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OREM — A five-run sixth inning lifted American Fork to a 6-2 win over defending champion Lehi in the 6A state baseball championship Saturday, avenging last year's quarterfinal loss to the Pioneers.
With bases loaded and one out, Max Miller lined a double to the outfield wall, clearing the bases and giving the Cavemen a 5-1 lead — more than enough to secure the team's third title in five years.
American Fork also won championships in 2021 and 2023, and now has four titles since 2016.
Brandon Upham opened the scoring with a solo home run in the third inning. But Lehi responded the following frame, tying the game 1-1 after an errant pick-off throw brought a runner home.
Upham finished 2-for-2 with two RBIs, a walk and a run scored. He also made several strong defensive plays at first base.
"Apparently, I just play really good against Lehi," Upham said. "He threw me two sliders in the dirt, so I knew I was going to get a fastball — and I know how I play."
Starting pitcher Kenny Johnson went the distance, tossing seven innings with six strikeouts and an immaculate inning in the second. He allowed just five hits and two runs.
Lehi didn't go down quietly, though. The Pioneers pushed across a run in the bottom of the seventh and had runners on the corners with one out before Johnson fielded a ground ball and started a game-ending double play.
"I really just wanted to throw it across the plate and let my defense do the work," Johnson said. "I have all the trust in the world in them."
