Watterson Baseball Soars to OHSAA State Final with Dominant First Inning

CANTON – The Watterson baseball team showcased remarkable efficiency in the opening inning of their Division III state semifinal on June 11, propelling them into their first championship game since 1997. Junior catcher Ben Uhlenhake encapsulated the team’s straightforward strategy: “See ball, hit ball.”

At Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium, Watterson struck hard against Cuyahoga Falls’ Kyle Shaw, scoring four runs in the first inning through a combination of disciplined and aggressive approaches, ultimately securing a 5-1 victory. Uhlenhake delivered the decisive blow with a three-run homer following a standing double by junior outfielder Caden Mangini and subsequent scoring on an error.

Senior players Michael Wozniak and Mike Mulligan also contributed with a single and a walk, respectively, setting the stage for Uhlenhake’s fourth home run of the season. “I prayed to God. I asked him, ‘Please allow me to have a huge hit for my team,’” Uhlenhake reflected. Acknowledging the reliability of starter Ben Burleson, he added, “We knew if we could jump on them early, it would be a safe win.”

With the victory, Watterson (27-3) is set to face Hamilton Badin (29-3) in the final at 7 p.m. on June 12 at 17 Credit Union Park in Akron. Badin advanced by defeating Parma Padua 5-2 in the earlier semifinal. The Eagles are aiming for their fourth state title, having previously won in 1988, 1991, and 1997.

Despite hitting only two more times after the first inning, Watterson effectively chased Shaw from the mound after just 26 pitches. “Uhlenhake often gets pitched in reverse,” noted Watterson coach Jeff Boulware, praising his player’s development in hitting off-speed pitches. “When he gets into one, it doesn’t come back.”

On the mound, Burleson delivered a strong performance, allowing six hits while striking out three and not issuing any walks over 83 pitches. “I give all credit to my defense,” Burleson said. “My fastball works well, just pounding the corners, getting strikes and ripping my slider and changeup.”

CVCA (23-10), making its first appearance in the state tournament, managed to score in the second inning with a single from reliever Alex Mammone. Watterson added its final run in the fourth inning, with Burleson leading off with a double and scoring after sacrifices from senior players Caiden Holcomb and Connor Adkins Davidson.

Coach Boulware, who was a starting third baseman on the 1997 championship team, expressed uncertainty about the pitcher for the final due to injuries affecting the staff this season. He acknowledged the significance of the moment, stating, “We are thrilled to have one more game.”