WORCESTER, Mass. – When the top two teams in division one high school baseball squared off in the MIAA state final, it became clear early on how evenly matched the Catholic Conference rivals were. But, in the end, top-ranked BC High’s offense gave the Eagles enough to edge St. John’s 5-1 in a pitcher’s duel.

After BC High took an early lead, St. John’s junior Jack Forgues singled home classmate Andrew Schmit to tie the game at 1-1. Brayden Mercier set up the scoring play by bunting for a single and moving Schmit, who led off the inning with a double to left to third base.

St. John’s starter and conference MVP, Brady Shea, scattered three hits over 4 2/3 innings while striking out six. He left the game in the fifth inning with the Pioneers trailing 2-1.

BC High seniors Sam Keane and Charlie Bushley were strong on the hill by combining their efforts to hold the Pioneers to just one run. The Eagles added three runs in the bottom of the sixth to seal the victory. Cole Bohane drove in two runs in the inning.

St. John’s finished with a 20-5 record.

You can watch the highlights of Saturday’s state final in the video above.