Brayden Smith pitched a no-hitter into the sixth inning, leading Decatur Central to a county championship victory over Lawrence North at Victory Field.
Key points
Brayden Smith pitched a no-hitter into the sixth inning
Decatur Central won the county championship
The game was held at Victory Field
Smith faced only two over the minimum through five innings
Lawrence North recorded their first hit in the sixth inning
Mentioned in this story
Victory Field
Brayden SmithGauge SpragueDecatur CentralLawrence North
County champs! Brayden Smith takes no-hitter into sixth, leads Decatur Central to title
On the mound under the bright lights at Victory Field, Decatur Central pitcher Brayden Smith entered a state where it was just him and catcher Gauge Sprague.
The senior had complete control of his repertoire with his fastball exploding through the zone, and the late-breaking action on his off-speed pitches keeping Lawrence North off balance. Smith faced only two over the minimum through five innings before the Wildcats recorded their first hit.
The Decatur Central Hawks celebrate Tuesday, May 12, 2026, after winning the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
The Decatur Central Hawks celebrateTuesday, May 12, 2026, after winning the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
Decatur Central Hawks Gauge Sprague (7) spins his helmet on first base during a pause in play Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
Q&A
What was Brayden Smith's performance in the county championship game?
Brayden Smith pitched a no-hitter into the sixth inning, showcasing complete control on the mound.
Which team did Decatur Central defeat to win the county championship?
Decatur Central defeated Lawrence North to claim the county championship title.
Where was the county championship game held?
The county championship game took place at Victory Field.
Who was Brayden Smith's catcher during the championship game?
Brayden Smith's catcher during the game was Gauge Sprague.
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Lawrence North Wildcats Matthew Cunningham (3) throws the ball Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
Decatur Central Hawks Brayden Smith (22) prepares to throw a pitch Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
The Decatur Central Hawks watch the action from the dugout Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
Decatur Central Hawks Brayden Smith (22) smiles in the dugout Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
Decatur Central Hawks Braylon Brent (23) dives into second base against Lawrence North Wildcats Matthew Cunningham (3) on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
Fans watch the action from the concourse Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
Decatur Central Hawks Braylon Brent (23) celebrates after scoring Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
The Decatur Central Hawks play with a hacky sack on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, before the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
Lawrence North Wildcats Quentin Harper (5) celebrates Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
Decatur Central Hawks Logan Markus (25) catches the ball Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
Decatur Central Hawks Mauricio Moreno (21) puts an empty bottle in his bag Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
Lawrence North Wildcats Luke Tatum (18) stands on first base and waits for the ball Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
Lawrence North Wildcats Evan Stone (14) watches Decatur Central Hawks Brayden Smith (22) on first base Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
Lawrence North Wildcats Jaxden Wims (7) fails to pick up the ball Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
Decatur Central Hawks Drew Dalton (10) reaches out to catch the ball Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
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Lawrence North vs. Decatur Central in Marion County Championship
The Decatur Central Hawks celebrate Tuesday, May 12, 2026, after winning the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
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Lawrence North vs. Decatur Central in Marion County Championship
The Decatur Central Hawks celebrate Tuesday, May 12, 2026, after winning the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
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Lawrence North vs. Decatur Central in Marion County Championship
The Decatur Central Hawks celebrateTuesday, May 12, 2026, after winning the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
3 / 18
Lawrence North vs. Decatur Central in Marion County Championship
Decatur Central Hawks Gauge Sprague (7) spins his helmet on first base during a pause in play Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
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Lawrence North vs. Decatur Central in Marion County Championship
Lawrence North Wildcats Matthew Cunningham (3) throws the ball Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
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Lawrence North vs. Decatur Central in Marion County Championship
Decatur Central Hawks Brayden Smith (22) prepares to throw a pitch Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
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Lawrence North vs. Decatur Central in Marion County Championship
