Pewaukee Pirates Capture First State Baseball Title in History

GRAND CHUTE - The Pewaukee Pirates baseball team has achieved a historic milestone by securing their first WIAA state championship. Co-head coach Adam Dobberstein expressed his joy, stating, "Feels incredible. We've been chasing a long time, special for this group of kids. They earned it. Did not have high expectations coming in. Young team, rebuild-type year, and they just went out and got it. Twenty-six games in a row is unbelievable."

The Pirates triumphed over Kenosha St. Joseph Catholic Academy with a close score of 5-4 at the Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium. The team managed to hold onto their lead, despite a late-game surge from their opponents that nearly erased a three-run advantage in the seventh inning.

A crucial moment came in the fifth inning, when junior Jack Tabbert hit a two-RBI single that propelled Pewaukee ahead. After struggling in the state semifinal, Tabbert found motivation through conversations with his parents as he prepared for the title match. "I just knew the game might be on the line here, so I gotta smoke one," Tabbert explained. He initially missed first base while running to second, prompting a moment of confusion, but his hit was pivotal for the team.

Max Metz, a junior who was promoted from junior varsity just before the playoffs, took the mound for the final three innings. His performance was key to the Pirates' success, reflecting the team's reliance on new varsity players throughout their impressive 30-2 season. "When I got pulled up for the last two games of the season, everyone was super welcoming," Metz noted.

As the game reached its tension-filled conclusion, a two-run homer from KSJCA's Zach Rizzo narrowed the gap to one run. Nevertheless, Metz maintained his composure, ultimately securing the final out with a fly ball to center field. Dobberstein celebrated the win, emphasizing the familial bond that has shaped the program. "It's a family deal, so I'm so happy for him," he remarked, referring to sharing this victory with his brother Marc and the rest of the team.

This championship win marks a significant achievement for Pewaukee, a community that has seen success in various sports but had yet to celebrate a baseball title. "In the last 12 years, we've been to eight sectionals, six sectional finals and four state tournaments," Dobberstein reflected, highlighting the program's determination and recent progress.