The 2026 UIL 3A-DI baseball State Championship will pit two Coastal Bend programs against each other on Thursday at 4 p.m. at Dell Diamond in Round Rock, Texas. London, the defending champions, enter the game with a 33-7-1 record and a roster that blends youthful talent with a single senior anchor.
A Young Squad With Big Ambitions
Headlining the Pirates is senior Christian Olivares, who not only serves as the team's lone senior but also ranks among the state's top 15 hitters with 16 total hits. Olivares has taken on the role of mentor, guiding younger teammates on approach and poise at the plate.
Complementing Olivares are junior commits such as Aiden Salinas, a Miami-bound shortstop praised for his elite defensive skills, and sophomore pitcher Elijah Acosta, who has stepped into a leadership position after the graduation of last year's senior pitchers. Their combined strengths have helped London maintain one of the most formidable defenses in the classification.
The Pirates' journey to the championship game marks their sixth consecutive appearance at the state tournament, a streak that includes titles in 2022 and 2025. Only two other programs in Coastal Bend history have defended their crowns, making London's pursuit of back-to-back championships a notable narrative.
Facing a Formidable Opponent
London will square off against Boyd, the 2023 champions, who bring their own ace pitcher, Will McIntire, into the fold. McIntire, committed to Division I baseball at Texas A&M, is expected to test the Pirates' lineup with his repertoire of pitches and poise under pressure.
The matchup represents more than a battle for a trophy; it is a clash of programs that have consistently produced elite talent. While London looks to preserve its defensive identity, Boyd aims to reclaim the title that slipped away in the previous championship.
Beyond the field, the championship game underscores the broader impact of high school baseball in Texas, where institutions such as the University of Southern California, the University of Miami, and Texas A&M University often scout and recruit standout players. The exposure from this event could shape the next generation of collegiate athletes.