Pace baseball secured its sixth consecutive district title with a 4-2 victory over Tate, highlighted by a walk-off home run. The win underscores Pace's dominance in the postseason.
Key points
Pace baseball wins sixth consecutive district title
Victory achieved with a walk-off home run
Final score was 4-2 against Tate
Pace is ranked No. 1 in the district
Thriller game highlights postseason action
PaceTateDistrict 1-6A
Pace baseball wins sixth straight district title on walk-off home run
Thursday was all about postseason baseball. Four area teams played with district championships on the line, while three more clinched their spots in Friday district title games. Below is a breakdown of all the local action, starting with a thriller in Pace.
District 1-6A championship
No. 1 Pace 4, No. 2 Tate 2
Patriots celebrate with the trophy after their dramatic walk-off 4-2 victory over the Aggies during the Tate vs Pace 1-6A District championship baseball game at Pace High School on April 16, 2026.
Patriots Braiden Cheshire (1) blasts a 3-RBI walk-off home run to defeat the Aggies 4-2 in the bottom of the 7th inning during the Tate vs Pace 1-6A District championship baseball game at Pace High School on April 16, 2026.
Patriots Aaron Comer (8) heads home on the 3-RBI walk-off home run by Braiden Cheshire (1) to defeat the Aggies 4-2 in the bottom of the 7th inning during the Tate vs Pace 1-6A District championship baseball game at Pace High School on April 16, 2026.
Q&A
How did Pace baseball win the district championship?
Pace baseball won the district championship by defeating Tate 4-2, with a walk-off home run sealing the victory.
What was the score of the Pace vs. Tate district championship game?
The final score of the Pace vs. Tate district championship game was 4-2 in favor of Pace.
How many district titles has Pace baseball won in a row?
Pace baseball has won six consecutive district titles.
Which teams competed in the District 1-6A championship?
The teams that competed in the District 1-6A championship were No. 1 Pace and No. 2 Tate.
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Patriots Braiden Cheshire (1) heads home on his 3-RBI walk-off home run to defeat the Aggies 4-2 in the bottom of the 7th inning during the Tate vs Pace 1-6A District championship baseball game at Pace High School on April 16, 2026.
Patriots celebrate their 4-2 victory thanks to the 3-RBI walk-off home run by Braiden Cheshire (1) in the bottom of the 7th inning during the Tate vs Pace 1-6A District championship baseball game at Pace High School on April 16, 2026.
Patriots celebrate with the trophy after their dramatic walk-off 4-2 victory over the Aggies during the Tate vs Pace 1-6A District championship baseball game at Pace High School on April 16, 2026.
Patriots celebrate with the trophy after their dramatic walk-off 4-2 victory over the Aggies during the Tate vs Pace 1-6A District championship baseball game at Pace High School on April 16, 2026.
More photos are coming soon.
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See Patriots stun Aggies with 3-run walk-off homer to win district
Patriots celebrate with the trophy after their dramatic walk-off 4-2 victory over the Aggies during the Tate vs Pace 1-6A District championship baseball game at Pace High School on April 16, 2026.
1 / 8
See Patriots stun Aggies with 3-run walk-off homer to win district
Patriots celebrate with the trophy after their dramatic walk-off 4-2 victory over the Aggies during the Tate vs Pace 1-6A District championship baseball game at Pace High School on April 16, 2026.
2 / 8
See Patriots stun Aggies with 3-run walk-off homer to win district
Patriots Braiden Cheshire (1) blasts a 3-RBI walk-off home run to defeat the Aggies 4-2 in the bottom of the 7th inning during the Tate vs Pace 1-6A District championship baseball game at Pace High School on April 16, 2026.
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See Patriots stun Aggies with 3-run walk-off homer to win district
Patriots Aaron Comer (8) heads home on the 3-RBI walk-off home run by Braiden Cheshire (1) to defeat the Aggies 4-2 in the bottom of the 7th inning during the Tate vs Pace 1-6A District championship baseball game at Pace High School on April 16, 2026.
