CHILTON — Chase Beahm blasted a leadoff home run in the bottom of the seventh inning to lift Waupun to a dramatic 5-4 victory over Little Chute in the WIAA Division 2 Sectional Final Tuesday night in Chilton.
Little Chute grabbed a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning before Waupun answered with four runs in the bottom of the fourth. The big hit came from Brennen Redeker, who delivered a two-out, two-run single to put the Warriors in front.
The Mustangs battled back with three runs in the sixth inning to tie the game at 4-4. After Waupun was retired in order in the bottom of the sixth, Beahm took over on the mound and tossed a perfect top of the seventh to set the stage for his heroics at the plate.
Leading off the bottom of the seventh, Beahm launched the game-winning home run, sending Waupun to the state tournament. He earned the victory after pitching the final 1⅓ innings.
Earlier Tuesday, Waupun advanced to the sectional championship game with a 5-2 win over Waupaca. Beahm went 3-for-3 with a two-run homer and three RBIs, while Logan Prall earned the win, allowing one run on five hits over 3⅓ innings.
The Warriors will be making their ninth appearance at the WIAA State Baseball Tournament and their first since capturing the Division 2 state championship in 2018. Waupun also won the Division 2 title in 2007.
The WIAA State Baseball Tournament begins June 15 at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute. The Division 2 semifinals are scheduled for June 17, with the state championship game set for June 18 at 3:05 p.m.
Joining Waupun in the Division 2 state field are Somerset, Kenosha St. Joseph, and Pewaukee.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE IN THE WIAA STATE BASEBALL TOURNAMENT
If you have a question about this story or have an idea for a future local sports story, please email ddsports@goodkarmabrands.com
Gamechanger contributed to this story
