The Topeka High baseball team recently celebrated a triumphant victory at the Morehead Classic, held at Hummer Sports Park on Apr. 10 and 11.
The tournament went down to the wire, requiring a dramatic walkoff hit to win the championship game in extra innings against Holton.
The hero was sophomore Alexis “Primo” Gonzalez Sanchez. The Venezuelan leftie hit a line drive over the head of Holton’s third baseman, driving in the championship-winning run for the Trojans.
“We were thrilled to be able to win the Morehead Classic and win it for Coach Morehead,” Head Coach Cody Miller said. “He has been with the program for 25 years, so to be able to win the tournament that bears his name was important for the whole team.”
Miller emphasized the bond his players share as an imperative part of his program’s success.
“This group has really gelled together,” Coach Miller said. “They have fun together; they’re an easy group to coach, and that’ll lead to success.”
Junior Harley Stamper has felt a similar trend this season.
“Last year we didn’t have as much fun, but this year we realized that having fun helps us stay loose,” Stamper said. “I think our team morale is a lot better than last year.”
Winning the Morehead Classic was a big achievement for the Trojans, instilling in players a new sense of confidence in the team’s capabilities going into regionals.
“As we wind down the year we need to continue to improve every day so that we can set ourselves up for success in the postseason,” Coach Miller said. “Obviously we’d love to make a run back to state.”
The team is hoping for support from the student body to spur them on.
“If we had a big crowd, it would be a big help,” Stamper said.
Coach Miller echoed his player’s sentiment.
“I think this will be a fun team to come out and watch; these guys are going to score a lot of runs,” Coach Miller said.