The Toronto Red Knights baseball team secured a thrilling victory in the OVAC Class 2A Championship game on Saturday at the Edison Unified Sports Complex. After a slow start that saw them fall behind early, the Red Knights rallied to tie the game in the fifth inning before clinching the title with a walk-off walk in the bottom of the seventh.
The top-seeded Toronto team showed resilience and determination as they battled back against a tough Caldwell team. Head coach Brian Perkins praised his players for their championship mentality and their ability to overcome adversity.
The winning run came in dramatic fashion as Russ Dickinson drew a bases-loaded walk with the count full, bringing home the decisive run. Dickinson, the team’s No. 3 hitter, proved to be a key player throughout the game, delivering clutch hits and displaying his intelligence at the plate.
Pitcher Blake Close also played a crucial role in the victory, shutting down Caldwell’s offense with eight strikeouts in a complete game performance. Despite falling behind early, Toronto’s offense came alive when it mattered most, ultimately securing the team’s second OVAC title in the last three seasons.
The Red Knights’ triumph was a testament to their mental toughness and ability to find a way to win. The victory marked the 11th overall OVAC title for Toronto, solidifying their status as a powerhouse in the conference.
Next up, Caldwell will host Meadowbrook, while Toronto will return to the Knights Baseball Complex for upcoming games before closing out the regular season with a home-and-home series against Harrison Central. The Red Knights will look to carry the momentum from their championship win into the remainder of the season.