South River Baseball Captures State Title

As South River pitcher Scott Mitchell threw strike three to record the final out in the Seahawks state championship game, 35-year coach Ken Dunn sat on a chair in the dugout and looked on.

With a 6-0 victory over No. 1 Catonsville High School in the Class 4A Maryland state final, Dunn watched as his 35-year career came to an end in a dream-like fashion—the school's first state title. But naturally, at the end, the veteran coach would only compliment his players.

“You congratulate those kids because they are the ones that did it,” Dunn said. “They swung the bats, they hit the balls, they ran the bases. It’s the kids and you can’t ever lose sight of that.”

The No. 4 Seahawks stormed their way to a state title behind a shutout pitching performance from ace Scott Mitchell. Catonsville batters couldn't keep up with Mitchell's fastball, and they were baffled by his changeup.

Mitchell threw seven innings, surrendering just two hits while recording nine strikeouts, including the team’s final out.

“Honestly, I was trying to strike him out and I threw it right where I wanted,” Mitchell said of the last out. “It was a dream come true right in front of my eyes. I was starting to get a little emotional on the mound there in the last inning.”

South River (20-5) dominated the game defensively, and took advantage of numerous Catonsville (17-5) errors on its way to completing the shutout victory. 

In the top of the third, with the game tied 0-0, South River’s Kyle Canavan hit a one-out double to center field. Catonsville pitcher John Klein then hit Gabe Vertucci in the helmet, and Connor Cox crushed a ball to deep right field to score Canavan and give the Seahawks the only run they ever really needed.

“We are so proud of these kids—they work so hard,” Dunn said. “They work 12 months out of the year and that is so great.”

Throughout the playoffs, South River’s offense came alive. The team scored 26 runs in five games and recorded four shutout performances.

But despite all the wins and losses, and highs and lows of the season, the state championship game came down to one inevitable outcome—a victory for Dunn.

“We did this all for coach Dunn,” Mitchell said. “He’s the best. He’s the best coach I have ever had. He’s the funniest guy I have ever met too; he is a character. Like I said it is all for him. It’s an incredible season for us.”

As the boys danced around, smiled for photos and let out cheers of excitement, the 35-year, water cooler-soaked coach looked on at the program he developed.

“It’s not about me; it’s about them,” Dunn said. “Do you see the smiles on their faces? But it definitely does mean something.”

Check back with patch for more coverage of the state championship game including player and fan photos.