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Hewitt-Trussville players celebrate their championship win after Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville catcher Wes Hardy (21) throws the ball during Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville head coach Jeff Mauldin speaks with Wes Hardy (21) and Cale McIntosh (13) during Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville infielder/pitcher Cale McIntosh (13) celebrate with teammates during Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville infielder/pitcher Hudson Mitchell (15) swings at the ball during Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville infielder/pitcher Hudson Mitchell (15) sprints to first base during Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville head coach Jeff Mauldin directs players during Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville catcher Wes Hardy (21) dodges a wild pitch during Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville players warm up during Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Auburn infielder/pitcher Bryson Sheppard (10) tags out Hewitt-Trussville infielder/pitcher Jace Riggan (2) during Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville infielder/pitcher Hudson Mitchell (15) swings at the ball during Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville dugout cheer on their teammates during Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Auburn infielder/pitcher Bryson Sheppard (10) tags out Hewitt-Trussville infielder/pitcher Cale McIntosh (13) during Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville infielder/pitcher Cale McIntosh (13) pitches during Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville infielder/pitcher Cale McIntosh (13) pitches during Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville infielder/pitcher Cale McIntosh (13) pitches during Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville outfielder Sawyer Jackson (31) swings at the ball during Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville outfielder Sawyer Jackson (31) celebrates during Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville catcher Wes Hardy (21) catches the ball during Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville infielder/pitcher Cale McIntosh (13) pitches the ball during Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville infielder/pitcher Jace Riggan (2) throws to first base during Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville waits for the presentation of their championship trophy after Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville players celebrate their championship win after Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville pose with their championship trophy after Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville head coach Jeff Mauldin poses with his championship team and their trophy after Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville pose with their championship trophy after Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Championship caps given to Hewitt-Trussville after Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville catcher Wes Hardy (21) swings at the ball during Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Auburn outfielder/pitcher Brady Sack (3) fields the ball during Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville infielder/pitcher Jace Riggan (2) dives for a ground ball during Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville infielder/pitcher Cale McIntosh (13) celebrates with his teammates during Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Auburn infielder/pitcher Bryson Sheppard (10) catches the ball against Hewitt-Trussville infielder/pitcher Blake Bales (7) during Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville outfielder Koal Duckett (4) and Lane Bilodeau (11) celebrate during Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville infielder/pitcher Cale McIntosh (13) is thanked by his teammates after being pulled from the 7th inning for pitch count during Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville players celebrate their championship win after Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville players celebrate their championship win after Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville players celebrate their championship win after Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville players celebrate their championship win after Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville coaching staff celebrate their championship after Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville fans celebrate their championship after Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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State champions Hewitt-Trussville shakes hands with Auburn after Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville head coach Jeff Mauldin embraces his wife after winning the championship after Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
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Hewitt-Trussville head coach Jeff Mauldin celebrates with his wife after winning the championship after Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 7A State Final between Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, AL on Friday, May 22, 2026. Photo by David Leong.
Hewitt-Trussville High School's baseball team claimed the Class 7A state championship May 22, beating Auburn 8-0 in the second game of the state championship series at Jacksonville State University to complete a sweep of the best-of-three series.
The Huskies had beaten Auburn 4-1 the day before and finished the sweep with a dominant win.
The championship came roughly nine hours after the Hewitt-Trussville softball team won its own state title on the same campus, giving the school two state championships in a single day.
Senior Cale McIntosh started the second game and was dominant, going 6 2/3 innings and allowing just four hits while striking out nine. He walked three and did not allow a run before reaching his pitch-count limit. Rylan Clark came on to record the final out and preserve the shutout. McIntosh also contributed at the plate, driving in a run.
Jace Riggan, who pitched a complete game in the first game and earned series MVP honors, moved to shortstop for the second game and led the offense with a 3-for-5 performance and two runs batted in. Koal Duckett went 2-for-3 with an RBI and scored twice, while Hudson Mitchell was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Blake Bales drove in a run with a sacrifice fly.
In the first game, Riggan threw all seven innings, striking out eight and allowing just one earned run on four hits. Mitchell provided the offensive punch with a double and three RBIs, and Wes Hardy went 2-for-3.
Over the two games, Hewitt-Trussville's pitchers held Auburn to one run on eight combined hits across 14 innings.
Head coach Jeff Mauldin, who earned his third state championship and second at Hewitt-Trussville, reflected on what the run meant after the game.
"[Class] 7A, I don't think there's been a repeat champion for 16 or 17 years," Mauldin said.
The AHSAA added 7A in the 2014-15 school year, and no team has repeated as 7A champion. Even dating back to when 6A was the largest classification, Auburn winning in 2009 and 2010 is the last time there was a repeat champion.
Mauldin pointed to a difficult stretch in area play as a turning point. The Huskies lost three straight games to Vestavia Hills early in area play before regrouping.
"These guys, they don't flinch. The first week of area play, seven weeks ago, we lost three straight games to Vestavia, and I would say most people were maybe counting us out at that time," Mauldin said. "I think these guys over the last six, seven weeks have formed a brotherhood that they'll never forget."
The turnaround began with a meeting after the sweep, when Mauldin showed the team a video sent to him by his son Ty, a former Hewitt-Trussville player who was on the 2018 state runner-up team and has worked with this year's squad on strength and conditioning.
"We showed it to him on that Sunday, and ever since that, I think, flipped the switch for us," Mauldin said. "It got our mind right. It got us more focused."
Ty also provided motivation for his father heading into the series. He sent his dad a photo of the two of them sitting at the same table after the 2018 championship game, holding the runner-up trophy.
"He sent that to me, and he told me to tell the players something, but I didn't tell him, I didn't tell the players, but it was motivation for me to not be in that same spot again," Mauldin said.
Mauldin credited the group's unity as the defining characteristic of the run.
"I've never seen a team, you know, for a while, truly pull for each other. They don't care who gets the big hit, whose the pitcher, they don't care who gets the credit, all they care about is winning and playing ball together," Mauldin said.
McIntosh spoke to his mindset heading into Game 2, noting that his approach never changed despite the stakes.
"I just came into it, just said there's going to be a dude in the box, going to be a catcher behind the plate, an umpire behind him, and I just got to fill up the zone," McIntosh said.
The win puts the perfect bow on the careers of a senior class that features Clark, Duckett, Bales, Lane Bilodeau, McIntosh and Taylor Alfano.
Throughout the playoffs, the Huskies swept James Clemens, beat Tuscaloosa County in three games and beat Thompson in three games before the sweep of Auburn.
Hewitt-Trussville's only previous state baseball championship came in 2016. Mauldin's career record now stands at 789-236-1, ranking him sixth all-time in AHSAA coaching wins. He also won the 2003 state title at Clay-Chalkville.
