The Madison/Chester/Oldham-Ramona-Rutland Bulldogs clinched their first Class B state baseball championship in two decades on Saturday, downing Clark Area 8-2 in a game that underscored the team's pitching dominance and offensive firepower.
Pitching that shut the door
Madison's pitching staff finished the tournament with a 1.67 earned-run average, delivering three complete games and never allowing more than two runs in any outing. Braylon Oftedal anchored the rotation, tossing seven strong innings in the championship game while surrendering just two runs. Cohen Hahn complemented the effort with a three-hit shutout in the semifinals against Dakota Valley, and JD Prorok struck out 11 batters in the opening-round win over Winner/Colome.
The Bulldogs struck first, exploding for four runs in the opening inning. Cale Johnson's RBI double sparked the rally, and the early lead set the tone for a game where Madison outhit Clark Area 8-5 overall.
Senior leadership and cohesion
Beyond statistics, the team's senior class provided the intangible stability that coaches praised throughout the season. Eric Hortness, the veteran coach, highlighted the unity among players such as Braylon Oftedal, Cohen Hahn, Cale Johnson, and Casyn Crabtree, noting that their collective work ethic and communication were evident in every practice and game.
The championship also featured standout contributions from Cohen Hahn, who collected two hits in the title game, and Casyn Crabtree, who added a pair of hits and solid defensive work. Cooper Pommer took the loss for Clark Area, allowing seven runs in 3 1/3 innings, while Madison's defense turned three key ground balls into outs to preserve the lead.
With the title secured, the Bulldogs look ahead to next season with a core group returning, including Braylon Oftedal, JD Prorok, and Cohen Hahn, all of whom are expected to continue leading both on the mound and at the plate. The victory marks a new era for Madison/Chester/Oldham-Ramona-Rutland baseball and reinforces the program's reputation for resilience and excellence.