Each Sunday night throughout the spring, members of the Wichita Trinity baseball squad come together for dinner at the residence of one of the player’s families.
This novel custom was initiated by rookie head coach Matt Baty, aiming for the idea that enjoyment beyond the field could foster better teamwork during play.
It’s always wonderful to be part of a squad where everyone enjoys being with their teammates,” Baty stated. “In previous teams, players didn’t socialize much, so during challenging times and moments of hardship, it becomes significantly easier knowing that beside you stands another teammate who has your back.
This season, Trinity has experienced numerous positive energies, whether during games or otherwise, as the Knights (21-5) secured their return to the Class 3A state tournament in Manhattan next week with a decisive 10-0 win against Collegiate at their home venue on Tuesday.
In keeping with their team spirit, the players all gathered at Baty’s place after winning to enjoy a celebratory pool party.
We celebrated since not everyone has the privilege of advancing to the state level, and we feel lucky and grateful for our opportunity,” Baty stated. “However, we understand that we still have objectives to achieve. I’m enthusiastic about supporting the seniors; they came close with a second-place finish last year and we really want to help them reach the finishing line this time around.
The three crucial upperclassmen from last season’s impressive squad have aided Trinity in making another appearance at the state championship: Josiah Sems, Braden Roberts, and Nolan Wilson. Wilson stood out with a team-high of four RBIs in the concluding game. Additionally, during the 12-2 semi-final victory against Kingman-Norwich, Sems contributed an outstanding five RBIs.
The initial run-rule win didn’t come as easily as it seemed. In fact, Trinity was behind 2-0 heading into the bottom of the fifth inning before the Knights erupted with 12 runs, which led to an early end due to the run rule.
The rally was sparked by rookie Cale Kauffman, one of multiple impactful newcomers on the squad. Additional freshmen contributing their skills are Cam Killgore, Brody Lee, and Bryton Baty, with sophomore Caleb Back adding youthful prowess as well.
We’re simultaneously seasoned and youthful,” Baty stated. “However, this squad has truly embraced the fresh coaching approach, with many of the younger players having already participated in summer games under my guidance, thus familiarizing themselves with me and my methods. Our group benefits from exceptional leadership among our seniors, and we function like a tight-knit family.
Baty, who previously excelled as a player for Maize, understands the disappointment of coming in second place at the state tournament. When he was part of the team in 2000, Maize finished as runners-up at the state championship.
He aims to assist the Trinity seniors conclude their high school journeys with a championship after narrowly missing out on it in the previous season.
It leaves an unpleasant aftertaste, and I’m aware it isn’t pleasant since I’ve been through this myself,” Baty stated. “Everyone on our squad seems driven to assist these senior members reach their goals. We understand it will be challenging; anything can happen when you hit the state level. The key is peaking towards the end of the season and catching some breaks at crucial moments. However, we’re counting on those grueling off-season training sessions and early morning weightlifting practices to put us in top form.
Other baseball squads from the Wichita area advancing to the state tournament
McPherson
(25-3) did not concede a single earned run throughout their journey to clinching the 4A regional championship on their home turf, culminating in a decisive 6-0 triumph against Buhler in the finale. The pitching trio of Ian Razak, Logan Beede, and Carter Allen collectively fanned 19 batters across 14 innings, starting with their initial 3-1 victory over Circle. In the final game, Carter Bengtson led the Bullpups’ offensive surge by going 3-for-3 at bat with three RBIs, while Brenden Doile contributed an additional two RBIs.
Mulvane
(21-4) managed a tense 10-9 victory against Andale-Garden Plain in the first round before advancing to the 4A state tournament with a decisive 5-1 win over Wellington. Despite reaching his pitch count limit at 105 pitches, Grey Sanders nearly completed a full game masterpiece, striking out 11 batters across 6 ⅓ innings without surrendering an earned run. However, the Wildcats faced adversity when they trailed initially; Andale-Garden Plain took an early 4-1 advantage followed by scoring four more times in the sixth inning to claim an 8-7 lead. Each time though, Mulvane responded effectively: Manny Myers contributed significantly with four RBIs and Brody Clasen added another pair of RBIs. Notably, Andale-Garden Plain’s offense was spearheaded by Cruz Kaiser, driving in three runs overall.
Hesston
(16-6) secured their spot at the 3A state tournament after defeating Beloit with a 10-0 run-rule in the regional finals held at Sylvan-Lucas. Brody Curran claimed the win by throwing five scoreless innings and recording 10 strikeouts. Tim Rhodes, Landen Meyer, Levi Flaming, Andrew Huxman, Brody Curran himself, Blayne Wilson, and Jacob Burkholder each contributed an RBI hit. They reached this stage thanks to a 12-7 triumph over Halstead in the semifinals, where Tanner McAllister, Landen Meyer, and Gabe Mowry excelled with two RBIs apiece.
Douglass
(13-9) upset the top two favorites at the Cedar Vale-Dexter regional, securing a place in the 2-1A state tournament. The Bulldogs dominated with their offensive prowess, claiming a decisive 16-10 victory against the No. 1 seed and hosting team during the semis before defeating Sedan 11-4 in the finale. Wyatt Laver and Jace Pichler spearheaded Douglass’s performance with an impressive total of 11 RBIs across the last two matches, while Kane Ast, Parker Vernia, and Kemper Cox each contributed multiple RBIs throughout these crucial games.
Medicine Lodge
(12-10) secured three consecutive upsets at the Pratt Skyline Regional to clinch a spot in the 2-1A State Tournament. Following their victory over Spearville 5-1 in the semifinals, Medicine Lodge claimed the regional championship with a decisive 13-8 win against Kinsley-Macksville in the finale.
High school baseball regional tournament scores from Kansas
Class 4A McPherson
McPherson 6, Buhler 0 (game over)
McPherson 3, Circle 1
Buhler 2, Larned 0
Class 4A Pratt
Abilene 4, Pratt 2 (end game)
Pratt scored 6 points, Rose Hill scored 1
Abilene 7, Concordia 3
Class 4A Mulvane
Mulvane 5, Wellington 1 (end score)
Mulvane 10, Andale-Garden Plain 9
Wellington 3, Clearwater 1
Class 3A Sylvan-Lucas
Hesston 10, Beloit 0 (end game)
Hesston 12, Halstead 7
Beloit 8, Ellsworth 5
Class 3A Wichita Trinity
Wichita Trinity 10, Collegiate 0 (end score)
Wichita Trinity 12, Kingman-Norwich 2
Collegiate 5, Cheney 2
Class 2-1A Cedar Vale-Dexter
Douglas 11, Sedan 4 (conclusion)
Douglass 16, Cedar Vale-Dexter 10
Sedan 7, Oxford 2
Class 2-1A Pratt Skyline
Medicine Lodge 13, Macksville 8 (end score)
Macksville 6, Elkhart 5
Medicine Lodge scored 5, Spearville scored 1
