Rye High School advances to state championship with hidden ball trick (Video)

Rye (Colo.) High School defeated Hotchkiss in an exciting 9-8 semifinal on Saturday to advance to the Colorado 2A state championship game. Much of the Thunderbolts’ success is owed to an incredibly clever hidden ball trick.

Hotchkiss had a runner in scoring position in the seventh inning and was threatening to tie the game or worse when Rye’s pitcher faked a pick-off attempt to second base. His teammates acted like the ball went into center field, and the pitcher was able to chase down the runner — who tried to advance — and tag him for the final out of the game.

Of course, Rye went on to win the state championship later in the afternoon.

Congratulations to the Rye Thunderbolts 2015 2A State Baseball Champs! #COPreps @CHSAA @KRDONC13 pic.twitter.com/U55h5KwgZB

— Jason Carter (@KRDOJason) May 23, 2015

We have seen some very well-executed hidden ball tricks over the years, but that was up there with the best of them. Congratulations to the Thunderbolts on their state title.

H/T Deadspin