University and Eaton back in 3A baseball state championship mix

GREELEY – Butch Butler field is about to party like it’s 2024. And 2022.

In those two seasons, Eaton and University met in the premiere game of the first weekend of the Class 3A baseball state tournament. This year, it’s happening again. And if the past is any indication, it will be the first of two (or three) meetings in the state tournament.

University beat The Classical Academy 6-0 at Butch Butler on Friday to head into Saturday as one of two unbeaten teams. The Bulldogs had beaten Wellington 6-2 in the first game at the Butch.

Over at University High School, Eaton beat Elizabeth 7-0 then battled by D’Evelyn 3-2.

Eaton was eliminated in the first weekend of the state tournament a year ago, ending a run of four consecutive state titles. The two rivals split their regular season matchups setting up a rubber match in a place that is all too familiar.

“It’s been [the matchup] many man times and the situations are a little bit different this year,” University coach Casey Miller said. “These are two different teams that know how to get back to championship baseball. They’re a great team, we’re great at times and it’ll be a fun afternoon of baseball tomorrow.”

The Bulldogs got outstanding performances on the mound in both wins on Friday. In Game 1, Derek Casillas threw a complete game, giving up just two unearned runs while striking out five hitters.

Gage Viken was his usual self against TCA, throwing seven innings, surrendering just three hits and striking out 13 hitters all while holding the Titans scoreless. Knowing the quality of the defense behind him allowed Viken to really dial in and shutdown the Titans.

“I think we have the best defense in the state,” the Bulldogs senior said. “In the first inning our offense started off good and then I got more comfortable throughout the game.

Brody Duran and Viken each drove in a pair of runs against TCA. They also both had an RBI in the win over Wellington.

But perhaps the moment that triggered the emotional lift that the Bulldogs needed came when Viken picked off Zach Mediavilla on first base to end the TCA half of the third. After maybe pressing a little bit in the Wellington game, University found the bolt it was looking for.

“Coach Miller calls it a juice play,” Viken said. “I feel like every time I pick someone off, it’s a juice play, momentum shifts and we’re off to the races.”

Viken then ripped an RBI-single to center, scoring Casillas to make it a 2-0 game. They were indeed off to the races.

University is always looking for the juice plays. The game against Wellington got off to a bit of a slow start, and Miller would be the first to say that he being a little aggressive and trying to add some juice.

“That one backfired on me because I got a guy thrown out at second and at home today,” Miller said. “But that’s what we’re trying to get and Gage is a great juice guy.”

That race now puts them face-to-face with an Eaton team who has gotten the better of University in this round of the state tournament.

With a win over the Reds in league play, there is a some renewed confidence in what the Bulldogs feel they accomplish on Saturday.

“Coach Muller said hungry dogs run faster,” Viken said. “We need to be hungry tomorrow. That’s the kind of edge we want to have.”