AIA 6A Championship Recap: Queen Creek vs. SD O'Connor
May 15, 2024
Queen Creek 7 vs O'Connor 6
In an unforgettable 6A state title game, the Queen Creek Bulldogs emerged victorious with a dramatic 7-6 walk-off win over the SD O'Connor Eagles, thanks to outfielder Tait Reynolds' game-winning single in the bottom of the 10th inning. The late-night thriller was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams delivering standout performances.
The game began with the Eagles seizing the momentum early, scoring five quick runs in the first two innings. SD O'Connor's Hustyn Wheeler was a key contributor, driving in two runs with a triple in the top of the second inning. The Bulldogs, however, quickly responded with resilience and determination.
In the bottom of the second and third innings, Queen Creek rallied to tie the game at 6-6. The highlight of this comeback was a game-tying home run by catcher Manny Hoyos in the bottom of the third inning. Hoyos not only shone at the plate but also displayed exceptional defensive skills. His crucial throw from his knees to catch a runner stealing in the later innings proved to be a pivotal moment, halting the Eagles' momentum.
OF Manny Hoyos
— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PrepBaseballAZ) May 15, 2024
2026, @QCHS_Baseball @PBR_Uncommitted
Hoyos ties it up with two-run bomb‼️💣
The sophomore sends this ball over the LF wall to make this a 6-6 ballgame in the bottom of the third.@prepbaseball | @SheaSbranti pic.twitter.com/EmfDObWxZR
After the early scoring frenzy, the game turned into a pitching duel, with both teams showcasing their defensive prowess. Neither team managed to score from the fourth inning onwards, as the tension mounted with each passing inning. The Bulldogs' pitchers and fielders held firm, matching the Eagles' efforts inning for inning.
C/OF Manny Hoyos
— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PrepBaseballAZ) May 15, 2024
2026, @QCHS_Baseball @PBR_Uncommitted
Hoyos has been making a major impact on this championship game, this time ending the inning as he catches the runner at second.
Also went deep earlier tonight to tie the game.@SheaSbranti | @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/u16qE3gkVr
As the game entered extra innings, the anticipation grew, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion. In the bottom of the 10th inning, with the game on the line, Tait Reynolds stepped up to the plate. With ice in his veins, Reynolds delivered a clutch single, driving in the winning run and sealing the 7-6 victory for Queen Creek.
‘26 Tait Reynolds 4th hit of the night wins the 6A Championship in the bottom of the 10th‼️
— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PrepBaseballAZ) May 15, 2024
Down 5-0 early, the Bulldogs mount a big comeback and win the title by a score of 7-6.
The @ASU_Baseball commit came through for Queen Creek all night.@TaitReynoldsQC | @QCHS_Baseball pic.twitter.com/IzEQwQD1y7
The 6A state title game will be remembered as a classic, a testament to the competitive spirit of high school baseball. Both teams demonstrated why they were the last standing, but it was Queen Creek who ultimately prevailed, etching their names in state championship history with a thrilling walk-off victory.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
Mesa Summer ID | AZ | 05/29 | Desert Ridge High School - Mesa, AZ |
2024 ProCase - West | AZ | 06/02 | Pepperdine University |
Top Prospect Games: Upperclass (Invite-Only) | AZ | 06/03 | Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, AZ |
Top Prospect Games: Underclass (Invite-Only) | AZ | 06/10 | American Family Fields of Phoenix |
West Side Summer ID | AZ | 06/18 | Canyon View High School - Waddell, AZ |
Glendale Summer ID | AZ | 07/16 | Apollo High School - Glendale, AZ |
Future Games (Class of 2026/27) | NATIONAL | 07/24 | LakePoint Sports |
Junior Future Games (Class of 2028/29) | NATIONAL | 07/24 | LakePoint Sports |
Senior Future Games (Class of 2025) | NATIONAL | 07/24 | LakePoint Sports |