Ithaca Wins First Ever State Title

GRAND CHUTE, Wis.—The Ithaca Bulldogs won their first ever state championship by defeating Rib Lake 10-4 in the Division 4 title game.

The Bulldogs had to rally from a three run deficit to win the title, and a five run fourth inning proved to be the difference.

Ithaca took a 1-0 lead in the first on an RBI groundout by Ross Ghastin to get things going.

Rib Lake stormed back with four runs in the second inning to gain a three run cushion over the Bulldogs. Jesus Ontiveros and Austin Ewan both had RBIs, and two runs scored on two errors.

Ithaca’s title-winning moment was the fourth inning. The Bulldogs bashed out seven consecutive hits in the inning to score five runs and take a 6-4 lead. Caden Moser, Ryan Granger, Joey Clary and Nolan Clary all had RBI hits in the frame.

The Bulldogs added three more runs in the sixth. Jacob Huebsch hit an RBI single and runs scored on a balk and a wild pitch to stretch the lead to 9-4.

Ithaca’s final run came in the seventh, when again a run scored on a wild pitch.

After giving up four runs in the second inning, Ithaca pitcher Huebsch settled down to allow just three hits for the rest of the game. He pitched all seven innings and struck out eight with one earned run to get the victory. Jerod Arkola took the loss for Rib Lake, allowing five earned runs in 3.1 innings.

Nolan Clary led the Bulldogs’ offense with a 3-for-5 performance with two doubles. Noah Weinke went 2-for-4 for Rib Lake.