The Road to the Title
University's baseball program finally broke through a seven-year championship drought with a decisive 5-0 win over D'Evelyn in the Class 3A state final. The victory not only secured the program's sixth state title but also cemented the Bulldogs' status as a perennial powerhouse that had come close in recent title games.
Senior right-hander Gage Viken was the centerpiece of the triumph, delivering a masterful outing that featured just two hits allowed and ten strikeouts. His 1.62 ERA and 8-1 record underscored a senior season in which the team went 18 consecutive games when he took the mound. Viken mixed a fastball, slider and changeup to keep batters off balance, retiring one opponent after another.
The scoring unfolded early and steadily. Joel Ramirez ignited the offense with an RBI single in the first inning, and Damian Alvarez extended the lead with another run-scoring hit in the third. Gage Viken himself added an RBI single in that same frame, while Brody Duran capped the third-inning burst with a sacrifice fly that pushed the lead to 4-0. Evan Davey-Anderson later contributed the final run with a sacrifice that made it 5-0.
Under the guidance of head coach Casey Miller, who earned his third state championship, the Bulldogs dominated the Patriot League with a perfect 10-0 record. Their tournament path included victories over Wellington, The Classical Academy and rival Eaton, and they entered the championship final unbeaten. The team's 27-2 overall record reflects a season of consistency and resilience.
The championship also marked a pivotal moment for several players' futures. Both Joel Ramirez and Damian Alvarez signed commitments with junior college powerhouses, signaling the next step in their development. Coach Miller highlighted the program's ability to produce talent that attracts top collegiate opportunities, while the school looks to build on this momentum for the coming years.