St. Xavier's baseball squad clinched the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division I regional championship on Tuesday, edging Oak Hills 6-5 in a contest that swung back and forth until the final innings.
The victory marks the end of a 23‑year regional title drought for the Bombers, who had managed only ten wins a season ago, and it sends them to the state semifinals where they will meet Olentangy Orange on June 11.
Coach Don DiGiacomo praised the senior class for reshaping the program's culture, noting that their commitment in the offseason laid the groundwork for the turnaround.
Key contributors such as Dillon Brus, who stole two bases and drove in runs, and Griffin Doxey, whose RBI triple extended the lead to 4‑1, highlighted the team's depth.
A late rally by Oak Hills, sparked by Will Kraus's RBI single, pulled the game within one, but relief pitcher Sam Vovak sealed the win with a strikeout to close out the fifth inning.
The Bombers' defense also set a school record for steals, a statistic that coach DiGiacomo said reflected the team's aggressive mindset.
Off the field, players like Jack Ryan and Logan Von Holle drove in the final runs with sacrifice flies, capping a collective effort that left the coaching staff proud.
A Turnaround Forged in Grit
Coach Shawn Sowders of Oak Hills acknowledged the Bombers' resilience, praising his own team's grit despite the loss.
Dillon Brus, the all‑time steals leader, expressed confidence heading into the state tournament, saying the squad feels ready to compete.
The community has rallied around the team, with alumni and local supporters attending the regional final in record numbers.