentous occasion for West Union High School and its community. Senior outfielder Ethan Wagoner expressed his emotions after the win.
"It means everything – I’m speechless right now. We’ve worked our whole lives for this moment," Wagoner exclaimed.
He acknowledged the bond with his teammates, referring to them as family.
"My guys are like family – we do everything together outside of school too," he added.
For Wagoner and other seniors, winning the state title is bittersweet as they prepare to graduate.
"It sucks because I’m going to miss these guys next year, but at least I can say I won something before leaving high school," he reflected.
Looking Ahead
Taylorsville will graduate eight seniors, including four starters who played pivotal roles in the series. Hines recognized the impact of these losses.
"Those four starters are huge losses because they were leaders on our field last week. They set an example by how they played each day," he stated.
However, he emphasized that the future remains bright for the team.
"Next year’s group has potential. It’s always tough losing your top players, but you have no choice except to move forward," Hines expressed.
On the other hand, West Union will retain junior pitcher/first baseman Hunter Sowards, who had an impressive season with 102 strikeouts, ranking second among Class A pitchers.
"Hunter has always been special since freshman year. He throws heat; throws strikes; gets ground balls; hits home runs – does everything you want your ace pitcher/first baseman to do," Brown noted.
With returning starters like sophomore infielders Jace Johnson and Austin Wilson, along with outfielders Caleb Fouts and Kaden Grooms, West Union is poised for continued success in the upcoming season.
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