With the threat of inclement weather, Eagle Baseball (20-12-1) has moved the TAPPS Division I regional playoff with Plano John Paul II to The John Cooper School May 11 at 4:30 p.m.

A win would advance St. Thomas to the state tournament at Clay Gould Ballpark at the University of Texas-Arlington May 16 against either Plano Prestonwood Christian Academy or San Antonio Antonian.

Dual-sport dynamo Donte Lewis ‘24, shortstop Anthony Equale ‘23 (Washington University in St. Louis), second baseman Brayden Salinas ‘23, and centerfielder Luke Edgecomb ‘24 lead the effort for a third state Final Four in five years with head coach Adam Massiatte that included the 2020 season canceled due to the response to the pandemic.

The Eagles reached the 2019 state final behind right-hander Josh Wolf ‘19 who now pitches in the Cleveland Guardians organization. Pitcher Will Rizzo ‘21 (University of Nebraska) powered the Eagles to the 2021 state semifinals.

St. Thomas wrapped the regular season with a three-game blitz of San Antonio Central Catholic. Eagle pitching ruled the double-header sweep after a tight 4-3 win opened the series. Jack Clinton ‘23 dominated through a perfect five-inning no-hitter, striking out three while facing the 15-batter minimum in a 10-0 romp.

Valedictorian Caleb Davis then commanded one-hit baseball over five innings with Graham Nieland ‘23 and Gavin Ernst ‘24 hammering home runs in a 10-3 runaway.

Jack Ward ‘23 (Drake University football) set the tone with four innings of shutout relief in the series opener, striking out five and allowing only four hits. Jaden Deshautelle ‘24 provided the punch with a bases-loaded triple to cap a four-run third inning for all the Eagle octane.

Earlier in the season, Eagle Baseball was proud to partner with the American Cancer Society to raise awareness and funds for the research charity and invaluable patient support.

The Strike Out Cancer game against St. Pius X delivered a powerful message reaffirming a commitment to the fight against the deadly illness, and the development of the newest and most promising treatments to help patients today.

All proceeds from the game including admission tickets, concessions, and generous donations during the third and sixth innings will contribute to innovations that lead to better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, helping save lives now.

St. Thomas wore pre-game shirts in a designated color associated with a loved one’s battle for life and pink game jersies. Student-athletes from both schools lined up in front of their dugouts and held hand-written tributes, uniting to help defeat the disease for friends, families, and the community.

Eagle Fight Never Dies!