4 / 8
See Patriots stun Aggies with 3-run walk-off homer to win district
Patriots Braiden Cheshire (1) heads home on his 3-RBI walk-off home run to defeat the Aggies 4-2 in the bottom of the 7th inning during the Tate vs Pace 1-6A District championship baseball game at Pace High School on April 16, 2026.
5 / 8
See Patriots stun Aggies with 3-run walk-off homer to win district
Patriots celebrate their 4-2 victory thanks to the 3-RBI walk-off home run by Braiden Cheshire (1) in the bottom of the 7th inning during the Tate vs Pace 1-6A District championship baseball game at Pace High School on April 16, 2026.
6 / 8
See Patriots stun Aggies with 3-run walk-off homer to win district
Patriots celebrate with the trophy after their dramatic walk-off 4-2 victory over the Aggies during the Tate vs Pace 1-6A District championship baseball game at Pace High School on April 16, 2026.
7 / 8
See Patriots stun Aggies with 3-run walk-off homer to win district
Patriots celebrate with the trophy after their dramatic walk-off 4-2 victory over the Aggies during the Tate vs Pace 1-6A District championship baseball game at Pace High School on April 16, 2026.
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See Patriots stun Aggies with 3-run walk-off homer to win district
More photos are coming soon.
Pace senior Braiden Cheshire had a feeling. Never mind the fact that Pace was down to its last out, trailing 2-1 with runners on first and second, a five-year district championship streak hanging in the balance. He told head coach Jason McBride in a timeout he knew he would deliver.
"I told him I was good for this," Cheshire said. "I was finna do it. I knew I was finna do it."
Cheshire smashed a first-pitch fastball and knew as soon as it left the bat. So did McBride, who lifted his hands in the air from the third base coaches box. So did senior Emory Allen, who was standing in the on-deck circle. So did the Tate infielders, some of whom walked off the field stunned while others crouched where they were in disbelief.
The Patriots didn't lead until the final pitch of the game, which Cheshire blasted over the left field fence for a three-run walkoff home run to clinch Pace's sixth straight district title.
"He said 'I'm built for this, I got this.'" McBride said. "I said 'well let's go get it.' And he got it."
Cheshire's home run capped another gritty win in a season full of them for Pace. The Patriots (23-4) are 10-1 in games decided by two runs or less, with four walk-off wins. They battled against a challenging schedule all spring, refusing to quit until the final out.
They carried the same mentality into the district championship, trusting they'd find a way. Tate (20-7) jumped out in front in the top of the first on a Nathan Connors RBI single, with junior Lance Brady keeping Pace at bay until Nathan Filbert's RBI single tied the game in the bottom of the fourth. Kaden Posta answered with an RBI double to put the Aggies back in front in the top of the fifth while Brady continued to flummox the Patriots lineup, getting Pace to hit plenty of balls right at defenders.
But the Patriots found an opening in the bottom of the seventh and burst right through like they have all spring. Jackson Wheaton was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning, then advanced to second on a Bryce Hatton sacrifice bunt. Cam Lee, who missed much of the season with an injury, followed by reaching on an infield single. All to set up Cheshire being greeted at home plate and doused with water by a mob of teammates.
"The seventh inning has kind of been our inning," McBride said. "We don't play well it seems like through the middle innings, but we always kind of wait until the sixth and seventh. It's kind of the way we've been all year long. I'd like for them to get a lead early so we can relax a little bit but that's kind of the way they play."
The jubilation on one side meant stunned silence on the other, as Tate was one out away from its first district title since 2017. The Aggies will still enter the state playoffs winners of 11 of their last 13 games and will likely be a top four seed in Region 1-6A. which means a regional quarterfinal home game if they don't match up with a district champion.
"I'm really excited about the growth that we've made and the way we played tonight," Tate head coach Brett McCullough said. "There's nothing that they can hang their heads about. At the end of the day, sometimes one pitch gets you beat in the game of baseball."
