Offensive Barrage Leads St. Thomas Aquinas To 6A-15 Title

BOX SCORE

For the defending state-champion St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders, winning the district championship is an important first matter of business for the playoffs. On Friday night the Raiders took that to task, claiming their sixth straight district title with a decisive 15-5 win over the Flanagan Falcons in the District 6A-15 finale.

Technically, the Raiders streak actually dates back to the 2013 season, as the team has won every year for a total of 13 overall district trophies. But the 2020 pandemic season was cut short, and no championship game was ever held.

Needless to say, St. Thomas Aquinas has held court for quite some time in the district tournaments. On Friday that dominance was on full display, as the Raiders (21-4) rode a nine-run second inning for a commanding lead they never relinquished.

“We played great defense and our hitters stayed with the plan,” St. Thomas Manager Joey Wardlow said. “Brady Swartzwelder threw four no-hit innings in relief, and that is a good sign. We look forward to working hard next week.”

The Raiders certainly looked sharp in the title game. They eclipsed double-digit runs for the eleventh time this season, as every offensive starter reached base to chip in. Meanwhile, Swartzwelder came on in relief of starter Brady Gollan after the Falcons rallied for five runs in the top of the third, and the bases remained empty from there.

The top of the St. Thomas batting order wrecked havoc to lead the way. Yuniel Paredes was 2-for-3 with a double, a home run, four RBI and three runs, while Jake Carruthers was 2-for-3 with a double, a home run, three RBI and three runs, and Nico Sabatino went 2-for-3 with a home run, four RBI and two runs. Jaden Doverspike was 1-for-2 with two walks, an RBI and two runs, and Tyler Burpee scored twice.

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