A championship night like no other
Washburn Rural’s baseball team captured its first state championship in 74 years, defeating Lawrence Free State 4-3 in a dramatic finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Aidan Newbery provided the spark with a two‑run double in the opening inning and later sealed the victory with a decisive play at the plate that left the opposition scrambling for a response.
The Junior Blues jumped out to an early lead, capitalizing on a flurry of hits that set the tone for the contest, while their senior‑laden roster, featuring Newbery and Ansley, showcased depth and poise under pressure.
Isaac Ansley closed out the final four outs, ensuring the lead held as the clock wound down, while Preston Bahr’s 5 ⅔ innings earned him the win on the mound.
Veteran coach Mike Hill, who had guided Free State for 29 seasons and amassed three state titles, announced his retirement immediately after the game, marking the end of an era for the program.
Despite Free State’s 10 hits, the timely hit that could have tied the game never materialized, and the Junior Blues celebrated a victory that will be remembered for generations.