Bryan's Tigers played for the 3A state title at Volcanoes Stadium in Keizer. They had a send-off at the school and rode a cruiser to the game.
Focused boys ready to take on the defending state champs, a private school, Santiam Christian.
Before the game, Bryan and Mitch played some catch. This is how Bryan's been all year - graciously letting Mitchell be part of the team and sharing his time and attention.
Infield-outfield went well and Coach Johnson (and his team) looked good.
Stanfield was the visiting team - always a more challenging position.
Game on! Mitch worked hard in his role of batboy. Lots of ground to cover and he was hot and exhausted!
Focused coaches
Grogan pitched a strong game, with 9Ks and no earned runs in 8 innings of work.
This guy was voted 3A Coach of the Year in Oregon. He's awesome.
Bottom of the 6th with two outs and SC scored 3 runs to tie the game. A meeting on the mound to refocus. A.C.E.
Bottom of the 8th and SC has the winning run coming home. He neglects to slide and we have a beautiful relay from Keeney to Flores to Monkus. OUT! On to the 9th!
Vicki, Rachel, Dad, Mom, Ryan, Betty Ann, Russ and Julie came to watch from our family. There was a great crowd supporting the Tigers, in spite of the train derailment that closed I-84.
To of 10, Bailey scores on Woods' hit for the second run of the inning. Score is 5-3, Tigers.
Bottom of the 10, score of 5-4 Tigers after a wacky error, and this is the final out! Tigers are State Champs!
Let the celebration commence!
Coach Johnson piles on
Happy mamas
Proud coach and exhausted batboy
Hugs from Shan
3A OSAA State Champions - such a poetic way to finish Bryan's coaching career.
"It feels good!" he announced, after the celebratory ice bath. Felt a bit like victory, I'd say.
Proud sister
Mitch and Brody bonded
The coaching staff. What a fairy tale finish. We are so happy and so fortunate. Ah, baseball. Sometimes you really are a beautiful game!
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