Goshen Dominates Concord in Sectional Baseball Championship

GOSHEN — On Monday, June 1, Goshen showcased its powerful and experienced baseball lineup against Concord's ace pitcher, achieving a decisive victory. The RedHawks delivered an impressive performance, defeating the Minutemen 10-0 in a six-inning game to secure the IHSAA Class 4A Goshen Sectional title in front of a large crowd representing both schools.

With 15 hits, Goshen clinched its 19th sectional championship and second consecutive title. The team had previously captured a regional title last season, making it to the semi-state championship game as well. The RedHawks, boasting a record of 22-6, are set to compete against Lake Central in the upcoming one-game regional on Saturday, June 6, with details on the time and location to be announced on Wednesday by the IHSAA.

Goshen took an early lead against senior left-hander Joey Hauger, who had previously held the RedHawks to a 4-0 defeat on April 29. The RedHawks, who claimed the Northern Lakes Conference title with a 13-1 record, had earlier beaten Concord 9-3 on May 15. The home team wasted no time, with leadoff hitter Spencer Elliott reaching base on a slow roller, followed by an RBI double from star senior Braxton Cline, who leads the team with a batting average of .483. Senior Jensen Meikle contributed with an RBI single, and senior Brayden Hoag capped the first inning with another two-out RBI single, putting Goshen ahead 3-0.

The RedHawks continued to build their lead, scoring two runs in the second inning thanks to a two-run single from sophomore Jaxon Miller, bringing the score to 5-0. In the fourth, they added three more runs, highlighted by a sacrifice fly from senior Colton Rapp and a two-run single from senior Bryson Wilson. Cline added a run in the fifth with an RBI single, and the game concluded in the sixth inning with a walk-off RBI single from sophomore Brycen Eaton.

Goshen's coach, JJ DuBois, expressed pride in his team's readiness for the game, noting, "Our kids were ready to go... One through nine in our lineup was ready to hit." He praised the contributions of the seniors, particularly Cline, who has been a cornerstone of their offense this season. The RedHawks’ ace, Ryen Diaz, delivered a stellar performance on the mound, allowing only five hits, striking out five, and walking one, completing the game in just 77 pitches.

Goshen's dominance this season is reflected in their impressive scoring record of 221-85, with the team hitting an average of .351. In contrast, Concord, who finished the season with a record of 18-9, managed to play error-free baseball, but coach Greg Hughes acknowledged that Goshen simply outperformed them that night. "They are a good hitting team... Hat's off to them. We just got outplayed tonight," he admitted, recognizing the talent of the RedHawks.