Pace will likely enter as the top seed in Region 1-6A, which means homefield advantage through the first three rounds of the state playoffs, starting with the regional quarterfinals on April 24. The Patriots may not have the high-end talent of previous teams, but many have been playing together since they were kids and believe in what they can accomplish together.
"The chemistry we have, just a great group of guys who get after it every day," Allen said. "No moment is dull. We're gritty, man."
District 1-5A championship
No. 1 Niceville 8, No. 2 Gulf Breeze 4
The Eagles (20-7) led 5-0 after two innings on their way to a second straight district title.
Boston Hanna's two-run home run and Presley Moseley's solo home run in the top of the fifth cut Niceville's lead to 5-4, but the Eagles responded with three runs in the bottom of the inning.
Hanna went 2-for-4 with two RBIs, while Parker Boyd went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Moseley also pitched one 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing two hits and striking out two.
Gulf Breeze (16-11) will play in the Region 1-5A quarterfinals on April 24. The Dolphins were the projected No. 4 seed in the FHSAA rankings and will learn their opponent in the April 20 selection show.
District 1-3A championship
No. 1 South Walton 3, No. 2 West Florida 1
The Jaguars couldn't solve Auburn commit Coleman Borthwick on the mound, who allowed just one hit and one walk while striking out 13 to lead the Seahawks to their fourth straight district title.
Parker Granse put South Walton (23-4) in front in the bottom of the first inning with a two-run single, then John Hatch got West Florida's lone hit of the night with a solo home run in the top of the second. Jace Cunningham answered in the bottom of the second inning with a solo home run of his own.
West Florida (17-8) will play in the Region 1-3A quarterfinals on April 25. The Jaguars were the No. 3 seed in the most recent FHSAA rankings and if they stay a top four seed would host in the quarterfinals if they don't face a district champion.
District 1-2A semifinals (at Panama City Bozeman)
No. 2 Pensacola Catholic 7, No. 3 Marianna 3
The Crusaders celebrate the grand slam by Colton Guillot (5) as they take a 7-0 lead over the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Crusaders Jalen Moton (23) races to third base on a triple to right field against the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Dolphins catcher Rhyland Richards (4) tags out Crusaders Jalen Moton (23) as he tries to score on a fielders choice play during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Crusaders Reed Rhodes (11) belts a solo home run to take a 1-0 lead over the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Dolphins center fielder Boston Hanna (13) leaps to make the catch for an out against the Crusaders during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Dolphins shortstop Tanner Owens (8) gets set to receive the throw to complete the double play as Crusaders Ladarius Dennis (19) is caught after an infield pop out during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Dolphins shortstop Tanner Owens (8) and Crusaders Ladarius Dennis (19) react to the completion of a double play at second base after an infield pop out during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Crusaders second baseman Ladarius Dennis (19) tags out Dolphins Javier Mercado (29) as he tries to take second during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Crusaders second baseman Ladarius Dennis (19) tags out Dolphins Javier Mercado (29) as he tries to take second during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Dolphins shortstop Tanner Owens (8) snags a sharp liner for an out against the Crusaders during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Dolphins Javier Mercado (29) safely takes home on a 2-RBI double by Tanner Owens (8) to cut the Crusaders lead to 7-2 during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Dance team member throws out the first pitch prior to the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Dolphins second baseman Parker Boyd (24) throws to first for an out against the Crusaders during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Dolphins Presley Moseley (10) pitches against the Crusaders during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Crusaders Reed Rhodes (11) heads to the plate on a solo home run to take a 1-0 lead over the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Dolphins Presley Moseley (10) pitches against the Crusaders during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Dolphins Nate Adams (5) fields a Crusaders shot to left field during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Crusaders Blaise Maddrey (9) is safe at first as Dolphins third baseman can’t come up with the ball during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Dolphins Presley Moseley (10) pitches against the Crusaders during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Crusaders Colton Guillot (5) pitches against the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Dolphins Parker Boyd (24) safely dives back to first base against the Crusaders during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Crusaders Colton Guillot (5) pitches against the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Crusaders Reed Rhodes (11) is