Ballard Baseball is the top-ranked team in the state. "We all know the goal is to go to Lexington. Battle for state. At the end of the day, that's what we all want and that's what we're going to work towards," said senior pitcher Kaine Samuels.And the Bruins are well on their way. Ballard baseball has yet to lose a game this season. A perfect 15-0 to start the year. "It's really just about effort and always having fun for us. So even if we come out, we don't have the lead the whole game. We're going to have fun and we're going to give our best effort and then that's just what's what's been working all season," said Samuels.Success is nothing new to head coach David Trager 맥스카지노� now in his fourteenth season with the program. Every team is different and Trager has learned some valuable lessons from this one. "When you have a group of guys that are able to coach themselves and hold themselves accountable and hold their teammates accountable, you really start to see a team grow and become a better team. You know, chemistry wise and you know better competitors as well," said Trager.Ballard baseball has never won a state championship, despite making appearances in the big game. But this 2025 squad is off to one of the best starts in program history, and Trager believes this group has what it takes to get the job done."I think the pieces of the puzzle are there. Whether or not we can put that puzzle together at the right time is going to be a question," said Trager. "What we're working towards throughout the rest of this season and every single day of practice and games, and no matter what we're doing, is to build that belief and to keep that effort there and to build that attitude of, 'we can do it.'"And with how the season has ended in the past, this senior group has a chip on their shoulder. "I've had three seasons of last game crying on the field. It's not the result you ever want, but this year we're trying to come back with something," said Samuels.Pitching depth is key to postseason success, and this group has it. Nearly 100 strikeouts and an ERA under 2.00 so far this year."Everybody loves a good K. I mean, but at the end of the day it's just about putting the ball in the zone and letting the seven guys behind you and your catcher work for you," said Samuels."We knew this class had some pitching depth. you know, we're really, really proud of how they've developed as pitchers. They work hard. you know, it doesn't matter how much talent you have, if you don't work hard to get the most out of your ability, then it's only going to take you so far. And these guys have really worked hard to fine tune their bodies, take care of their arms," said Trager.