Class 5A baseball: Carl Albert defeats Duncan to repeat as state champions

Easton Harless ultimately accepted the reality of his future ahead of the state championship game.

The Carl Albert senior decided that the Titans' matchup with Duncan would serve as the final baseball game of his career. Harless, while acknowledging the difficulty of this choice, found solace in the fact that his true calling lies beyond the diamond.

"The game plan for me was just to leave all I had and all I've given to the game out on that field today," Harless said.

And Harless did just that — having one of his best games for the Titans to close his career.

Harless delivered two hits and drove in five runners, playing a pivotal role in Carl Albert's stunning 13-6 come-back victory over Duncan in the Class 5A state championship game Saturday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

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The win adds another feather to the program's cap, marking its third state title in the last four seasons.

"I think the key for us in the win today was remaining level-headed," Harless said. "They came out hot, and we expected them to. We just made sure to have tunnel vision. Us seniors hated how we felt after losing our sophomore year, so we made sure not to feel that way again."

The Titans' were a testament to resilience, igniting a six-run surge and the reclaiming of the lead in the fourth inning, despite an early four-run deficit.

Carl Albert's avalanche of runs ensued soon after Harless crushed a three-run triple to left field. The Titans took the lead once senior Sammy Gonzalez doubled to left field, bringing in Davonte Jones and Jacson Webster.

Gonzalez also collected the save at the mound later in the game. He closed out the final four innings, allowing just two hits while striking out four batters to help secure the Titans' second consecutive state title.

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"Our senior group is so special, and they've had a huge impact on our program here," Carl Albertcoach Ryan Whiteley said. "I can't can't say enough about those guys. All the success they've seen is a testament to the work they put in, and they've earned it."

The state title win is poignant for the Titans, adding an eighth to its program history.

Whiteley, The Oklahoman's 2023 All-State Baseball Coach of the Year , remembers when he first assumed the job in 2022. He dreamed state championships would be in his future then, but attributes the hard work of his players en route to another state title.

"Before I came, the program was what it's been," Whiteley said. "It's been a blessing to add to what had already been built here, but I try not to think too much about me. I see it more as these guys getting rewarded for all their determination."

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Jordan Davis covers high school sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Jordan? He can be reached at jdavis@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @jdavis34_ . Sign up for The Varsity Club newsletter to access more high school coverage. Support Jordan’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Class 5A baseball: Carl Albert defeats Duncan to repeat as state champions