AKRON, Ohio — The Badin High School baseball team is the Division III state champion.
"I don't think there is any better feeling," Badin coach Brion Treadway said. "Just the amount of time and effort that we put in. To see the outcome be a winner - to win your last game is just the most incredible feeling ever."
The Rams defeated Columbus Bishop Watterson Friday night 7-2 in the Division III state final at 7 17 Credit Union Park in Akron.
"To see a group of guys on a mission and to complete that mission obviously is just an incredible feeling," Treadway said.
Badin (29-3) is a baseball state champion for the third time in program history including the first title since 1996 (Division II). Badin also won the 1991 Division III state championship.
The Rams, winners of 25 consecutive games, had a memorable journey this season.
On Friday, the Rams were led by several players including Colt Emerson, who was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI.
Austin Vangen had two RBI. Chandler Taylor had a double and an RBI. Keegan Sawyer and Vince Laugle each had an RBI. Brooks Treadway - Brion's son - earned the win on the mound while Beau Neal earned the save.
Badin entered in the state tournament by outscoring its opponents 55-1 in the postseason.
Badin earned three consecutive trips to the state Final Four and 17 state tournament appearances overall.
Badin defeated Parma Padua Franciscan 5-2 in a state semifinal Thursday at Thurman Memorial Stadium in Canton.
Badin is the second state champion at this year’s Ohio High School Athletic Association baseball state tournament. St. Xavier (27-5) won the Division I state title with a 4-2 victory over Moeller earlier Friday.
Fenwick (22-8) plays Lancaster Fairfield Union (24-6) in a Division IV state semifinal at 1 p.m. Saturday in Akron. The Division IV state final is scheduled for 10 a.m. Sunday in Akron.
