Badin High School’s baseball team clinched a 5‑2 victory over Padua Franciscan in the semifinals, securing a spot in the Ohio Division III state championship game.
The Rams, now 28‑3, are one win away from capturing their first state title in three decades, a milestone that has electrified the school and its community.
A historic chase
Having reached the state tournament for the third straight year, Badin rides a 24‑game winning streak that underscores their dominance this season.
Senior ace Caleb Driessen delivered a masterful final inning, striking out the last batter to seal the win, while Cade Cummins and Chandler Taylor supplied the crucial hits that swung the momentum.
Austin Vangen and Cooper Clay sparked the offense early with singles, and Chase Martin’s two‑RBI triple in the third inning kept Padua within striking distance.
The defense held firm after a mound visit in the fourth, and Eli Wolpert’s timely single set up Cummins for a decisive run in the sixth.
Chandler Taylor’s two‑RBI double later that inning extended Badin’s lead, but Padua loaded the bases with two outs in the seventh, forcing a tense finish.
The championship game will be played at 7‑17 Credit Union Park in Akron, Ohio, on June 12, where Badin will meet the winner of Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy and Bishop Watterson.
Coach and fans alike anticipate a fierce showdown, as the Rams aim to end a 30‑year title drought and cement their place in Ohio high school baseball lore.