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A pair of big innings helped top-ranked South Spencer to an 8-2 victory over Lafayette Central Catholic in the IHSAA Class 2A state championship game.

It was the third state title in five seasons for the Rebels (25-2) and fourth in the fourth in last nine years.

In a battle of schools that had never lost a baseball title game, something had to give. South Spencer had won all three of its previous matchups and Lafayette Central Catholic, playing in the 2A final for the first time, had won all seven in Class A.

Both teams entered the game with 17 straight wins.

After third-ranked Central Catholic took a 1-0 lead in the third inning, Tyler Schneider's fourth inning homer to left evened the game at 1-1, followed by Zeth Young's 2 RBI single up the middle. Later in the inning, Kobe Stephens was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded forcing Trevor Lehr across the plate.

The Rebels added four more in the sixth inning to break it wide open.

Schneider and Young both finished 2-for-3 with 2 RBI. South Spencer left seven runners on base and Central Catholic stranded eight.

Nineteenth year coach Brian Kuester, now with four state championships to his credit, is only the third coach in charge of the team during the program's 50 years of play. He became the sixth coach in the state with at least four state crowns.

Lafayette Central Catholic (29-6) was attempting to equal LaPorte's state record of eight state championships. The Knights were guided by 20th year head coach Tim Bordenet who fell short of becoming the first coach with eight state championships.

Taylor Market of South Spencer named Class 2A Mental Attitude Winner
Following the game, members of the IHSAA Executive Committee announced Taylor Market of South Spencer High School as the winner of this year’s L.V. Phillips Mental Attitude Award in Class 2A Baseball.

A first year starter for the Rebels, Taylor was an Honorable Mention All-Conference Outfielder this year, batting .357 with 22 RBI’s. He was also a member of South Spencer’s 2013 Baseball State Championship squad. In addition to baseball, Taylor participated in tennis and basketball for the Rebels during his high school career.

Taylor’s leadership and outstanding performance extended beyond the playing field for the Rebels. He graduated as South Spencer’s Salutatorian with a 4.0 GPA and was a member of the National Beta Club for three years.

He is the son of Michael and Sharyl Market of Rockport and will attend Purdue University where he'll study Aeronautical Engineering.

The award is annually presented to an outstanding senior participant in each state championship game who has best demonstrated excellence in mental attitude, scholarship, leadership and athletic ability in baseball. The award is named in honor of the late L.V. Phillips, who served as the second commissioner of the IHSAA from 1945-62.

The IHSAA Executive Committee presented a $1,000 scholarship to South Spencer High School in the name of Taylor Market.