Baldwin FL- The Baldwin softball team achieved greatness this season in so many ways and so many games. There was the 12-0 win over Florida High to move on to regional finals. That game featured hot batting, and Piper Young dominance in the circle. Only giving up one hit and striking out 6 in the regional semifinal, she showed why she was one of the best players in the entire area.
Kayla Robinson did what she has done all year, hitting 2 home runs and 5 RBI’s. Jazzy Ramos-Merced with 2 hits, including a big home run, while Cali Hartung added a double and single. It’s been a total team effort all year from the entire team, including ones like Chloe Gotto and Rylan Gray who both had 2 hits each in the regional semifinal contest. That game was an aberration of the effort put forth all year by the entire team.
Baldwin came together as a team this year with the theme HWLF. (What would Jesus do), “he would love first”. The players, coaches, parents and entire B-town community showed that they loved each other first no matter what. The Tribe won back to back Gateway Conference Championships this year, with a 9-3 victory over Mandarin. They solidified their case as the best in Duval County again.
Seniors, Kayla Robinson (Mississippi Valley State commit) and Piper Young were amazing all year leading their team to a 26-3 record. Robinson hit five home runs in 28 games showing why she is one of the best batters in the state. Hartung finished with a team lead 39 hits and is only a sophomore. Young finished on a high note as she struck out 132 batters. Jazzy Ramos-Merced led the team with 25 RBIs as all these players helped Baldwin defeat team after team this year. Ryan Gray scored Kendall North to with the district championship was one to remember.
They got out to a 6-0 record this season including a 2-0 win over Fletcher, and 4-1 win over Oakleaf. The second half of the season saw the team win 14 in a row, including a big win over Middleburg and two close wins over Paxon. Their most impressive win came in the form of a 7-0 victory against 2A state playoff championship contender University Christian. After advancing to the state semifinal defeating Keystone Heights 3-2, Baldwin faced Calvary Christian (23-6) in the Class 3A Final 4.
Baldwin and Calvary were tied 2-2 after 6 innings, however Calvary’s Katelyn Kapusta brought in two runs to lead the Warriors to victory. Leaving Clermont Florida with a 5-3 defeat, Baldwin seniors encouraged their young teammates to come back hungrier and better next year to take it all the way. A feat that head coach Jennifer Shields and assistant coach Bobby Granville will be more than eager to go after and achieve with so many players returning. The future is bright for Baldwin after their first Final 4 visit ever. It’s Tribe Time in 2023, so look for them to round the bases next year after hitting a grand slam this year.