greeted at the plate on a solo home run to take a 1-0 lead over the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Crusaders Colton Guillot (5) pitches against the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Crusaders Jalen Moton (23) safely dives back into first base ahead of the Dolphins pick off attempt during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Dolphins Cameron Hoeft (21) backs up center fielder Boston Hanna (13) as he retrieves a shot by Crusaders Davy Bradley (28) that gets to the wall for a double during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Crusaders Jalen Moton (23) heads to third base on a double by Davy Bradley (28) against the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Crusaders Jalen Moton (23) crosses the plate to take a 2-0 lead over the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
The Crusaders take a 3-0 lead as Reed Rhodes (11) hits a sacrifice fly to right field against the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
The Crusaders Davy Bradley (28) crosses the plate to take a 3-0 lead after tagging up on a sacrifice fly to right field by Reed Rhodes (11) against the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Crusaders Colton Guillot (5) pitches against the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Crusaders Lane Grissett (33) safely gets back to second base ahead of the tag by Dolphins shortstop Tanner Owens (8) during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Crusaders second baseman Ladarius Dennis (19) fields a grounder and throws to second to get the lead Dolphins runner during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Crusaders second baseman Ladarius Dennis (19) fields a grounder and throws to second to get the lead Dolphins runner during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Crusaders Ladarius Dennis (19) is awarded a hit as Dolphins second baseman Parker Boyd (24) can’t make the play after ricocheting off first baseman Massimo Pischetola (2) during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Dolphins starting pitcher Presley Moseley (10) hands the ball to the coach as he is pulled from the mound during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Crusaders second baseman Ladarius Dennis (19) is charged with an error as he drops the ball while making the transfer from glove to throwing hand against the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Dolphins Javier Mercado (29) safely dives back to first base on a pickoff attempt by the Crusaders during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Crusaders shortstop ____ (10) fires to first for an out against the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Dolphins Brock Prindle (9) pitches against the Crusaders during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Crusaders Reed Rhodes (11) safely takes second base as an error is charged to the Dolphins right fielder during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Crusaders Lane Grissett (33) safely takes first base as the throw by Dolphins pitcher Brock Prindle (9) is dropped during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Crusaders Lane Grissett (33) safely takes first base as the throw by Dolphins pitcher Brock Prindle (9) is dropped during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Crusaders Colton Guillot (5) blasts a grand slam home run to take a 7-0 lead over the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
The Crusaders Lane Grissett (33) crosses the plate on the grand slam by Colton Guillot (5) as they take a 7-0 lead over the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
The Crusaders Ladarius Dennis (19) heads the plate on the grand slam by Colton Guillot (5) as they take a 7-0 lead over the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Crusaders Colton Guillot (5) rounds third base on his grand slam home run to take a 7-0 lead over the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Crusaders Colton Guillot (5) crosses the plate on his grand slam home run to take a 7-0 lead over the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
The Crusaders celebrate the grand slam by Colton Guillot (5) as they take a 7-0 lead over the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Dolphins shortstop Tanner Owens (8) fires to first for an out against the Crusaders during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Dolphins Tanner Owens (8) blasts a 2-RBI double to cut the Crusaders lead to 7-2 during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Dolphins Javier Mercado (29) safely takes home on a 2-RBI double by Tanner Owens (8) to cut the Crusaders lead to 7-2 during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Dolphins Javier Mercado (29) safely takes home on a 2-RBI double by Tanner Owens (8) to cut the Crusaders lead to 7-2 during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
The Crusaders celebrate the grand slam by Colton Guillot (5) as they take a 7-0 lead over the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
