Corona del Sol Claims AIA 6A Baseball Title with 10-0 Shutout of Casteel
Photo Courtesy: (Diego Casillas/Sharp Shooter Media)
TEMPE, AZ – May 20, 2025 – The Corona del Sol Aztecs defeated the Casteel Colts 10-0 in a five-inning contest at Tempe Diablo Stadium to win the 2025 AIA 6A Baseball Championship. The game, a rematch from the season opener, saw Corona del Sol obtain their first state title since 2009. That previous championship, ended in a similar fashion, an 11-1 mercy-rule victory in the sixth inning against Hamilton. For Casteel, the loss at Tempe Diablo Stadium brought an end to their bid for a third consecutive state title.
Corona del Sol’s offense set the tone early, putting runs on the board and forcing Casteel to use three different pitchers throughout the shortened game. Cayden Hokanson (46 pitches), Ryan Harwood (44 pitches), and Evan Hedlund (32 pitches).
On the mound for the Aztecs, Brett Crossland delivered a pitching performance. He threw just 78 pitches across five innings, effectively controlling the Casteel lineup. Despite Casteel batters attempting to extend at-bats and increase Crossland's pitch count by not swinging, Crossland maintained his composure and continued to attack the strike zone, leading to the mercy-rule victory.
A pre-game discussion surrounding Casteel's Ryan Harwood added an extra layer of narrative to the championship. Harwood had been ejected from the semi-finals for a bat flip, which would have automatically resulted in a one-game suspension for the final. However, his appeal was accepted, allowing him to play. While Harwood was a key player for the Colts, his presence ultimately did not alter the outcome.
The atmosphere at Tempe Diablo Stadium was notably energetic. The “Tribe”, (Corona del Sol's student section), and community, showed up in large numbers, creating a loud and engaged environment. The game felt like a Football Game under the Friday Night Lights. The crowd's enthusiasm was a significant factor throughout the game.
Corona del Sol’s path to the championship included maintaining the #1 ranking in 6A for several weeks during the season. Their journey to the final wasn't without its challenges, as they narrowly avoided defeat against Red Mountain in a preceding playoff round. This championship win marks a significant achievement for the program and coaches.
