Prep state baseball Class AAA final: Eight-run first propels St. Albans to title

Key Takeaways:

• Early deficit quickly reversed with eight-run first inning
• Unique delay caused by a ball rolling in from Ripley’s bullpen
• St. Albans sent 14 batters to the plate in one inning
• Dominant 11-3 victory in the Class AAA title game
• First championship for St. Albans since 2019

Setting the Stage

HUNTINGTON — The Class AAA high school baseball championship at Marshall University’s Jack Cook Field saw St. Albans and Ripley meet on Saturday with everything on the line. Both teams were poised for a fierce showdown beneath clear skies, but few expected the flurry of runs that would unfold in the very first inning.

A Brief Delay

In a surreal moment, a ball escaped from Ripley’s bullpen, rolling into right field and briefly halting the action. That pause, however, was the only thing capable of slowing down the Red Dragons early on, as St. Albans immediately shifted gears to deliver a decisive offensive outburst.

The Inning That Changed Everything

Trailing 1-0, St. Albans erupted during what became a 43-minute first inning. The team sent 14 batters to the plate, racking up eight runs in the process and flipping the scoreboard in a matter of minutes. From that point forward, the Red Dragons held full momentum, and Ripley struggled to regain their footing.

Securing the Title

When the dust settled, St. Albans closed out an 11-3 victory, capturing its first state championship since 2019. With the commanding result, the Red Dragons ended their season at 32-5, an impressive record that underscores the significance of their triumph. Players, coaches, and fans alike celebrated a momentous return to the top of West Virginia high school baseball.