Ohlone College Renegades Advance to 3C2A Baseball State Championships Following Dramatic NorCal Regional Finals Victory

FREMONT, Calif. — The Ohlone College Renegades are headed to the 3C2A Baseball State Championships after an unforgettable NorCal Regional Finals series victory over the Santa Rosa Bear Cubs, delivering a weekend of baseball filled with excitement, determination, and dramatic moments.

The Renegades opened the series with an impressive 11–8 victory, while Santa Rosa responded with a hard-fought 4–3 win in game two, setting up a winner-take-all third game with a trip to the state championships on the line.

The decisive matchup proved to be a classic.

Behind a strong seven-inning performance from pitcher Mathew Foley, Ohlone jumped out to an early 4–0 lead. Santa Rosa battled back and eventually took a 5–4 lead in the seventh inning, creating a tense finish with both teams refusing to back down.

The Renegades answered immediately, tying the game 5–5 and setting the stage for the defining moment of the series.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Paul Wagner reached first base after being hit by a pitch and later executed a delayed steal to take second. Teammate Caden Cuccia then delivered a clutch single into the outfield, sending Wagner racing home from second base. Running at full speed, Wagner launched into the air and made an incredible diving slide across home plate to score what proved to be the game-winning run.

The emotional moment energized both players and fans — and even sparked a rare celebration from Ohlone Head Coach Mike Curran, recently named the 2026 CCCAA Coast Conference Coach of the Year. Known for his calm and steady leadership, Curran ran in front of the stands encouraging fans to rise to their feet as the crowd erupted.

Pitcher Bryce Monte and the Renegades defense then held Santa Rosa scoreless in the top of the ninth inning to secure the dramatic 6–5 victory and punch Ohlone's ticket to the state championships.

Both programs showcased exceptional talent and competitive spirit throughout the series, but this Ohlone team continues to demonstrate something special — strong chemistry, support for one another, and a passion for the game that has become evident to players, coaches, and fans throughout the season.

The Renegades now turn their attention toward the 3C2A Baseball State Championships at Great Park in Irvine, California, where they will face Santa Ana on Saturday, May 23 at 6:00 p.m.

Fans can watch championship action live at:
https://3c2asports.org/.../2026_Baseball_Tournament_Central

For more information on Ohlone College Athletics, visit:
https://www.ohloneathletics.com