A Milestone Reached
The Ropes baseball program celebrated a landmark achievement by advancing to its inaugural Class 2A Division II title game. The Eagles had never before progressed beyond the regional rounds, making the championship appearance a testament to years of steady improvement.
The final showdown pitted Ropes against a formidable Burton squad, whose pitcher Tyler Witt delivered a complete-game performance that earned him championship MVP honors. Witt’s dominance kept the Eagles at bay, allowing only a single run that came on a Jaivyth Cruz single in the fourth inning.
Despite the 6-1 loss, the game highlighted several standout contributors. Elijah Flores, Kade Franklin and Cutter Stumbo formed the backbone of the team’s offense and defense, guiding the Eagles through a historic playoff run that surpassed previous records by three rounds.
Coach Nathan Flores, in his first season as head coach, praised the seniors’ dedication and the program’s upward trajectory. He emphasized that the experience gained will fuel future ambitions, expressing confidence that Ropes will return to the championship stage in the coming years.
The senior class, comprising seven players with only four set to graduate, leaves a lasting imprint on the team’s culture. Their camaraderie, work ethic and teamwork were cited as key ingredients behind the run, underscoring a community that values both athletic excellence and personal growth.