The Excelsior Springs Tigers clinched the Class 4 state baseball championship on Saturday, edging the Orchard Farm Eagles 2-0 in a tightly contested final that showcased both pitching dominance and clutch hitting.
A Pitcher’s Masterpiece
Landon Marcum delivered a complete-game shutout, allowing just one hit over 73 pitches, 46 of which were strikes. His poise on the mound set the tone for the entire team and kept the Eagles’ offense silent.
Brody Querry provided the decisive blow with a two-run single in the first inning, driving in Spence Gibbs and Kaelan Bedford to give the Tigers an early lead that they would protect throughout the game.
The Tigers finished the season with a 29-7 record, a milestone that also marked the school’s first-ever state baseball title and its tenth overall team state championship across all sports.
Absence and Support
Head Coach Cale Lyons, currently deployed overseas with the National Guard, followed the action via a live broadcast, while Assistant Coach Cody Vaughn stepped in to guide the squad through the postseason in his mentor’s absence.
A stout defensive effort complemented Marcum’s pitching, highlighted by key plays from teammates such as Titus Fisher, Brady Rosenberg, Cruz Lloyd, Simon Holst, Bronson Smith, Coleman Weber, Sean Coffman and Ty Thorp, who helped the team navigate a 2-0 semifinal win over Springfield Catholic before the championship.
With the trophy secured, the Tigers are set to return home for a celebration that promises to unite the community and honor the players, coaches and support staff who made the historic season possible.