Aledo Wins Back-to-Back State Titles, Lake Creek's Run Ends in Final

Back-to-back. Aledo baseball repeated as UIL state champions at Dell Diamond in Round Rock, defeating Lake Creek 3-1 in a game that was largely a showcase of pitching dominance — until one swing changed the complexion of the final innings.

The Bearcats built their lead early. With Aledo already ahead 1-0 in the third inning, Landon Barnes reached on a hot shot that skipped under the third baseman's glove, allowing Luke Gladchuk to score and push the lead to 2-0. The next batter, Lucas Nawrocki, lined a single to right that plated Barnes and made it 3-0.

Nawrocki, an LSU commit, was equally dominant on the mound. He carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning, piling up strikeouts and getting help from his defense — including a sharp snag by Caden Whitworth that started a 1-6-3 double play to escape a jam.

Lake Creek, appearing in the state championship game for the first time in program history, finally broke through in the bottom of the sixth. Payton Trummell launched the Lions' first hit of the game — a solo home run to left field — cutting the deficit to 3-1. It was a moment that reflected just how far the program had come in a remarkable postseason run.

Garhett Love came on in relief and retired the final out in the seventh to preserve the win. For Lake Creek, a magical postseason ended one game short of a title. For Aledo, the dynasty continues.