For the 2026 Land O’ Lakes championship, the Sussex Cardinals (11-3) hosted the Genesee Rebels (10-3). Plenty of fans were there to support both ballclubs.

Genesee began the game with a leadoff double by Mason Willis, but hopes were dashed as the next three batters hit into consecutive outs.

Sussex got the scoring started with a run in the bottom of the 2nd when Jimmy Angle doubled to left and Lincoln Ascher singled.

Sussex pitcher Lucas Keller kept the Rebels scoreless through the first five innings, but Genesee’s bats came to life in the 6th when they scored 3 runs. A single followed by a Max Mullane double resulted in Genesee’s first run. Aaron Buck then doubled in Mullane for the second run. Another single and sac fly staked the Rebels to a mid-game 3-1 lead.

In the 7th, Mike Balistreri clubbed a homer to center to extend the lead to 4-1.

Sussex narrowed the lead with a Jimmy Angle homer to left.

In the 8th, the Cardinals sent nine to the plate and took a 6-4 lead by scoring four runs. A leadoff double by Nick Schreiber got the inning started. After a ground out, a single plate the first run. A Michael Barnes double put runners on 2nd and 3rd. The next batter popped out. With two outs, Christopher Barnes launched a 3-run homer to center. The next two batters reach base to continue the threat, but a fly to left ended the inning.

Genesee mounted a 9th inning threat by getting two on with two outs in the 9th, but a fielder’s choice ended the ballgame.

Final score: Sussex 6 – Genesee 4.

The Genesee offense (12 hits) led a balanced attack as eight of the starting nine got base hits. Balistreri, Lane Scott, Mullane, and Matthew Gibson each had two hits apiece.

The Sussex offense made the most of their nine hits. Balistreri led the RBI stat with the three run homer. Jimmy Angle and Lincoln Ascher each had two hits; Angle scored twice.