Class 7A baseball: Hewitt-Trussville rolls over Auburn for championship

Hewitt-Trussville High School put on a championship masterclass this Friday, proving once again that they are a force to be reckoned with. Less than 10 hours after the school’s softball team secured the Class 7A state title at Jacksonville State University, the Huskies’ baseball program followed suit, dominating Auburn with an 8-0 shutout to claim their own state crown.

A Historic Sweep

This impressive softball-baseball sweep marks a rare feat, representing the first time any classification has achieved this double-victory since 2019, when Mars Hill Bible and G.W. Long accomplished the same milestone. For the Huskies, who captured their only other state baseball championship in 2016, Friday's victory was the culmination of a dominant series performance following a 4-1 win over the Tigers on Thursday.

Dominance on the Mound

The title charge was powered by the exceptional arms of Jace Riggan and Cale McIntosh. Reflecting on his pitchers' performance, coach Jeff Mauldin noted, "I thought both guys, Jace last night and Cale today, did what they have done the last three weeks, which is competed at the highest level. Obviously, they are next-level pitchers."

McIntosh was stellar in the clinching game, striking out 9 batters while surrendering only 4 hits and 3 walks. After eclipsing 120 pitches, senior Rylan Clark stepped in to secure the final out, sparking the championship celebration. "My approach was the same as it’s been all season," McIntosh said. "I just had to fill up the zone, and I knew good things would happen."

Offensive Firepower and Legacy

Series MVP Jace Riggan, a Florida State commitment, provided the spark at the plate with 3 hits, a run, and 2 RBIs, adding to his stellar Game 1 pitching performance. Koal Duckett and Hudson Mitchell also contributed with 2 hits each to help the Huskies (34-9) pull away. While Auburn’s Angelo Santiago managed 2 of the Tigers’ 4 hits, the Husky pitching staff proved too much to overcome.

Auburn coach Tommy Carter expressed pride in his squad despite the result, stating, "They made their community proud. It stinks to lose but it was so fun to get here with these guys."

With this win, Hewitt-Trussville secures a unique place in history as the final Class 7A state champion, as the classification is set to dissolve under new AHSAA alignment standards.