Friday's high school baseball playoffs delivered a thrilling slate of action, with several teams staging dramatic comebacks and powering through to early series leads. Here's a recap of the key matchups from the 5A Regionals and 4A/3A Super Regionals.
5A Regionals: Roy Rallies Past Kearns
No. 22 Roy showed incredible resilience, erasing a late deficit to defeat No. 11 Kearns 12-6 in Game 1 of their best-of-3 series. Trailing until the sixth inning, the Royals exploded for seven runs in the sixth and added four more in the seventh to seal the win. Julian Teran was the offensive hero, driving in five RBIs as part of Roy's 11-hit attack. Kearns fought back with three runs in both the fifth and seventh innings, but couldn't overcome the Royals' late surge. Game 2 is set for Saturday.
Wasatch Wins in Extra Innings
No. 10 Wasatch edged No. 23 Timpview 6-2 in Game 1, thanks to a clutch three-run home run by Braxton Faller in the eighth inning. Timpview struck first with a solo shot from Ty Wester in the second, but Wasatch's offense found its rhythm in the sixth and pulled away with four runs in the seventh. The win gives Wasatch a strong start in the series.
Skyline's Late Rally Topples Taylorsville
No. 21 Skyline staged a comeback for the ages, scoring two runs in the sixth and another in the eighth to defeat Taylorsville 4-3 in Game 1. Trailing 2-1 entering the sixth, the visitors refused to back down. Xaidan Butcher led the charge, going 2 for 4 with a triple and two RBIs to secure the hard-fought victory.
Springville's Six-Run Sixth Stuns Clearfield
No. 17 Springville turned a 5-1 deficit into a 9-7 win over No. 16 Clearfield in Game 1. Kasen Torres sparked the rally, going 3 for 4 with a home run, while the Red Devils' six-run sixth inning completely flipped the momentum. Clearfield's early lead evaporated as Springville's bats came alive. Game 2 is scheduled for Saturday.
Payson Dominates Hillcrest
No. 9 Payson made quick work of No. 24 Hillcrest, winning 11-1 in Game 1. The Lions held a narrow lead before exploding for eight runs in the fourth inning. Brigzen Houser was the star, going 2 for 3 with three RBIs while also earning the win on the mound with 10 strikeouts. Cole Neves capped the victory with a two-run home run, and Payson played error-free defense. Game 2 is set for Saturday.
With series openers in the books, teams are gearing up for crucial Game 2 matchups. Whether you're on the field or in the stands, gear up with the right equipment to stay in the game. Check out our latest baseball apparel and accessories to support your favorite team through every inning.