The Crusaders celebrate the grand slam by Colton Guillot (5) as they take a 7-0 lead over the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Crusaders Jalen Moton (23) races to third base on a triple to right field against the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Dolphins catcher Rhyland Richards (4) tags out Crusaders Jalen Moton (23) as he tries to score on a fielders choice play during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Crusaders Reed Rhodes (11) belts a solo home run to take a 1-0 lead over the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Dolphins center fielder Boston Hanna (13) leaps to make the catch for an out against the Crusaders during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Dolphins shortstop Tanner Owens (8) gets set to receive the throw to complete the double play as Crusaders Ladarius Dennis (19) is caught after an infield pop out during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Dolphins shortstop Tanner Owens (8) and Crusaders Ladarius Dennis (19) react to the completion of a double play at second base after an infield pop out during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Crusaders second baseman Ladarius Dennis (19) tags out Dolphins Javier Mercado (29) as he tries to take second during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Crusaders second baseman Ladarius Dennis (19) tags out Dolphins Javier Mercado (29) as he tries to take second during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Dolphins shortstop Tanner Owens (8) snags a sharp liner for an out against the Crusaders during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Dolphins Javier Mercado (29) safely takes home on a 2-RBI double by Tanner Owens (8) to cut the Crusaders lead to 7-2 during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Dance team member throws out the first pitch prior to the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Dolphins second baseman Parker Boyd (24) throws to first for an out against the Crusaders during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Dolphins Presley Moseley (10) pitches against the Crusaders during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Crusaders Reed Rhodes (11) heads to the plate on a solo home run to take a 1-0 lead over the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Dolphins Presley Moseley (10) pitches against the Crusaders during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Dolphins Nate Adams (5) fields a Crusaders shot to left field during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Crusaders Blaise Maddrey (9) is safe at first as Dolphins third baseman can’t come up with the ball during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Dolphins Presley Moseley (10) pitches against the Crusaders during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Crusaders Colton Guillot (5) pitches against the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Dolphins Parker Boyd (24) safely dives back to first base against the Crusaders during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Crusaders Colton Guillot (5) pitches against the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Crusaders Reed Rhodes (11) is greeted at the plate on a solo home run to take a 1-0 lead over the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Crusaders Colton Guillot (5) pitches against the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Crusaders Jalen Moton (23) safely dives back into first base ahead of the Dolphins pick off attempt during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Dolphins Cameron Hoeft (21) backs up center fielder Boston Hanna (13) as he retrieves a shot by Crusaders Davy Bradley (28) that gets to the wall for a double during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Crusaders Jalen Moton (23) heads to third base on a double by Davy Bradley (28) against the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Crusaders Jalen Moton (23) crosses the plate to take a 2-0 lead over the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
The Crusaders take a 3-0 lead as Reed Rhodes (11) hits a sacrifice fly to right field against the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
The Crusaders Davy Bradley (28) crosses the plate to take a 3-0 lead after tagging up on a sacrifice fly to right field by Reed Rhodes (11) against the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Crusaders Colton Guillot (5) pitches against the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Crusaders Lane Grissett (33) safely gets back to second base ahead of the tag by Dolphins shortstop Tanner Owens (8) during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Crusaders second baseman Ladarius Dennis (19) fields a grounder and throws to second to get the lead Dolphins runner during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Crusaders second baseman Ladarius Dennis (19) fields a grounder and throws to second to get the lead Dolphins runner during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Crusaders Ladarius Dennis (19) is awarded a hit as Dolphins second baseman Parker Boyd (24) can’t make the play after ricocheting off first baseman Massimo Pischetola (2) during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Dolphins starting pitcher Presley Moseley (10) hands the ball to the coach as he is pulled from the mound during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Crusaders second baseman Ladarius Dennis (19) is charged with an error as he drops the ball while making the transfer from glove to throwing hand against the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Dolphins Javier Mercado (29) safely dives back to first base on a pickoff attempt