CHAMPS! Biffar’s pitching, powerful offense push Gibault to 1A state crown in Peoria

By Garen Vartanian

Updated June 5, 2023 6:42 AM

Gibault players celebrate with the championship trophy after defeating Henry H-Senachwine 8-0 in Saturday’s IHSA Class 1A state championship game at Dozer Park in Peoria. The win secured the second state championship in the baseball program’s history. Chris Johns For the News-Democrat

Brady Biffar’s gem combined with a powerful offensive attack led Gibault to the IHSA Class 1A state championship Saturday, June 3, at Dozer Field in Peoria.

Biffar tossed a four-hit, complete-game shutout while the Hawks offense churned out eight runs in a lopsided 8-0 victory against Henry H-Senachwine. Gibault finished the season at 24-14.

“It was a lot of fun,” GHS coach Andy Skaer said during the jubilant bus ride home back to Waterloo. “Brady pitched a great game. There’s a lot of emotions going on right now. We had a good feeling this morning when we woke up at the hotel. We knew the pressure wouldn’t be too much for them. We had a really good feeling.”

Overall, Biffar needed just 72 pitches to finish off the Mallards, walking just one and fanning five. Biffar finished the postseason at 4-0 while not allowing an earned run in the super-sectional round or state championship game.

“It was a fun ride,” the junior lefty said. “We really came together as a team and got it done.”

Biffar credited the defense and offense for their support.

“I just went out and tried to pitch and let the defense do their work,” he said. “I didn’t try to do too much and it’s nice to know I have a great team, offense and defense behind me. I knew they’d do their job and that I’d do mine.”

Biffar’s only real turbulence came in the top of the first when Henry H-Senachwine registered a flare hit and a bunt single. However, Biffar wiggled out of the jam and dominated from there.

“He was in complete control the entire game,” Skaer said. “For him to now allow an earned run in the super-sectional or in the state championship is pretty phenomenal. He’s 5-foot-6, 135 pounds soaking wet, so hitters are probably licking their chops to go hit against him. But he’s got great movement, terrific control, misses barrels and gets hitters out on their front foot.”

Gibault jumped ahead 1-0 in the bottom of the first as Hudson Blank attempted to steal third and came around to score on an errant throw to left field.

No. 9 hitter Jack Keevan’s two-run single in the fourth upped the margin to 3-0. Keevan finished with three RBI.

“Jack has been our playoff MVP,” Skaer said. “I can’t say enough about how well he’s played this postseason.”

The Hawks then delivered the knockout with a five-run fifth inning, ballooning the lead to 8-0 as Blank’s home run highlighted the frame. Kameron Hanvey and Ty Friederich added RBI for GHS on Saturday.

The outcome marked Gibault’s second state title in program history. Skaer’s club won the crown in 2013 as well. Additionally, it represented the second state crown for the Hawks this calendar year as the boys basketball team won the 1A title in March.

“Our coaching staff has been here before,” Skaer said. “It’s not every year you get this type of opportunity. This is a special group of players. Six of these players were on the state championship basketball team. Hudson and Kameron were starters on the basketball team. To get two championships in two different sports is pretty phenomenal.

“It’s a really cool experience for all of us.”

Gibault defeated Goreville 7-6 to reach the championship game, escaping a seventh inning, bases loaded jam.

In the third place game Saturday morning, Sterling Newman Central Catholic (23-9) posted a 6-2 victory against Goreville (26-14).