Antwerp 7th Grade Caps Memorable Season with Championship Win Over Tinora
The Antwerp Junior High 7th Grade baseball team closed out an unforgettable season in style, claiming an 8-4 victory over Tinora in the championship game Wednesday night. The win secured an impressive 11-6 record for the season and highlighted the heart, hustle, and unity that defined this group of athletes.
From the first day of practice, these 12 young men fully committed themselves to the team’s mission. Coaches emphasized the importance of playing for one another and trusting the process, and the players responded—giving their all every day. Whether it was a clutch hit, a game-saving defensive play, or a lights-out pitching performance, every member of the roster played a key role in the team’s success.
“This group has been nothing short of incredible,” said Coach Fidler. “They showed up with purpose, put in the work, and constantly rose to the challenge. We told them that adversity is part of sports and life—how you respond is what matters. These boys responded every time. I’d take this group into battle any day.”
That resilience was on full display in the championship game. Antwerp got off to a hot start in the bottom of the first, with Conner Fidler drawing a walk to bring in a run, followed by a two-run double from Jamison Graham. Tinora answered with a four-run third inning to take a 4-3 lead, but Antwerp bounced back quickly, tying the game on a passed ball and reclaiming the lead in the fourth with a key RBI single by Marshall Rice.
From there, reliever Gabe Wenzlick took control, tossing four no-hit innings, striking out eight, and allowing just one walk. Starter Bentley Taylor also delivered a strong effort, striking out five across three innings.
Offensively, Taylor, Rice, Graham, and Wenzlick each notched a hit, with Graham and Wenzlick driving in two runs apiece. Chris Yanez reached base three times via walk and was one of several players aggressive on the base paths—Antwerp racked up 10 stolen bases, with Kyler Johnson, Fidler, and Yanez swiping multiple bags.
Coach Fidler also extended thanks to assistant coaches Brett Rogge, Rob Johnson, and Jason McKay, as well as the players and supportive parents who made the season a success.
With a winning season and a championship to their name, the future is bright for this talented group of Archers.
