Dallas, Texas -- The 5A Div. 1 defending state champion Aledo Bearcats (41-5) face the McKinney North Bulldogs (30-8-1) in the 2026 Texas UIL Baseball State Championships at Dallas Baptist University on May 27, 2026. It's down to the final 4 teams.

Aledo took game one, 12-2.

The winner of this series will face the winner of Lake Creek High from Montgomery, Texas, or Rouse High from Spring, Texas, for the UIL Texas 5A Div. 1 State Championship.

Bulldogs Senior Brooks Nelson (#15) led the team in prayer then Senior Noah Gonzales (#6) read a scripture from the Bible before the game started. To this photographer it is my favorite photo of the season. Photos by Buzz Cory of BuzzPhotos.com.

Bulldogs Senior Brooks Nelson (#15) is playing his 4th season as pitcher/first base for McKinney North. Nelson was also the quarterback for the Bulldogs. Nelson's athleticism is a great asset to the Bulldogs, and his home runs during this state championship run have propelled the team forward. Aledo won the game in the top of the 5th inning with a score of 12-2. Game 2 will begin at 6pm on Friday.

Bulldogs senior pitcher Connor Leos (#11) appeared to damage his arm while pitching in the second inning. Leos has had some great games throughout the season.

Bulldogs senior Austin Sayman (#1) fires the ball against the defending state champion Aledo Bearcats at Dallas Baptist University on May 27, 2026, for the first of 3 games in the semifinals of the UIL Texas State Championships.

photos by Buzz Cory of www.BuzzPhotos.com