High school baseball: Spanish Fork finishes unbelievable postseason run with double-header win over Brighton in 5A championship series
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Spanish Fork outfielder Jackie Sorenson (12) hoists up the championship trophy as he celebrates with his teammates after the Dons defeated Brighton 7-4 during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Carson Hilton has covered high school sports in Utah for the Deseret News since 2022.
There’s no better way to truly describe the postseason run that Spanish Fork had than “unfathomable.”
In April, if you were looking for the top contenders to win the 5A state baseball tournament you would’ve likely looked at teams such as Brighton or defending 5A champion Maple Mountain.
But it turns out the actual 2025 5A champion was where nobody expected - all the way down at the 20 seed with a 9-16 regular season record.
Even after making a Cinderella run all the way to the championship series, victory was still unlikely after Spanish Fork dropped the first game to top-seeded Brighton 6-3 on Friday.
But the Dons’ entire playoff run has been unlikely, so their 7-3 and 7-4 victories over Brighton in Saturday’s double-header almost felt like destiny.
“I can’t even can’t even put into words how good this feels,” said Spanish Fork head coach Hadley Thorpe. “So proud of all the boys (and) the coaches.
“It took all 33 of us. That’s what our motto all year long was, ’33 against the world.’ It feels so awesome, I can’t even put (it) into words.”
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Spanish Fork players and coaches dogpile the pitcher’s mound after the Dons defeated Brighton 7-4 during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Spanish Fork second baseman Jesse Harrison (2) safely slides to third base against Brighton during the second game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Spanish Fork won the game 7-3 in eight innings, tying the series 1-1 and forcing a third and final game to decide the championship. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Spanish Fork pitcher Kayden Lambson (7) warms up at the bottom of the first inning against Brighton during the second game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Spanish Fork won the game 7-3 in eight innings, tying the series 1-1 and forcing a third and final game to decide the championship. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Spanish Fork players await a hit from one of their batters against Brighton during the second game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Spanish Fork won the game 7-3 in eight innings, tying the series 1-1 and forcing a third and final game to decide the championship. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Spanish Fork outfielder Boston Duvall (9) rounds third base on his way to score a run against Brighton off a triple from outfielder Nixon Warren (8) during the second game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Spanish Fork won the game 7-3 in eight innings, tying the series 1-1 and forcing a third and final game to decide the championship. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Spanish Fork infielder Jason Pintar (16) safely slides to third base against Brighton off a double from outfielder Nixon Warren during the second game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Spanish Fork won the game 7-3 in eight innings, tying the series 1-1 and forcing a third and final game to decide the championship. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brighton infielder Jack Saba (9) fields a ground ball and throw to first base for the out against Spanish Fork during the second game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Spanish Fork won the game 7-3 in eight innings, tying the series 1-1 and forcing a third and final game to decide the championship. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brighton infielder Alexandros Price (3) makes a catch for an out against Spanish Fork during the second game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Spanish Fork won the game 7-3 in eight innings, tying the series 1-1 and forcing a third and final game to decide the championship. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brighton pitcher Case Beames (7) warms up in the top of the first inning against Spanish Fork during the second game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Spanish Fork won the game 7-3 in eight innings, tying the series 1-1 and forcing a third and final game to decide the championship. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brighton pitcher Case Beames (7) hugs infielder Jack Saba (9) as Beames is subbed out for pitcher Wilder Strong against Spanish Fork during the second game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Spanish Fork won the game 7-3 in eight innings, tying the series 1-1 and forcing a third and final game to decide the championship. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brighton outfielder Cooper Scott (23) safely slides to third base against Spanish Fork during the second game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Spanish Fork won the game 7-3 in eight innings, tying the series 1-1 and forcing a third and final game to decide the championship. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brighton infielder Wilder Strong (34) warms up against Spanish Fork in the top of the sixth inning during the second game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Spanish Fork won the game 7-3 in eight innings, tying the series 1-1 and forcing a third and final game to decide the championship. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Spanish Fork pitcher Pratt Morley (20) delivers a pitch against Brighton during the second game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Spanish Fork won the game 7-3 in eight innings, tying the series 1-1 and forcing a third and final game to decide the championship. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brighton outfielder Jonathon Ellis (4) celebrates getting walked by the Spanish Fork pitcher in the bottom of the sixth inning during the second game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Spanish Fork won the game 7-3 in eight innings, tying the series 1-1 and forcing a third and final game to decide the championship. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brighton infielder Jack Saba (9) makes a catch for an out against Spanish Fork during the second game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Spanish Fork won the game 7-3 in eight innings, tying the series 1-1 and forcing a third and final game to decide the championship. