3-1-4-3: those are the runs totaled in the first four innings for the Chargers in an 11-0 mercy-rule route of runner-up Spring Lake in the title game matchup at MSU’s McLane Stadium last Saturday. Fischer Hendershot was in command all day in a two-hit, five-strikeout performance. The tall Senior righty also had a pair of hits and drove in a run.
     Gavin Darling smashed a two-run double and scored himself on a throwing error as the Chargers raced to a 3-0 lead in the first. The hits and base runners just kept coming as the Powers offense totaled 9 hits, 5 walks, and 5 hit batters in five at-bats. Connor Kelly also drove in a pair of runs, and Michael Klein led with three runs scored. Grant Garman pitched in with two RBIs. On top of the offense, the defense was sharp with Luke Dupuis and Kelly turning in dazzling plays. Catcher Nik Stimac was the steady, fantastic backstop the entire weekend, making all the pitchers look good and steering the team away from trouble, pitch-by-pitch.
     The win occurred 50 years after the 1974 team won it all, the first State Championship in school history.
     In Friday’s semifinal, Powers won in walk-off fashion versus a tough Trenton Trojan team, 4-3 in eight innings. The Chargers led 3-0 after four with senior ace, Grant Garman, in total control pitching  a no-hitter. To the Trojan’s credit, their hitters adjusted with put-it-in-play swings, finding holes in the defense, bunching five hits for three runs. It stayed 3-3 behind Isaac Sturgess scoreless three innings of relief until Connor Kelly was walked to load the bases with one out in bottom of the eighth. Darling stepped to the plate and drove a deep fly to left center that eluded the drawn in outfielders, and freshman Eli Sturgess sprinted home with winning run and a brief celebration ensued as the Chargers knew they had made it to Saturday’s final game. Garman had three hits and Isaac Sturgess scored three runs.
     So, there you have it: 1974, 1980, and now 2024 State titles. Powers is the first school in the Greater-Flint and Genesee County area to earn three Baseball State Championships.  Coach Dutkowski credits our tremendous coaching staff: Dan Garman, John Fitzko, Vinnie Mersino, JD Garman, Bruce Miller, and Jim. Everyone contributed in their unique ways. We thank administration and maintenance; we thank all our devoted parents and fans. More than anyone, we thank our current and former players. We have made noise in the state playoffs for decades, but the 2024 TEAM got us over the hump. We didn’t do it alone: hundreds if not thousands have helped us along the way. For that, this old Coach is eternally grateful. Proud of all you: Much love and respect. Onward! -Coach D