Valley Christian would have been one of the favorites - if not the favorite - to win the 3A baseball title in 2020 had the pandemic not intervened. The Trojans seemingly have approached 2021 with a championship part of their plan and directly in their sights.

#1 Valley Christian did nothing to diminish that frame of mind Tuesday, playing well in every facet of a 14-0 run-rule conquest of #5 Gilbert Christian in a 3A Metro Region matchup at Valley Christian. Valley Christian (14-1 overall, 7-0 region) clinched the region crown with the win. Gilbert Christian is 13-4, 5-2.

It was Senior Day for Valley Christian and no surprise its seniors came to play. Eight seniors were plugged in to coach Damon Gilliland's starting lineup - all of whom were starters or played often in an abbreviated eight-game 2020 schedule. The lone non-senior in Tuesday's order was junior second baseman Mason Maret, who didn't shy away from being part of a 14-hit attack with an RBI double to score the Trojans' final run.

Valley Christian seniors were led by pitcher Levi Graham, who tossed a five-inning, four-hit shutout to improve to 7-1. Graham was one of five Trojans with multiple hits, finishing 2-3 and with 2 RBI. On the hill he fanned five and did not walk a batter.

Also enjoying multiple-hit games were outfielders Tony Gomez (3-3, 3 RBI) and Jake Terry (2-3, 3 runs). Catcher Bagel Lagatta (2-2, 2 RBI) and first baseman Spencer Siegworth (2-2, RBI).

For an inning it looked like a competitive game might be in store. Graham and Gilbert Christian starter Nick Wojnarowski tossed three-up, three-down firsts. Gilbert Christian put up a mild threat in the second, using a Hunter Lang single, wild pitch and passed ball to move Lang to third. A ground out doused the threat.

Wojnarowski retired the first batter in the bottom of the second, but Valley Christian ripped four consecutive hits - double, single, triple and single - to tally a 3-0 lead. A four-run, five-hit third inning and seven-run, five-hit fourth set up an the early ending.

All of Gilbert Christian's hits off Graham were singles - one each for Matt Hershey, Blake Dolan, Luke Webb and Lang.  Gilbert Christian closes its regular season with two games this week. The Knights host Horizon Honors on Wedneday and host a rematch with Valley Christian on Friday. Valley Christian's season finale is Wednesday May 3 at Odyssey Institute.