Wright State claims fifth Horizon League Championship since 2018, 11th overall
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – After falling short of a four-peat in last year's conference tournament the Raiders get their revenge on Saturday, securing their fifth Horizon League championship since 2018 and league-leading 11th overall for the program.
'We knew we had a chance today for a Saturday at the 'Nisch' to clinch a Horizon League title. You know, we liked our odds. So being able to put ourselves in a position to have the opportunity, you know, that's all we can ask for,' said tournament MVP Patrick Fultz.
The Raiders completed another impressive run to the tournament title after entering the elimination bracket for the third straight year.
'It's hard to win. It never gets easier. Only gets harder. The target only gets bigger. Everyone wants to beat us. And that's what you want. But, I'm just happy they're getting another opportunity. They earned it. There's no doubt about it. They earned it,' said head coach Alex Sogard.
Jarrett Heilman struck out six over five and a third shutout innings and freshman J.J. Thompson closed it out with three and two-thirds of stellar relief in a 2-0 shutout of the Milwaukee Panthers.
Raiders' third baseman and Springfield Shawnee grad Patrick Fultz was named the tournament MVP after going 8-9 in Saturday's two games while scoring six times and driving in four runs on Saturday alone.
He was joined on the all-tournament team by shortstop Luke Arnold, Butler alum Boston Smith and game one starter Chet Lax.
The Raiders earned the right to play for their 11th tournament title earlier in the day with a decisive 13-4 victory in Saturday's first game.
Since Alex Sogard took over the WSU baseball program in 2018, the standard has been the same: win the Horizon League.
After seven consecutive regular season titles and No. 1 seeds in the conference tournament, that trend continues in Sogard's eighth season at the helm in 2025.
The Raiders improved to 38-19 with the wins while Milwaukee finishes the season at 24-35.
Wright State will find out where they will play next on Monday during the NCAA Baseball Selection Show, airing Monday at 12 p.m. on ESPN 2.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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