Ripley Returns to State Baseball Championship Game

The Ripley Vikings are heading back to the state championship game, and their hometown couldn't be prouder.

The defending state champions defeated top-seeded Bridgeport 5-1 in Friday's Class AAA semifinal at Huntington, West Virginia. With the win, Ripley (26-10) secured their spot in Saturday's championship game for the second year running.

Senior pitcher Landon Meadows set the tone early. He scattered six hits across nearly seven innings, keeping Bridgeport's batters off balance all afternoon. "He is just a strike-throwing machine," said Ripley head coach Shane Casto, praising the four-year starter's consistency.

The game stayed scoreless until the third inning when Ripley exploded for four runs. After the first two batters reached base, a sacrifice bunt attempt led to a throwing error that brought home two runners. The Vikings capitalized with a sacrifice fly and an RBI double to take command.

WVU commit Bryson Casto closed out the game just as he did in the quarterfinals, recording three straight outs in the seventh. John Cummings went 3-for-3 at the plate, leading Ripley's offensive charge.

Bridgeport (31-5) fought back with a run in the sixth inning, but Ripley answered immediately in the seventh with an insurance run on a wild pitch.

The Ripple Effect

This return trip to the championship game means everything to the Ripley community. Coach Casto beamed when describing the town's support: "It is just special. It is great for the community. They support the kids. It is just an awesome feeling."

The Vikings will face either Shady Spring or St. Albans in Saturday's 5:30 p.m. championship game. After winning it all last year, they're hungry to defend their title on the biggest stage.

For a town that rallies behind its team, this weekend offers another chance to celebrate together. That's what high school sports are all about.