BILLINGS, Mont. – For one moment the Eugene Challengers had a peek at baseball’s Everest – the American Legion Baseball World Series.
But in the next moment it had all the makings of an avalanche overwhelming their dreams.
The Challengers fell 7-0 to the Billings Scarlets, Montana’s state champs, in the regional championship game. The Class AAA Challengers – featuring numerous players from Thurston High School – finished 49-10 for the season and earned the runner-up spot in regionals.
The double-elimination bracket included eight teams from the Pacific Northwest: Cheyenne, Wyo.; Anchorage, Alaska; Postcatello, Idaho; Bellevue, Wash.; Missoula, Mont.; Ft. Collins, Colo.; and Billings, Mont.
The Challengers opened against the Cheyenne Post 6 Sixers on Wednesday, Aug. 7. Thurston standout Grady Saunders pitched seven strong innings, allowing only three hits and two runs. Then his Thurston teammate, Eli Crist, tied the game with a homer in the third, and Peyton Tyner’s single in the fifth secured the win. It was a tight game, but they edged out the Post 6 Sixers 3-2. A confidence booster to start, considering the Challengers lost in their first game in 2021 – their last trip to regionals.
Up next was Washington’s state champs as the Challengers played Lakeside Recovery of Bellevue. The Challengers cruised with a feel-good 9-4 victory on Thursday. Crist’s sacrifice fly set the stage as it was followed by clutch hits from Thurston’s Kyle Miller, Easton McDonald and Saunders, which led to more runs. Thurston’s Collin Hernandez gave up only one hit and no runs over 4.2 innings with six strikeouts. McDonald led the offense with three RBIs, and the team recorded six stolen bases.
The Challengers then went on to dominate the Post 28 Service Cougars 17-7 on Friday. Crist stole the show by driving in 7 runs with 4 hits, including a double and three singles. The team then plated 9 runs in the 6th inning, with key hits from Crist, and Pleasant Hill standout Caden Richardson.
Eugene sustained its momentum on Saturday with a 2-1 walk-off win against Collins Collab of Colorado. Tyner delivered the walk-off single in extra innings. McDonald led the offense with three hits and the team played error-free defense.
When championship game day arrived, it was the furthest the Challengers had ever gotten in the regional tournament – and the American Legion World Series was on the line. Thurston’s Brock Johnson led the offense, going 4-for-4 at the plate and the Challengers outhit the Scarlets 8-6.
However, the Scarlets edged a run across the plate in the ninth inning and won the game 5-4. But it was not over yet. The Challengers had to face the Scarlets again in a winner-take-all game a few minutes later.
The Scarlets seized their opportunity and beat the Challengers 7-0 in the second game, ending Eugene’s season.
A statement on the team’s Facebook page stated: “The boys gave it their all, and while the final game didn’t go their way, we’re proud of the effort and heart they showed all season long. It’s been a journey full of growth and memorable moments. Thanks to everyone who supported us along the way.”
