The Spanish Fork baseball squad captured its second consecutive 5A state championship on Saturday, edging Maple Mountain 8‑4 in the decisive game of the championship series. Coach Hadley Thorpe, who also won a state title as a player in 2009, guided the team to its 10th championship in school history, a milestone that underscores the program’s enduring excellence.
A Game of Redemption
Game 2 had ended in a 1‑0 setback, with sophomore pitcher Jeremiah Hall delivering eight strikeouts before the team fell short. The loss served as a catalyst, igniting a fierce determination that carried over into the final contest.
In Game 3, Trigg Cloward emerged as the offensive catalyst, launching a home run, adding a sacrifice fly, and notching two doubles while driving in four runs. His performance helped Spanish Fork explode for five runs in the third inning, building a commanding lead.
Sammy Dart, despite battling illness and needing medication after Game 1, took the mound for four innings and recorded five strikeouts. Maple Mountain managed only four runs over the entire game, underscoring the effectiveness of Spanish Fork’s pitching and hitting.
Legacy and Looking Ahead
The victory adds another chapter to a storied tradition, marking the 10th state championship for Spanish Fork High School and cementing Coach Thorpe’s dual legacy as both player and mentor. With the title secured, the team now looks toward preserving its momentum in the upcoming season, aiming to sustain the program’s reputation as a perennial powerhouse in Utah baseball.