ROUND ROCK, Texas — The No.1 4A Calallen Wildcats have won their fourth State Championship in program history, taking down Texarkana Pleasant Grove 5-3 in the UIL 4A-DI title game at Dell Diamond in Round Rock.
"I tell you what, these guys are a special group," said Calallen baseball head coach Steve Chapman. "They play really hard, they're talented and they have a never say die attitude. They play the game right."
Calallen junior pitcher Drayton Mitchell was named MVP. He struck out 6 batters in 5.1 innings, while only allowing 5 hits, 3 runs and 2 walks. He also went 2-for-4 at the plate.
"Means the world. I mean I couldn't have done it without my team, fans and my defense and bench behind me," Mitchell said. "My bats helped me out a lot. I did not throw a lot of strikes today, but my defense had my back. Hats off to them. They're a very good team. Ever since last year we knew we were going to do it. We were going to make it to the last day, and sure enough we won it. We worked every day, and this was our goal. We're here and we did it."
Cody Andrade closed the game on the bump. The senior was impressive, dealing 5 strikeouts in 1.2 innings. Only allowing 1 hit.
“You know in the pen I was kind of slipping a little bit over there," Andrade said. "Getting a little nervous. I was like oh, not going to be a good day. Came out on the mound. You know, felt good. Felt a groove going. Felt the vibe from the crowd. I know they have my back. My defense has my back like always, so I was throwing strikes and see what happens.”
Calallen battled from behind the entire game until the fifth inning when senior Chase Lynch delivered on the go-ahead RBI single.
“Oh yeah. I feel like I’ve always had a knack for big spots," Lynch said. "I live for the big spots and every time I get in one I feel like it’s my duty to my team. Everyone supports me to go and get the big knock.
Last year’s State Runner-Up finish weighed heavy on the players and coaches, that’s why their slogan this year was ‘Win on the Last Day’.
“Our kids have had this on their mind for 365 days," Chapman said. "They never forgot it and I don’t have to remind them either. I carried my silver medal on my desk for the whole year to remind me.”
This is believed to be the first time in Coastal Bend history that the same school has won a team sport in the same season. Calallen softball won their third straight title and now baseball ends a 17 year drought. Refugio boys and girls track and field have won the State team titles, but as far as a full team sport Calallen just might have made history between both baseball and softball.
“It’s a humbling experience," said Co-Head Coach Joe Lopez. "You know all of the hard working the offseason, going into the season each and every day, it has paid off.”
Coastal Bend Baseball State Tournament History
Calallen - 2025, 2024 (State Runner-Up), 2011 (State Runner-Up), 2010 (State Runner-up), 2008 (State Champion), 2005 (State Champion), 2003 (State Semifinals), 2002 (State Runner-Up), 2000 (State Champion), 1998 (State Runner-Up), 1996 (State Semifinals), 1995 (State Semifinals), 1993 (State Semifinals)
London - 2025 (State Champion), 2024 (State Semifinals), 2023 (State Semifinals), 2022 (State Champion), 2021 (State Runner-Up)
Orange Grove - 2025, 1994 (State Champion)
Sinton - 2023 (State Semifinals), 2022 (State Champion), 2021 (State Semifinals), 2017 (State Semifinals), 2014 (State Semifinals), 2007 (State Semifinals), 2003 (State Runner-up), 2002 (State Champion), 1999 (State Semifinals), 1989 (State Champion), 1988 (State Champion), 1975 (State Runner-up)
Incarnate Word Academy - 2019 (State Runner-Up), 2003 (State Semifinals), 2001 (State Semifinals), 2000 (State Semifinals), 1999 (State Semifinals), 1998 (State Runner-Up)
Veterans Memorial - 2018 (State Semifinals)
Moody - 2017 (State Semifinals), 2013 (State Runner-Up), 2009 (State Runner-Up), 2007 (State Champion), 2006 (State Semifinals), 2004 (State Champion), 2003 (State Semifinals), 2000 (State Runner-Up), 1997 (State Semifinals), 1995 (State Semifinals), 1994 (State Runner-Up) 1983 (State Runner-Up), 1978 (State Semifinals)
Banquete - 2016 (State Semifinals)
Bishop - 2015 (State Runner-Up)
Carroll - 2012 (State Semifinals), 2011 (State Semifinals), 2010 (State Champion), 1993 (State Semifinals), 1989 (State Runner-Up), 1972 (State Semifinals), 1962 (State Semifinals)
St. John Paul II - 2012 (TAPPS State Semifinals), 2011 (TAPPS State Champion), 2010 (TAPPS State Champion)
Robstown - 2011 (State Semifinals), 1992 (State Champion), 1991 (State Champion), 1990 (State Runner-Up), 1988 (State Semifinals), 1987 (State Semifinals)
Falfurrias - 2006 (State Runner-Up), 1993 (State Runner-Up), 1991 (State Champion)
Santa Gertrudis Academy - 1999 (State Runner-Up)
Freer - 1990 (State Champion)
Three Rivers - 1987 (State Semifinals)
Riviera Kaufer - 1986 (State Champion), 1985 (State Champion), 1982 (State Semifinals), 1979 (State Champion)
Odem - 1984 (State Champion)
Alice - 1970 (State Semifinals)
King - 1967 (State Champion)
Solomon Coles - 1965 (PVIL State Champion)
Corpus Christi Academy - 1957 (TCIL State Champion)
Miller - 1951
