Grace Christian Chasing 1st State Baseball Title Since 2015

For the first time in nearly a decade, the Grace Christian baseball program is on the brink of rewriting its history books. The top-ranked Knights enter the postseason as heavy favorites to claim their first state title since 2015, riding a wave of dominant performances and unshakeable team chemistry.

A Dominant Regular Season Run

Grace Christian finished the 2024 regular season with a 25-1 record, outscoring opponents by a staggering 18 runs per game on average. The only blemish on their schedule came via a 3-2 extra-innings loss to rival St. Mary’s in mid-April, a game the Knights avenged 10 days later with a 7-1 rout.

Head coach Mark Thompson, now in his 8th season leading the program, credits the team’s consistency to a deep pitching rotation and a lineup that produces runs from top to bottom. "We don’t rely on one or two guys to carry us," Thompson said. "Every player in our lineup has had a game-winning hit or key defensive play this season."

Key Players Driving the Push

Pitching Staff Leads the Way

The Knights’ pitching staff boasts a collective 1.2 ERA, the lowest in the state’s 3A classification. Senior ace Jackson Miller leads the rotation with a 10-0 record and 112 strikeouts in 68 innings pitched.

He’s backed by junior right-hander Elias Torres (8-1, 1.5 ERA) and a bullpen that has allowed just 2 runs in the 7th inning or later all season. This depth has allowed Thompson to keep his starters fresh for the postseason push.

Clutch Offense Steps Up in Big Moments

Grace Christian’s lineup hits .342 as a team, with four players batting over .400. Senior shortstop Caleb Davis leads the team with a .468 average, 8 home runs, and 32 RBIs.

Cleanup hitter and catcher Noah Hill has driven in 28 runs and thrown out 12 would-be base stealers, anchoring both the offense and defense. The lineup has scored 10 or more runs in 14 of its 26 games this season.

Road to the State Title

The Knights open postseason play this Friday as the #1 seed in the 3A West region, one of the top favorites in the state’s high school baseball playoffs. They will face the winner of Wednesday’s play-in game between #8 seed Lincoln High and #9 seed Jefferson Academy.

Grace Christian has won all 12 of its home games this season, giving them a major advantage in the early rounds. The team has outscored visitors by an average of 12 runs per game at their home field.

Their potential path to the state championship game includes:

• Regional Quarterfinals: vs. Lincoln/Jefferson (May 10)
• Regional Semifinals: vs. #4 seed Westside (May 15)
• Regional Finals: vs. #2 seed Northview (May 20)
• State Semifinals: vs. 3A East Region champion (May 25)
• State Championship: May 28 at State Stadium

2015 Echoes and New Motivation

The 2015 state title team featured current Knights volunteer assistant coach Tyrell Brooks, who hit .389 in the 2015 postseason. Brooks says this year’s team mirrors the 2015 group’s work ethic and focus.

"These guys don’t get rattled," Brooks said. "They play every game like it’s the last one, which is exactly what you need in the playoffs. We’re not looking past anyone, but we know we have the talent to go all the way."

Chasing History

For Grace Christian, the goal is clear: end a nine-year drought and bring another state title back to campus. With a balanced roster, elite coaching, and home-field advantage in the early rounds, the Knights have all the pieces in place to make that happen.

Baseball fans across the state will be watching to see if 2024 is finally the year Grace Christian returns to the top of the 3A classification. The Knights’ first step toward history starts Friday night at 7 PM local time.