AKRON— The Minster Wildcats cemented their place in Ohio high school baseball history Saturday afternoon, capturing their fourth state championship and their first in the newly created Division VII with a dominating 8-0 shutout over Newark Catholic at Canal Park.

It marks Minster’s first state title since 2017 and adds to a trophy case that also includes baseball championships in 2011 and 2012. The Wildcats, who moved to Division VII this spring following the OHSAA’s postseason expansion from four to seven divisions, seized the momentum early and never let go.

The Wildcats set the tone with a second inning surge. The defining moment came in the second inning, when Minster erupted for five runs to take full control. Capitalizing on two Green Wave errors and a series of timely hits, the Wildcats quickly silenced any Newark Catholic hopes. Reese Beair and James Niemeyer delivered RBI singles, while junior Dylan Heitkamp and Rylan Edwards helped fuel the Wildcat attack with key plate appearances. Niemeyer’s two-run single capped the inning.

Minster added three insurance runs in the sixth—two on a single by senior Connor Schmiesing and another on Edwards’ sacrifice fly—extending the lead to 8-0.

Left-hander Caleb Couse was dominant in his championship start, tossing five scoreless innings while allowing just three hits, striking out seven, and walking three. His curveball kept the Green Wave lineup offbalance throughout. Niemeyer closed out the final two innings in relief, yielding just two hits while striking out two.

The Wildcats pounded out 10 hits, led by Beair (3-for-5), Andrew Wiss (3for-4), and Louis Magoto (2-for-4). Niemeyer and Schmiesing each drove in a pair of runs, and Minster displayed patience at the plate, drawing six walks. Edwards and Ian Homan each reached base twice via free passes.

Newark Catholic, appearing in its 13th state final and first since 2016, was held in check throughout the afternoon. Saturday’s win was also a milestone for Minster Head Coach Mike Wiss, who earned his 551st career victory in 35 seasons at the helm. The Wildcats had notched his 550th win just days earlier in the semifinal victory over Russia. Wiss now boasts four state titles in six championship appearances.

Minster finishes the season on a 13-game winning streak, bringing home the Division VII crown in dominant fashion.