(GILBERT, Ariz.) Gilbert Christian baseball enters the postseason as the No. 4 seed in the AIA 3A Baseball State Championships after finishing 14-8 overall and 10-2 in 3A Metro Region play, good for second place behind Northwest Christian.

The Knights carry confidence into the playoffs, having won six of their final seven games to close out the regular season.

Now, the focus shifts to what's next.

Gilbert Christian will host No. 13 ALA-West Foothills on Tuesday, May 5th in the opening round, with a chance to turn that late-season surge into a deep run at state.

That momentum was on full display in the regular season finale, as the Knights logged a commanding 20-2 road win over ALA-Ironwood. GCHS broke the game wide open with a staggering 13-run second inning and coasted the rest of the way en route to the mercy-rule victory.

Juniors Logan King, Carson Giordano, and Nathan Gonzalez (Nacho) led the charge against the Warriors with two hits apiece, while Gonzalez delivered a team-high four RBIs. Malcolm Kindt and Gabe Caballero added three and two RBIs, continuing a trend of contributions up and down the lineup.

Senior Zack Linker impacted the game in every phase, going 2-for-2 on stolen base attempts, drawing two walks, and scoring twice.

On the mound, junior Brady Winebrenner got the start and was supported by classmates King, Noah Charpentier, and Avery Carmichael, helping seal the regular season with an exclamation point.

But for this group, it's always been about more than a single game.

It's been about growth. About finding consistency. About responding when it counts.

The Knights have shown up all year. Not only for each other, but for the GCS community.

This is a team that doesn't just compete under the lights- they're in the stands, too. From fall playoff games to winter matchups, from showing up at softball, beach, and boys volleyball during their own season, to Saturday morning at Little League fields, they show up. For their teammates. For their school. For the next generation.



"Everyone asks why our team attends so many events," Head Coach Andy McIntire said. "I started telling them that it is just what we do."

Now, with the postseason ahead, it's time for Knight Nation to show up for baseball. 

Gilbert Christian has earned this moment.

First pitch is set for 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Titan Solar Field (GCS Greenfield Campus). All fans will need a ticket via GoFan to attend.