The Decatur Central Hawks watch the action from the dugout Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
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Lawrence North vs. Decatur Central in Marion County Championship
Decatur Central Hawks Brayden Smith (22) smiles in the dugout Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
8 / 18
Lawrence North vs. Decatur Central in Marion County Championship
Decatur Central Hawks Braylon Brent (23) dives into second base against Lawrence North Wildcats Matthew Cunningham (3) on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
9 / 18
Lawrence North vs. Decatur Central in Marion County Championship
Fans watch the action from the concourse Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
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Lawrence North vs. Decatur Central in Marion County Championship
Decatur Central Hawks Braylon Brent (23) celebrates after scoring Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
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Lawrence North vs. Decatur Central in Marion County Championship
The Decatur Central Hawks play with a hacky sack on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, before the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
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Lawrence North vs. Decatur Central in Marion County Championship
Lawrence North Wildcats Quentin Harper (5) celebrates Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
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Lawrence North vs. Decatur Central in Marion County Championship
Decatur Central Hawks Logan Markus (25) catches the ball Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
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Lawrence North vs. Decatur Central in Marion County Championship
Decatur Central Hawks Mauricio Moreno (21) puts an empty bottle in his bag Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
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Lawrence North vs. Decatur Central in Marion County Championship
Lawrence North Wildcats Luke Tatum (18) stands on first base and waits for the ball Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
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Lawrence North vs. Decatur Central in Marion County Championship
Lawrence North Wildcats Evan Stone (14) watches Decatur Central Hawks Brayden Smith (22) on first base Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
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Lawrence North vs. Decatur Central in Marion County Championship
Lawrence North Wildcats Jaxden Wims (7) fails to pick up the ball Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
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Lawrence North vs. Decatur Central in Marion County Championship
Decatur Central Hawks Drew Dalton (10) reaches out to catch the ball Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the County Tournament Championship at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Decatur Central Hawks defeated the Lawrence North Wildcats, 8-3.
The lefty cruised through six innings, stumbling a bit in the seventh before regrouping and closing out an 8-3 for the Marion County Tournament championship on Tuesday night.
"I was working everything; curveball, changeup, slider," Smith said. "It was all working. I was locating very well. ... I knew before the game it was going to be working today.
"You just get into rhythm. I don't want to say you don't know what's going on, but you see black. You're just going out there and I'm doing me."
Smith retired the side in order, striking out one in the first. He issued a leadoff walk in the second but was unhittable after the free pass. Nine of his next 12 outs came via strikeout including seven in a row from the second to fourth inning. Pinch-hitter Evan Stone blooped a single into right field, breaking up the no-hitter in the sixth. Smith responded by retiring the next three batters in a row.
Smith's fastball tops out at about 85 miles per hour, but his deceptive delivery coming from the left side makes all his pitches play up. He allowed two earned runs on three hits and three walks, striking out 11.
"That kid competed really well, he was really good. I was really impressed with him," Lawrence North coach Jason Taulman said. "What he does so well is he hides the ball really well. He has a short arm action on the back side, which I'm a fan of. ... It's tough for hitters to pick up."
The win moves Decatur Central to 14-9 overall, and Smith to 3-3 individually. The senior owns a miniscule 1.44 ERA, but received little run support in previous outings. He has not allowed more than two earned runs as a starter all season, but Hawks have scored one run or less in four of his six starts. Against the Wildcats, Levi Seib led the offense with one hit and three RBIs. Drew Dalton went 2-for-4 with one RBI. Sprague, Braylon Brent and Logan Markus also drove in runs for the Hawks.
Smith said playing and winning at Victory Field, the site of the IHSAA state championships, gives a confidence boost to the entire team. Decatur Central has two weeks to prepare for its first-round game in Class 4A Sectional 12 against top-ranked Center Grove.
"I think it means we can win big games," Smith said. "When we come together as a team, we can win big games. We've got a little group (of players), but I think we've really got a chance."
