Hewitt-Trussville Dominates Auburn to Claim 2026 AHSAA Class 7A Baseball Championship

JACKSONVILLE, AL — The Hewitt-Trussville Huskies capped off a stellar season with a commanding sweep of the Auburn High School Tigers to win the 2026 AHSAA Class 7A state baseball championship. The Huskies, led by senior standout Jace Riggan, showcased dominance on both the mound and at the plate, securing their second state title in school history.

The best-of-three series, held at Jacksonville State University’s Rudy Abbott Field, saw Hewitt-Trussville (34-9) take Game 1 with a 4-1 victory on Thursday, followed by an 8-0 shutout in Game 2 on Friday. Riggan, a Florida State signee, was the star of the series, earning MVP honors for his all-around performance.

Game 1: Riggan’s Masterclass on the Mound

In the series opener, Riggan delivered a pitching clinic, holding Auburn (31-14) to just one run over seven innings. The senior ace struck out eight, walked three, and allowed only four hits, setting the tone for the Huskies’ championship run. Hewitt-Trussville’s offense backed him up with timely hitting, including a key RBI from Hudson Mitchell.

Game 2: Offensive Firepower and McIntosh’s Shutout

Friday’s Game 2 was a showcase of Hewitt-Trussville’s depth and resilience. Riggan, shifting to his role as the team’s shortstop and leadoff hitter, sparked the offense with three hits. The Huskies jumped to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning, capitalizing on an Auburn error and clutch hits from Koal Duckett and Mitchell.

Pitcher Cale McIntosh took the mound for the Huskies and delivered a gem, striking out nine and allowing just four hits over 6.2 innings. McIntosh reached his pitch limit in the final inning, and reliever Rylan Clark closed out the game, securing the shutout and the championship.

The Huskies’ top three hitters—Riggan, Duckett, and Mitchell—combined for seven of the team’s 11 hits, four RBIs, and four runs scored. Duckett and Mitchell each contributed two hits, while McIntosh added an RBI single to his stellar pitching performance.

Tigers’ Struggles

The Tigers, coached by Tommy Carter, faced challenges throughout the series, committing four errors in Game 2 and leaving nine runners stranded. Despite solid performances from Angelo Santiago, who had two hits, and Antwane Daniels and Britt Farr, who each contributed extra-base hits, Auburn’s offense couldn’t find its rhythm against Hewitt-Trussville’s pitching.

A Historic Day for Hewitt-Trussville

The championship marked Hewitt-Trussville’s second state baseball title, with their first coming in 2017. Head coach Jeff Mauldin, who also led the Huskies to their previous title, celebrated his third career state championship, having also won with Clay-Chalkville in 2003. Mauldin’s career record now stands at an impressive 789-236-1, ranking him sixth all-time in AHSAA career wins and third among active coaches.

Adding to the school’s historic day, Hewitt-Trussville’s softball team also claimed a state championship just hours earlier, solidifying the Huskies’ dominance across multiple sports.

Auburn’s Legacy

While the Tigers fell short in their quest for a sixth state title, Auburn’s baseball program remains one of the most storied in Alabama, with championships in 1986, 2009, 2010, 2018, and 2021. The team’s resilience and talent continue to make them a perennial contender on the diamond.

Looking Ahead

For Hewitt-Trussville, the 2026 championship is a testament to their depth, discipline, and leadership. With Riggan heading to Florida State and a strong core of players returning, the Huskies are poised to remain a force in Alabama high school baseball.