Walk-off homer sinks Mules

Photos by Todd Wilson

A nearly perfect Wahkiakum Mules baseball season ended with a heartbreaking loss in the second round of regional play this weekend.

The Mules beat Tonasket 10-0 in the first round of loser out regional games in Adna on Saturday.

Terris Record pitched a no hitter, striking out 15 and walking three.

On offense, Luke Brown hit a triple and drove in two runs. His brother, Zach Brown hit a double and drove in two runs.

While Tonasket got ready to head home, the Mules got ready for their second game of the day against Kalama, who had beaten Crosspoint 7-0 that morning to advance.

James Anderson was the starting pitcher for the Mules. Kalama got on the scoreboard first with a run in the second inning. The Mules scored once in the fourth and two more times in the fifth.

Zach Brown stepped up to the mound in the sixth inning, with the Mules up 3-1. Kalama got another run and the score was 3-2.

In the bottom of the seventh with two outs and two Chinooks on base, a freshman named Tommy Brandenburg stepped up to the plate and hit a home run.

It was a crushing moment. Seconds later, more than one Mule could be seen hugging the ground in grief.

"It hurts," Coach Marc Niemeyer said on Monday. "We are without a doubt the best team in the state. I am really proud of the boys and honored to be their coach. I love those guys more than anything. I will always remember this season. It was a blast. The guys are all winners in my book. We might not have the gold but they're the best team in the state, hands down. The best team doesn't always win, however. I know they will all win in life as good fathers, sons, community members, and friends. The seniors made some great memories for us all. I hope they go out and dominate life, just like they did on the diamond. I am lucky to have such an amazing coaching staff: Jeff Rooklidge, Pat Brown, and Rob Cothren. They put in so much time and have so much passion. The support was fantastic by all, thankful to coach at Wahkiakum. We will be back!"

Zach Brown and Terris Record will play in the Senior All Star game in Centralia on Wednesday, May 30.

Coach Niemeyer was selected as Coach of the Year by the Central 2B league coaches. Zach Brown, along with Connor Ward from Adna shared MVP honors.

Luke Brown, James Anderson, and Ashden Niemeyer were named to the Central 2B first team. Terris Record and Beau Carlson were named to the second team.

The Mules finished their season 16-0 in league and 20-2 overall. It was the final season for seniors Casey Wilson, Zach Brown, Terris Record, and Cody Terpsma.