The Patriots defeated the reigning state champions, Millard West, 17-4 on April 8, marking an exciting victory for Millard South.
“It was a good win for our team,” head coach Greg Geary said.
While Millard West was the first to put a score on the board, the Patriots quickly turned it around at the bottom of the first inning, where they scored six runs on six hits, giving them a 4-run lead.
“The game plan was to throw strikes, play good defence, and take advantage of any opportunities offensively for us, which we happened to do that day,” Geary added.
Junior Jaxson Appuhn accumulated three hits in three at-bats, contributing greatly to the team’s success.
“I was looking for any pitch I knew I could handle and just tried to put a good swing on it,” Appuhn explained.
The team has put in a great amount of work to achieve their impressive record.
“The guys have worked really hard, and they prepare daily,” Geary said. “They go through all their individual stuff, they work well together, they put in a ton of time in the cages, our pitchers put a lot of time in the bullpen, and it just all comes together, which is nice.”
Defeating Millard West meant more to the players this time around, considering their difficulties in the previous years. Back in 2022, Millard South got runner-up in state, losing to Millard West, and has been aiming for that comeback ever since.
“Obviously, it’s always a great feeling when you beat Millard West, but it felt even better knowing we run-ruled them, and especially after losing to them three times last year,” Appuhn said.
While the win against Millard West was a significant moment for the group, it sparked a new confidence in the team, reshaping their perception of their capabilities
“I think it provided our guys with a lot of confidence, knowing that they can compete with anybody in the state. It just gave them confidence in their abilities and what they can do,” Geary said.
Following the defeat of the Wildcats, the Patriots continued their regular season, including 13 more wins, ending their regular season with a 23-10 record and ranked #4 in the state.
“For us, we’re just taking it one game at a time,” Geary said.
This game, in a series of innings, has shown the strength of the team and their determination as they move forward to compete in the ‘25 Class A baseball state tournament.
“It will prepare us for our ultimate goal of winning a state championship,” senior Jacob Altstadt said.
Carrying the confidence gained from their previous encounter and a strong regular season, Millard South is focused and ready as they head into the first round of the state tournament, where they will once again face Millard West. This rematch is more than just another game; it’s a chance for the Patriots to prove that their early-season triumph was no fluke and that they have what it takes to make a serious run at the state championship.
