Longhorns end season with 34-5 record, Falling in Championship Game to Casper
Newcastle – The Newcastle Longhorn Sr Babe Ruth season ended on Saturday. The Longhorns came up short in the championship game versus the Casper Crush 6 to 3. Both teams entered the championship game undefeated through the tournament. Newcastle gathered wins in against Belle Fourche, Buffalo, and Lander on their path to the elimination round game on Saturday. Newcastle’s first game on Saturday was against the second seed team from the opposite pool, Worland. Newcastle coasted to a 5 – 0 win in that game while the Crush waited after winning their elimination game earlier in the day.
The teams took the field for the Championship game after a 30 min break. The Longhorns lead early in the contest and had a 3 to 0 lead heading into the bottom of the 3 inning. The Crush were able to rally at that that point, to tie the game. Strong play from the Newcastle defense kept the game close, with catcher Issac Prell trowing down 2 base runners. Other defensive highlights were excellent diving and leaping catches by the outfielders, strong infield plays and a picture perfect pick off throw from starting pitcher Sawyer Roberson to first baseman Peyton Tystad. It was however the few errors in the game that ultimately cost the Longhorns. The Crush were able to take advantage of two infield errors to pick up the critical 3 run lead. Newcastle was able to get base runners only have them stranded in the latter innings of the game. Cameron Quigley gave a strong performance in finishing pitching duties for the Longhorns. While the season ended in a disappointing fashion for the Newcastle Longhorns, they still enjoyed an excellent season accumulating a 34 and 5 record. It is important to note how well the Longhorn Faithful traveled with the team this year. It was not uncommon for Longhorn fans to out number host team fans and their vocal and moral support was evident throughout the season.
The season is not over yet for all members of the Longhorns, however, as the Wyoming State Sr. Babe Ruth Conference is hosting the Pacific Northwest Regional Tournament in Gillette. The Wyoming Conference is allowed two entries at the regional tournament. The State Champion, and an All-Star team. Coach John Lacy will head the All-Star team and will be allowed to field multiple players from Longhorn squad. That team is not set yet and there will be several decisions made in the next few days as to who will be included on the All-Star team.
The Pacific Northwest Regional Tournament is set for July 19th though the 24th at Bicentennial Park in Gillette.
