Washington baseball season ends in Regionals

The 2021 Washington baseball season ended Saturday in the Regional tournament. 

The Warriors didn’t go down quietly.

After stubbing their toe out of the gate in an 8-4 loss against Valliant, Washington battled through the loser’s bracket for a showdown with undefeated Lone Grove.

There, the Warriors handed the Longhorns an 8-7 loss – Lone Grove’s only defeat this season – ending a 35-game winning streak.

“We didn’t play well in game one,” said Washington head coach Jeff Kulbeth. “But we rallied and played well Friday in an unbelievable atmosphere.”

Washington opened the game with a three-run first inning, which was matched by Lone Grove.

Washington put up four runs in the fourth and would keep the lead the rest of the game.

Their nerves were tested in the final inning after Lone Grove put two runners on the base paths with no outs.

Enter Jax Brewer.

The senior retired the side on only four pitches.

Offensively the Warriors tallied eight hits.

Emitt Wilk had two of the hits, including a double. He had a team-high three RBIs.

Sam Hegeman produced two ribbies.

Camden Bates walked three times.

In the second game of the back-to-back against Lone Grove Washington went down 15-1.

Lone Grove put up 10 runs in the second inning and scored 11 runs before Washington scratched.

Despite the last loss Kulbeth said it was a successful season. 

“We didn’t win the championship but we had championship moments this season,” he said. “The Jones tournament was a championship moment. The win over undefeated Lone Grove was a championship moment. We regained momentum this season that we had before Covid and we’re moving the program forward.”

The coach said his senior class contributed to the success of the program.

“We had a really good senior class,” he said. “They bought in and we never had any off the field issues.

“I also appreciate my coaching staff. They come to work every day to make those kids better.”

Washington finished the season 23-13.