Nazareth finishes baseball season UIL 1A State Runner-Up

ROUND ROCK, Texas (KFDA) - The Nazareth Swifts (21-2) ended their baseball season falling to D’Hanis (28-3) 4-0 in the UIL 1A State Championship at Dell Diamond. Despite the loss, the Swifts added their name to an elite list in the Texas Panhandle.

“If we take anything away from this I hope it’s that we just enjoy the ride and made memories with our teammates that we won’t get back you know,” said Tyler Goodwin, Nazareth baseball first-year head coach. “That will stay with us forever.”

Nazareth’s State Championship starting pitcher junior Carson Heiman lasted 4 innings, allowing 5 hits, 4 walks and 2 runs while dishing out 2 strikeouts. Trent Gerber came in for relief, but after pitching Wednesday he only had 15 pitches left. The Nazareth senior allowed 2 hits, 2 runs and 1 walk in 0.2 innings. Junior Luke Schulte closed the game in the final 2.1 innings. An impressive outing for him with a stat line of 1 walk and 2 punch outs.

“I mean this is everything. It really goes back to all of the team, you know how much fight we had,” said Gerber. “All these young guys how they stepped up. You know, this is all for them.”

The State MVP, D’Hanis pitcher Ryan Hendry, pitched a compete shutout while dishing out 6 strikeouts.

The Swifts return all but two players next season, Gerber and designated hitter Brett Young.

“Everyone wanted this game. Our result didn’t show it, but we were out there battling for every pitch,” said Luke Schulte, Nazareth junior catcher and pitcher. “Battling for every strike. I would never trade anything for this team.”

Nazareth made their second State appearance in program history, their first in 2021. Plus, the Swifts became the first Texas Panhandle team to advance to the State title game since Bushland in 2012. Accolades also go to Nazareth senior pitcher Trent Gerber. The State Semifinal starter served up 10 K’s tying the most in UIL 1A State single-game and tournament history. Nothing to hang their heads on.

Copyright 2022 KFDA. All rights reserved.