Ridgewood High School captured the Group 4 state baseball championship on a night that will be remembered for its dramatic swings and clutch performances, finishing a 7‑6 victory over Kingsway.
The Final Inning Drama
Senior reliever Brady Ross entered the game in the fourth inning with the Maroons clinging to a narrow lead, and he responded by shutting the door with a game‑ending popup, sealing the win for his teammates and the town of Ridgewood.
The offense got off to a blistering start, exploding for five runs in the opening frame. Hudson Feeney, a senior, delivered a three‑run double that put Ridgewood ahead early, while Kotaro Kim added an RBI single to keep the momentum rolling.
Kingsway’s senior cleanup hitter AJ Ward fought back with three hits and two RBIs, but the Maroons’ defense held firm. Ross allowed just one walk and struck out two batters while surrendering three hits, showcasing poise under pressure.
Coach Kurt Hommen, North Jersey’s all‑time winningest baseball coach, trusted his veteran reliever and even called for an intentional walk to load the bases, a move that paid dividends when Ross induced the final out. The team finished the season undefeated in state finals, improving to 3‑0 in championship games, having also won in 2019 and 2023.
Beyond the scoreboard, the victory was a tribute to the community and the teammates who had supported each other through a season of close games and comebacks. Ross summed up the feeling, saying he wanted to win the title for the town of Ridgewood and the friends who had cheered him on throughout the tournament.