Maryville (Tenn.) athletics photo by Abby Diggs

MARYVILLE – After clinching the 2024 Regular-Season Championship in the final week of the season, Maryville claimed the CCS Championship with a win over LaGrange 9-3 Sunday afternoon at Scotland Yard.

The Scots dropped Game 1 10-8, before returning in Game 2 to pick up the big win. With the victory, Maryville has won 30 games for the first time in program history, surpassing the 2016 squad that won 29 games.

"We talk about process over results," Maryville Head Coach Clint Helton said. "Game 1 we didn't play our brand of baseball. We got caught up in the moment and were letting it get to us. But we played our brand of baseball in Game 2, focused on our process, and walked away with the win."

Daniel Montana had a big day for the Scots, recording his first two home runs of season, after beginning the tournament 0-for-8.

Montana's homer in Game 1 was too little, too late, as the Scots trailed 6-5 after his three-RBI blast in the fifth inning. LaGrange scored four more runs over the final four innings of play.

His home run in Game 2 was a big one though, as the Scots were ahead 4-2 and seemed to be stalling offensively, before Montana's solo shot ignited a five-run inning for Maryville, pushing their lead to 9-2.

Zach Devries (2 RBI), Ashton Whiteaker, and Zac Graham each drove in at least one run in the inning to pull away from the Panthers.

Whiteaker and Montana led the Scots with three hits apiece in Game 2, while Devries, Jacob Johnston, and Graham followed with two knocks each. The Scots recorded 25 hits on the day, picking up 11 in Game 1 and 14 in Game 2. Montana led the way, going 6-for-9 with five RBIs and two runs scored.

While the Scots' offense was strong throughout the day, it was the pitching that won them the game in Game 2.

Grady Cash got the start for MC and picked up the win, pitching a career-high five innings of two-run ball while allowing just four hits. That marked the longest outing of the 2024 season for Cash, who finished his season with a 3-1 record.

Austin Suttle picked up his first save of the season in Game 2, coming back after a three-inning outing in Game 1 to close out the contest in Game 2, pitching 3 1/3 innings of one-run baseball. He allowed four hits and two walks while striking out one batter.

"I mean, we talk about elevating the standard every day and holding them to high expectations," Helton said. "Five years ago, several of these guys were freshmen and they came back for a fifth year. We got to send them off on a positive note. I can't say enough about their character regardless of how they perform on the field."

Five Scots were named to the All-Tournament Team, while Graham was named the tournament MVP.

Graham, Colin Dunworth, Whiteaker, Xavier Resto, and Suttle earned All-Tournament honors for their performances in the Scots five games in as many days.

Graham was named MVP after batting .476 (10-for-21) with two home runs, six RBIs, and six runs scored.

Maryville started the season 10-11, before breaking out to go 20-3 to close out the season.

The Scots first 30-win season in program history has come to a close with the victory, as the Scots prepare to defend their regular and postseason title in 2025.