TEMPE — Damian Smith had three hits on the evening but his three-run, inside-the-park home run to walk his teammates off into championship history will never be forgotten.

Like an unstoppable locomotive barreling down the tracks, Smith raced around the bases after hitting a curve ball in the right field gap.

As Bagdad outfielders sprinted for what seemed to be days to chase a baseball that didn’t want to be caught, two Hayden runners scored as Smith was close on their heels.

Finally, Bagdad relayed the ball into the infield, forcing Hayden’s third-base coach to throw up a stop sign on Smith.

The senior ignored the sign, however, sprinted down the line and was safe at home plate without a play as the ball dribbled away from the catcher.

His teammates mobbed him behind home plate. One player even managed to throw his hat so high, it went over the netting and into the first row.

Smith was 3 for 4 with a triple, a homer, three runs scored and four RBIs to lead Hayden to its 10th state championship in program history, their first since 1997, with a 13-3 win over Bagdad on Saturday night.

Brandon Garner gets some love from his teammates in the dugout after an RBI in the 1A state championship Saturday, May 13, 2023, in Tempe. (Brian M. Bergner Jr./AzPreps365)

 

SURPRISE ENDING

A 10-run rule game is typically filled with excitement in the beginning, then a long session with thoughts of just getting the game over with.

But not Saturday night at Tempe Diablo Stadium, spring training home of the Anaheim Angels.

Two facts made this moment special for Hayden (26-4, 10-0 1A East) and their fanbase. One, winning a 1A state title in walk-off fashion is always exciting. Two, Smith had no idea when he rounded the bases that when he touched home, it would end the game.

“I don’t even what to say. I didn’t even know I walked it off until everyone came running out,” Smith said on the field with a WWE championship belt draped over his shoulder.

When asked about the stop sign from coach, Smith just smiled.

“No, I just kept going. I knew I was going to get at least three, but I had a feeling. I seriously didn’t know.”

ON THE MOUND

Starting pitcher Deondre Collier was given the ball as Hayden’s No. 2 starter after Smith (the club’s No. 1) went seven innings in the state semifinals Friday night.

The junior left hander pitched into the fifth, but loaded the bases before giving way to Moraes Cruz. Collier’s line included four-plus innings pitched, allowing only one earned run on four hits while striking out seven.

“I felt good. Coaches brought me up, my teammates too. That really pushed me through,” Collier said, adding that his cutter kept Bagdad hitters off balance.

“It was working well tonight. … We went out there and got it done,” Collier said.

Hayden led 9-1 when Collier was removed. Bagdad managed to plate two runs after he left, both were unearned after reaching on error.

Cruz was 1 for 2 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored while Rene Ochoa had a hit, an RBI and scored two runs for Hayden.

Deondre Collier waits to throw the next pitch as he faces Bagdad in the 1A state baseball championship at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Saturday, May 13, 2023. (Brian M. Bergner Jr./AzPreps365)

WALKS, ERRORS

Deegan Owings toed the mound for Bagdad to start the 1A state title game, but managed to get only one out while walking six batters and allowing Hayden to score three runs in the first inning without the benefit of a hit.

Owings gave way to Tanner Decker, who went 3-2/3 innings, allowing three runs on six hits and struck out seven.

“Early walks definitely hurt us. We didn’t see that happening,” Bagdad head coach Dalton Mills said, adding later, “We needed to be better, and I’ll take the blame for not having our guys ready to go on that stage.”

Offensively, Nick Martinez was 1 for 2 with two runs scored, while Jayce Myers was 1 for 3 with an RBI.

Bagdad (19-7, 10-0 1A West) started no seniors Saturday night and have made the 1A title game in back-to-back seasons only to come up short.

“I think we will be humble and hungry. I think that’s how we need to carry ourselves next year,” Mills said.

HISTORIC NIGHT

Hayden’s 1A state title victory Saturday was the 10th in program history. The Lobos won five titles between 1978 and 1984, including three in a row from 1982-1984.

The first came in 1959 with an 8-1 win over Gilbert.

Brian M. Bergner Jr. has covered professional, collegiate and high school sports for more than 20 years. Follow him on Twitter @AzPreps365Brian. Have a story idea? Email Brian at bbergner@azpreps365.com.