CANTON, Ohio — The Top-seeded Badin Rams used timely hitting, aggressive baserunning, and a dominant complete-game effort from Caleb Driessen (pictured) to defeat No. 10 Padua Franciscan 5-2 in the Ohio Division III State Semifinal on Thursday at Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium. The Rams (29-3) scored two runs in the second inning and added three more in the sixth to pull away, advancing to Friday’s state championship game. Padua Franciscan (25-5) managed just two runs despite collecting seven hits.

Driessen dominates on the mound

Driessen was outstanding, throwing a complete seven-inning game. He allowed seven hits and two earned runs while striking out nine and walking only two. He threw 114 pitches (80 strikes) and kept the Bruin offense in check after Padua’s third-inning rally. Padua starter Chase Martin battled for 5? innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on six hits with five strikeouts and five walks. He took the loss. Jack DeGeeter pitched the final third of an inning in relief.

Key scoring plays

• Badin 2nd: The Rams took a 2-0 lead thanks to a two-RBI single from Cade Cummins. Austin Vangen singled and advanced to third on Cooper Clay’s single (which was aided by a throwing error). Cummins then delivered the big hit to score both runners.
• Padua 3rd: The Bruins answered with two runs to tie the game. Braylon Benson singled, Michael Cangelosi singled, and Martin ripped a triple to left-center field, scoring both runners. It was Padua’s biggest offensive moment of the afternoon.
• Badin 6th: The Rams broke the game open with three insurance runs. Vangen walked, stole second, and scored on Wolpert’s single. Cummins added an RBI single, and Chandler Taylor capped the rally with a two-RBI double to left-center. Those three runs proved decisive.

Standout performers

• Cade Cummins (Badin): Went 2-for-2 with three RBIs, providing the offense in both scoring innings.
• Chandler Taylor (Badin): Added a double and two RBIs while scoring a run.
• Austin Vangen (Badin): Sparked the offense with a single, two walks, a stolen base, and a sacrifice bunt. He scored twice.
• Chase Martin (Padua): Notched the team’s biggest hit (a two-RBI triple) and also pitched effectively until the sixth. He went 1-for-3 at the plate.

Padua threatened in the seventh, loading the bases with two outs, but Driessen struck out Michael Cangelosi to end the game.

Looking ahead

Badin will play the winner of the second semifinal — Cuyahoga Falls Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy vs. Columbus Bishop Watterson — in the Division III State Championship on Friday at 7 p.m. at 7-17 Credit Union Park. The Rams, who have been one of the most consistent teams in the state all season, will look to cap their strong campaign with a title. Padua Franciscan, despite the loss, turned in a strong tournament run and showed why they were a Top 10 seed.

(Editor's Note: AI-Assisted Copy)
(Photo Courtesy: Chris Vogt The Report Ohio)