Desert Mountain pitcher Toby Haarer didn't have his best outing late in the regular season when he matched up with Sunrise Mountain in Tuesday's 5A state championship game. In fact, it was his shortest and worst. Haarer corrected that over a six-inning start this time at Diablo Stadium.

Haarer, a junior, scattered four hits, allowed one run in 6 1/3 innings and offensive support from the state's top player - senior Wes Kath and juniors Luke Moeller, and Cooper McKee in delivering a 5-1 win for the Wolves' second baseball crown. The other title occurred in 2013. Sunrise Mountain, which defeated Desert Mountain in that earlier meeting, 8-7, was seeking its first baseball championship in its fourth appearance in a title game. Coach Mike Deardoff's Mustangs finished the season 18-6. 

Desert Mountain coach Ryan Dyer stood back some to watch his players celebrate before they snuck up and doused him with the traditional victory bath.

"I don't mind," Dyer said. "That's why you do this. It was all great. Wes Kath puts a stamp on it with that home run. It's the end of his career here and the start of something that could be amazing."

Haarer was eager for a chance at redemption. He allowed nine hits and six runs in two innings of work the first time. He did not get the loss as Desert Mountain (20-4) rallied for the lead, but lost in the Mustangs' final at-bat. Toby Haarer pitched six strong innings to lead the Wolves to their 2nd baseball title. (Azpreps365 photo)

Haarer found outl last Saturday he would get the ball for the title game.

"I learned from my start last time," Haarer said. "Watching after I was pulled and just going over their hitters with everyone. My mind set was  better this time." 

"A lot of people doubted the choice," Dyer said. "(Catcher) Luke and Toby came to me Saturday. They lobbied and I trusted them. Toby bounced back with a great effort."

Kath, a 6-3 shortstop and closer, added to his state-leading home run total with his 11th of the season. It was a majestic blast to right field and capped a 2-for-2, two RBI day that included a walk and hit by pitch. Kath is a sure-fire, high-round pick in the major league draft next month. He got in a final pitching appearance with a scoreless 2/3 of an inning to close out the contest. 

Moeller helped his battery mate calling pitches and added three RBI in a 2-for-3 effort. The RBI increased his team-high total to 30. Also with a multiple-hit game for Desert Mountain was DH Cooper McGee (2-4, RBI) and John Beasley (2-3).  Sunrise Mountain leadoff  hitter reached base all four times with two doubles and hit by pitch twice.