The St. Paul baseball team captured its second straight CIAC Class S championship on Tuesday night, edging Stonington 5‑4 in a nine‑inning showdown that swung back and forth until the final out. The victory was sealed in the bottom of the ninth when a wild pitch allowed Chase Boudreau to sprint home, delivering the winning run.
A Night of Drama in Middletown
St. Paul’s Chace King emerged as the team’s ace, silencing Stonington’s bats for the first six innings and setting the stage for a comeback. His composure on the mound kept the opposition at bay while the offense searched for a spark.
The spark arrived in the seventh when Evan Judenis delivered a clutch hit that tied the game, then finished the night on the mound to earn the win. His dual contribution epitomized the team’s gritty spirit.
St. Paul’s Nicky Vlastos also left his mark, doubling to right‑center in the third inning and later crossing home plate, showcasing the depth of talent throughout the lineup.
Legacy of a Program Built on Perseverance
The win marks the program’s sixth state title in its history and underscores a culture of resilience that has defined St. Paul baseball for years. With key players such as Chase Boudreau, Evan Judenis, and Chace King stepping up after injuries and transfers, the team has turned adversity into opportunity.
Beyond the scoreboard, the victory reflects a community’s shared pride, a coaching staff’s strategic adaptability, and a roster of athletes — including Coby Dagata, Keaton Kroll, Jay DeRosa, Billy Keane, Wyatt Loughlean, Evan West, Sean Durham, Tyler Cimini, Brayden Wolfradt, Tyler Benoit, AJ Corrado, Cam Ogden, and Roger Cleaveland — who have each contributed to a season worth remembering.