News Summary

The Kenosha St. Joseph baseball team secured the WIAA Division 3 state championship by defeating Kewaunee 3-2 in a thrilling finale. This victory marks the Lancers’ fifth title overall and demonstrates their excellence in high school baseball. With an impressive 23-7 record this season, they are now third on the all-time state championship list. The standout performances, particularly from Tim Falk and Zach Rizzo, played a crucial role in this memorable achievement, setting the stage for another exciting season ahead for the team.

Kenosha St. Joseph Wins Division 3 State Championship in Thrilling Finale

In a spectacular display of talent and teamwork, the Kenosha St. Joseph Catholic baseball team has clinched the coveted WIAA Division 3 state championship! The decisive game took place on June 19 against Kewaunee, resulting in a nail-biting score of 3-2. This victory wasn’t just a win; it was a testament to hard work and determination, marking the Lancers’ fifth state championship overall!

A Season to Remember

Finishing the season with an impressive record of 23-7, the St. Joseph Lancers established themselves as a formidable force in high school baseball. This achievement places them third on the all-time state championship list, only behind the renowned programs of Sun Prairie and Appleton West. What a fantastic way to add their name to the history books!

The Game-Changing Moment

The scene was electric, and the energy was palpable as the Lancers rallied in the sixth inning. Senior Tim Falk delivered the game-winning hit with a clutch RBI single to right field. This moment was pivotal as it allowed Lukas Martinez to cross home plate, sending the Lancers and their supporters into a frenzy. Falk’s contributions didn’t stop at that one hit, though; he showcased his skills all season long with a .350 batting average, a .430 on-base percentage, and an impressive 25 runs alongside 13 stolen bases!

Outstanding Pitching Performance

The Lancers’ success was also driven by outstanding pitching. Junior left-hander Zach Rizzo shone brightly during the finals, giving it his all by pitching six innings. He allowed only four hits and one earned run while striking out a remarkable six batters! When it counted most, junior Dominic Santarelli came in to close the game. With poise under pressure, he struck out the first two Kewaunee batters, sealing the victory for St. Joseph.

A Star is Born

Speaking of Santarelli, he wasn’t just a key player during the championship game. His season statistics earned him the title of WBCA Division 3 Player of the Year. With a stunning .429 batting average, 11 home runs, 40 RBIs, and a jaw-dropping 43 stolen bases, he proved to be a powerhouse both on and off the field. Highlighting his playoff performance, Santarelli batted .500 and played essential roles in crucial games, including a notable home run in the sectional final.

Coaching and Team Effort

The success of the Lancers can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of the entire team, alongside the guidance of their head coach, Ryan Gavinski. Coach stated the importance of each player in making this title possible, emphasizing that every contribution counts when striving for greatness.

A Bright Future Ahead

While Kewaunee made a commendable first appearance at the state level, their journey was cut short this time around. Coach Dan Spranger recognized the need for his team to grow and learn from this experience, as they aim to improve their game for the future.

The Lancers’ victory is not just a sweet moment of redemption after finishing as runners-up the previous year, but a promising sign for the future. With nearly the entire roster returning next year, fans and players alike are buzzing with excitement about the chance for another championship run!

Kenosha’s Baseball Hotbed

This year has been an incredible one for baseball talent in Kenosha County. Several individual players earned notable state-level honors, with Tremper senior Ethan Bauerschmidt grabbing the title of WBCA Division 1 Player of the Year after showcasing a 7-2 record, a stunning 1.27 ERA, and 115 strikeouts in 59⅔ innings pitched. Other players like St. Joseph’s Peter Visconti and Wilmot’s Chance Ruby also received well-deserved accolades for their exceptional performance throughout the season.

This proud tradition of excellence has cemented Kenosha County’s status as a hotbed for baseball talent, evidenced by multiple teams ranked in the preseason top 25 and numerous players named to all-state squads. The future looks bright indeed for baseball in the area!

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