by the Crusaders during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Crusaders shortstop ____ (10) fires to first for an out against the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Dolphins Brock Prindle (9) pitches against the Crusaders during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Crusaders Reed Rhodes (11) safely takes second base as an error is charged to the Dolphins right fielder during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Crusaders Lane Grissett (33) safely takes first base as the throw by Dolphins pitcher Brock Prindle (9) is dropped during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Crusaders Lane Grissett (33) safely takes first base as the throw by Dolphins pitcher Brock Prindle (9) is dropped during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Crusaders Colton Guillot (5) blasts a grand slam home run to take a 7-0 lead over the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
The Crusaders Lane Grissett (33) crosses the plate on the grand slam by Colton Guillot (5) as they take a 7-0 lead over the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
The Crusaders Ladarius Dennis (19) heads the plate on the grand slam by Colton Guillot (5) as they take a 7-0 lead over the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Crusaders Colton Guillot (5) rounds third base on his grand slam home run to take a 7-0 lead over the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Crusaders Colton Guillot (5) crosses the plate on his grand slam home run to take a 7-0 lead over the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
The Crusaders celebrate the grand slam by Colton Guillot (5) as they take a 7-0 lead over the Dolphins during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Dolphins shortstop Tanner Owens (8) fires to first for an out against the Crusaders during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Dolphins Tanner Owens (8) blasts a 2-RBI double to cut the Crusaders lead to 7-2 during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Dolphins Javier Mercado (29) safely takes home on a 2-RBI double by Tanner Owens (8) to cut the Crusaders lead to 7-2 during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
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Crusader baseball holds off late Dolphin comeback attempt for 7-5 win
Dolphins Javier Mercado (29) safely takes home on a 2-RBI double by Tanner Owens (8) to cut the Crusaders lead to 7-2 during the Pensacola Catholic vs Gulf Breeze baseball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 12, 2026.
Marianna (14-12) led 3-1 heading into the bottom of the fifth before Catholic tied the game in the bottom of the inning then pulled ahead again with four runs in the bottom of the sixth.
Ben Bates recorded two hits and two RBIs, while Jalen Moton added two hits and an RBI. Lane Grissett went 2-for-3. Nick Shashaty pitched two 1/3 scoreless innings in relief to earn the win.
Catholic grinded out runs in the fifth and sixth inning. Moton's RBI double cut the lead to 3-2, then he scored on a Reed Rhodes sacrifice to tie the game. Grissett scored on a wild pitch to put the Crusaders in front in the top of the sixth, then Bates plated two more on a single to center. Davy Bradley's RBI single two batters later pushed the lead to 7-3.
Pensacola Catholic (16-9) will play at No. 1 Bozeman in the District 1-2A championship on April 17 at 7 p.m.
Rural District 1 Semifinals (at Central)
No. 1 Northview 14, No. 4 Baker 2(Five innings)
Leading 3-2 after three innings, the Chiefs exploded for five runs in the bottom of the fourth and six in the bottom of the fifth to advance to the district championship.
Grayden Sheffield went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and Taylor Curtis went 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Grayson Burns recorded a hit and three RBIs and pitched a complete game, allowing two unearned runs on three hits while striking out four in five innings pitched.
Cole Davis hit a walkoff three-run home run in the bottom of the fifth that put the game into mercy rule territory.
Northview (17-8) will play No. 2 Jay in the Rural District 1 championship on April 17 at 7 p.m. at Central. The Chiefs beat the Royals 5-4 in eight innings on March 6 and then again 6-2 on March 27.
No. 2 Jay 7, No. 3 Central 5
The Jaguars brought the tying run to the plate in the top of the seventh, but couldn't keep their season going in their home ball park.
Jay (14-6) advances to the Rural District 1 championship against No. 1 Northview on April 17 at 7 p.m at Central. Central (16-7) is eliminated and its season is over, as the Jaguars needed to win the district tournament to advance to the rural state playoffs.
The Jaguars led 2-0 before Jay took control with five runs in the bottom of the third inning. The Royals added two runs in the the bottom of the fourth to extend the lead.
Nick Baxley recorded a team-high two hits and three RBIs to lead Jay. Cam Pierce hit a two-run double in the bottom of the third to put the Royals up 5-2. Landon Golden added a hit and an RBI then pitched 1 1/3 innings in relief to close out the game.
Seth Enfinger led the Jaguars late rally, hitting a two-run home run in the top of the fifth to cut Jay's lead to 7-4 before drawing a bases-loaded walk in the top of the seventh. Brock Schmidt went 2-for-3 and struck out eight in five innings pitched.
