The stage is set for a historic showdown between two Savannah baseball powers.
For the first time in GHSA history, crosstown rivals Calvary Day and Savannah Christian will face off in a state championship series. Both teams swept their semifinal opponents on Tuesday to punch their tickets to the Class A-3A Private title series, held May 19-22 at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville — home of the Gwinnett Stripers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves.
It's a storybook ending to the season for two teams that didn't even meet during the regular season due to GHSA's reclassification all season in any sports. Now, they'll battle for bragging rights and a state title.
Calvary Day Turns Heads in Athens
Calvary Day traveled to Prince Avenue Christian and wasted little time taking the lead for good. The Cavaliers used a seven-run second inning to take control of Game 1, cruising to an 8-3 win. Junior Quinn Johnson was nearly unhittable on the mound, striking out 10 in six innings while limiting the Wolverines to one earned run.
At the plate, junior Dalton Kelley blasted a home run and drove in four, while senior Brody Dawson added a two-run shot to lead an offense that saw seven players record hits.
In Game 2, Calvary leaned on its depth and defense. Again, senior Cutter Powell delivered five solid innings, allowing just three hits and an unearned run.
The Cavaliers were in a big situation. Senior Ryan Wallace entered the game with the bases loaded in the sixth. Wallace fanned the first two batters he faced and then induced a pop-up to get his team out of the jam.
Senior Sam Renshaw's bat was key in the second game, going 2 for 3 with a triple, a home run, and two RBIs. Johnson added another homer and two more RBIs.
The Cavaliers improved to 27-7 on the year, returning to the championship round for the second straight season after falling in last year's 3A finals to Harlem.
Savannah Christian Wins in Two Different Ways
Savannah Christian (24-13) made the long trip to Norcross to face Wesleyan and used the Wolverines' small ballpark to their advantage, launching four home runs in Game 1 and two more in Game 2 to sweep their semifinal matchup.
Junior Chase Boyer went deep twice in the opening game, while catcher Junior Cardin Patrick and pitcher Senior Harding Dennis also left the yard. Junior Brody Schuman went the distance for the win as the Raiders rallied from a 3-0 deficit to win 7-5.
Game 2 saw the Raiders explode again offensively. Patrick homered for the second straight game, and freshman Jiwoo Hong had a breakout performance, going 3 for 3 with a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Athen Hudspeth, Dennis went 2 for 4 each, and freshman Mason Omohundro — who went a perfect 4 for 4 — all contributed in a balanced attack.
Senior Dalton Kelly won on the mound in Game 2, giving up two runs over four innings in a game that Savannah Christian controlled from start to finish, winning 8-4. Junior Griffin Graham went three innings in relief to earn the save.
With the victory, the Raiders secured their first appearance in a state championship baseball series since 2017 under legendary Raider Baseball Coach Carl Carter. That year, the Raiders clinched their first GHSA baseball title by sweeping Tattnall Square Academy in the Class A Private finals.
Savannah Showdown for the Title
While these two programs have often battled on the gridiron and basketball court, this and the baseball diamond, this finale is just another chapter in a storied rivalry. And with both teams boasting deep lineups, reliable arms, and postseason experience, the championship series promises to be a hard-fought, high-drama affair.
Photo Credits: Courtesy Magnolia Manor Creations Photography and SCPS baseball 2025 Aimee Shea Kelly
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Optim Orthopedics: Championing Savannah's Prep Sports Scene!
From the gridiron to the hardwood, Optim Orthopedics stands tall as a dedicated supporter of high school athletes across Savannah. They're not just sponsors—they're game-changers, delivering top-notch medical care to nine standout schools:
- Dr. Don Aaron: Bryan County Middle/High School
- Dr. David Sedory: Benedictine Military, Bradwell Institute, Liberty County
- Dr. David Palmer: Calvary Day, Richmond Hill, South Effingham
- Dr. Thomas Alexander: Savannah Country Day, St. Vincent's
As Southeast leaders in fellowship-trained orthopedic care, Optim Orthopedics fuels Prep Sports Report's basketball and football coverage. Because when the game's on the line, Optim Orthopedics gets you back in it!
To witness history, Savannah fans must travel to Lawrenceville to the Atlanta Braves Triple-A affiliate, the Gwinnett Stripers. Still, the state's biggest prize in Class A-3A Private baseball will be decided by two crosstown rivals from Savannah, Georgia, to determine who brings home "THE SHIP" from Atlanta, Georgia.
The only question left: Which Savannah squad will bring the title home?
FOLLOW the Prep Sports Report on Twitter @PrepSav and Instagram savannahsportsreport. If you have any scores, information, or story ideas to share, please email kdemasi@prepsportsreport.com.
Optim Orthopedics: Championing Savannah's Prep Sports Scene!
From the gridiron to the hardwood, Optim Orthopedics stands tall as a dedicated supporter of high school athletes across Savannah. They're not just sponsors—they're game-changers, delivering top-notch medical care to nine standout schools:
- Dr. Don Aaron: Bryan County Middle/High School
- Dr. David Sedory: Benedictine Military, Bradwell Institute, Liberty County
- Dr. David Palmer: Calvary Day, Richmond Hill, South Effingham
- Dr. Thomas Alexander: Savannah Country Day, St. Vincent's
As Southeast leaders in fellowship-trained orthopedic care, Optim Orthopedics fuels Prep Sports Report's basketball and football coverage. Because when the game's on the line, Optim Orthopedics gets you back in it!