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Spanish Fork outfielder Jackie Sorenson (12) celebrates a run from first baseman Sammy Dart (6) and another teammate to put them ahead of Brighton 4-3 in the bottom of the first inning during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brighton pitcher Miles Layton (11) delivers a pitch against Spanish Fork during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Spanish Fork pitcher Matai Johnson (17) delivers a pitch against Brighton during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brighton’s River Schmidt (28) celebrates his run against Spanish Fork in the top of the first inning during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brighton second baseman Jack Saba (9) sits for a moment after Spanish Fork outfielder Nixon Warren (8) successfully stole second base in the bottom of the second inning during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brighton infielder Riley Brown (24) connects with the ball against Spanish Fork during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Spanish Fork outfielder Boston Duvall (9) connects with the ball against Brighton during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Spanish Fork shortstop Pratt Morley (20) throws to first base after fielding the ball against Brighton during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Spanish Fork outfielder Jackie Sorenson (12) makes a sliding catch against Brighton during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brighton catcher JC Garza (8) tags out Spanish Fork outfielder Nixon Warren (8) at home plate in the bottom of the second inning during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Spanish Fork outfielder Jackie Sorenson (12) makes a catch for an out against Brighton during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brighton pitcher Miles Layton (11) gets up after being struck by a hit from a Spanish Fork batter during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Spanish Fork pitcher Matai Johnson (17) celebrates after striking out the last Brighton batter of the inning during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Spanish Fork first baseman Rhett Walburger (31) cheers after a teammate’s run to put them up 7-4 against Brighton in the bottom of the fifth inning during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Spanish Fork outfielder Dylan Chambers (22) makes a catch for an out against Brighton during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brighton pitcher Miles Layton (11) hugs pitcher Easton Fry (25) as he is subbed out for Fry in the bottom of the sixth inning against Spanish Fork during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Spanish Fork fans cheer during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament against Brighton held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brighton pitcher Easton Fry (25) warms up against Spanish Fork during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Spanish Fork second baseman Jesse Harrison (2) celebrates amid a dogpile on the pitcher’s mound after the Dons defeated Brighton 7-4 during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Spanish Fork first baseman Sammy Dart (6) makes the final out against Brighton to lead the Dons to defeat Brighton 7-4 during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Spanish Fork outfielder Boston Duvall (9) and third baseman Cody McLean, left, hug after the Dons defeated Brighton 7-4 during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Spanish Fork players celebrate as they are given the championship trophy after the Dons defeated Brighton 7-4 during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Spanish Fork fans cheer after the Dons defeated Brighton 7-4 during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brighton catcher JC Garza, back, hugs outfielder Cooper Scott (23) after Spanish Fork defeated Brighton 7-4 during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Spanish Fork outfielder Jackie Sorenson (12) hoists up the championship trophy as he celebrates with his teammates after the Dons defeated Brighton 7-4 during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Brighton outfielder Cooper Scott (23) is consoled after Spanish Fork defeated Brighton 7-4 during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Spanish Fork first baseman Rhett Walburger (31) makes a snow angel out of the ice used to douse head coach Hadley Thorpe after the Dons defeated Brighton 7-4 during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Spanish Fork players douse head coach Hadley Thorpe with water and ice after the Dons defeated Brighton 7-4 during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Spanish Fork head coach Hadley Thorpe celebrates with the championship trophy after the Dons defeated Brighton 7-4 during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Spanish Fork outfielder Jackie Sorenson (12) hoists up the championship trophy as he celebrates with his teammates after the Dons defeated Brighton 7-4 during the final game of the championship series in the 5A high school baseball state tournament held at UCCU Ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, May 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Game 2 of the championship series early Saturday was tied 3-3 through seven innings. Spanish Fork was first to score its three runs with RBIs from Nixon Warren, Pratt Morley and Trigg Cloward, but Brighton responded and forced extra innings.
The Bengals’ nerves got the best of them though as crucial errors allowed the Dons to score three runs in the eighth inning. Two runs scored on an overthrow to third base and one scored on a wild pitch.
Another RBI from Morley sealed the deal on the 7-3 win.
However, in the winner-takes-all Game 3, the offense was there on both sides from the start.
Brighton opened the game with a three-run first inning, but Spanish Fork immediately responded with four runs of its own and from there, the Dons slowly separated from the Bengals.
First Spanish Fork extended its lead in the fourth inning with two more RBIs from Cloward. Despite being a freshman, Cloward was a significant contributor for the Dons.
“We just played like we were young,” Cloward said. “We were just having fun and it led to success.We just play for the love of the game. That’s just what we’re about.”
The Dons have only four seniors on its roster, but they have an important senior leader in Jackie Sorenson, who delivered a single in the first inning which got two runs and stepped up on the mound in the sixth inning to help finish off the game for Spanish Fork.
“We have a lot of young talent, but I knew we could do it,” Sorenson said. “A lot of our guys played last year and showed a lot of promise last year so we knew that if we came ready to play every single day, we’d get it done.
“I’ve been trying to push these guys from the beginning of the season and we all finally kind of just bought in and just took charge.”
Brighton managed to pull within 7-4 with an RBI single in the fifth inning from River Schmidt, but Spanish Fork’s defense did not allow a single base hit in the last two innings.
As Sorenson threw the final pitch, which resulted in a pop out, the entire Spanish Fork dugout stormed the mound and piled on him.
“We talked (before the state tournament) and said, ‘Why not us? There’s no reason that we shouldn’t,’” Sorenson said. ”We just had to get hot at the right moment.
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“We came off a good senior night win, so we knew going into it that we were going to get the job done. It was just one of those things where everybody just believed in each other.”
Since RPI-based seeding started five years ago, Spanish Fork is the lowest seed to win a 5A state championship. The Dons entered the state tournament with a record well below .500, but the Game 3 win in the championship series put them above .500 with a final record of 18-17.
“What’s a better way to put us one game over .500 than to win the state championship and hoist that trophy?” Thorpe said. “We took our lumps early on and I kept telling the boys, ‘Put ourselves in chances, places to win games,’ and then we just kept putting ourselves in those chances.
“We lost some tough games early on but just keep putting ourselves in spots to win games and we started winning towards the end.”
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