Back-to-Back: Madison Heights Bishop Foley Wins Another Title

The Division 3 state title was up for grabs on Saturday as Madison Heights Bishop Foley faced off against Lansing Catholic.  Both teams had outstanding regular seasons and tournament runs, however Bishop Foley proved to be the better team in an 8-2 victory at C.O. Brown Stadium.  

The fans at C.O. Brown witnessed a stellar performance from senior starting pitcher Brian Bayliss, who went the complete game and struck out eight.  It was a fitting ending to Bayliss' senior campaign, which composed of a perfect 15-0 record from the mound.  

Foley didn't disappoint at the plate either.  Senior Western Michigan commit Brett Sunde starting things off with a two-run homerun in bottom of the first.  In the bottom of the third, the Ventures of Bishop Foley added two more runs off hits from Garrett Schilling and pitcher Brian Bayliss.  Foley added four more runs in the sixth inning, which sealed another state title for the Ventures.  Senior Luke Ortel was a catalyst for the Foley offense, scoring three runs on three hits and an RBI.  

The Ventures will have to say goodbye to many influential seniors who brought Coach Buster Sunde two state titles in two years.  However, Sunde still has a great core group of players that will certainly contribute next year and fight for a third state title in three years.