University High School's baseball squad clinched the Class 3A state championship on Saturday, routing D’Evelyn 5-0 and snapping a three-year streak of near-misses that had haunted the program. The Bulldogs' perseverance paid off in front of a roaring crowd, turning a long‑awaited dream into reality.
A Pitcher's Masterclass
Senior right‑hander Gage Viken took the mound and never looked back, throwing a complete game that featured ten strikeouts and limited D’Evelyn to just a handful of hits. His performance set the tone for a team that refused to let history repeat itself.
The offense complemented Viken's dominance with a relentless attack. Players such as Damian Alvarez, Brody Duran and the rest of the lineup drove in runs at crucial moments, helping the Bulldogs average ten runs per game throughout the state tournament.
A Symbolic Hand‑Off
When the final out was recorded, the championship trophy was placed in the hands of retired coach Greg Pearson, who had guided the Bulldogs to a title in 1982. Pearson, now serving as a baseball site director, watched proudly as the current generation etched their own chapter into the school's storied history.
Coach Casey Miller, who has been vocal about the team’s need to "will" victory, praised the seniors for their leadership and highlighted the contributions of past players who laid the foundation for this success. The win not only celebrates the current roster but also honors the legacy of everyone who has worn the Bulldog uniform over the decades.