The SLCC Bruins baseball team ended its 2012 season with a 45-10 record and the District 18 title, but their year ended with an unexpected disappointment.
The Bruins were knocked out of the NJCAA playoffs in a heartbreaking loss to the Western Nevada Wildcats. Despite the loss in the playoffs, head coach David Nelson is proud of his team.
“This was the best team all around at competing for every pitch, every inning and not getting too caught up on the final results,” Nelson said.
After defeating the Wildcats in a 6-5 comeback to claim the district 18 title, Western Nevada turned around to defeat the Bruins in the final round of the NJCAA playoffs with a two-run score in the ninth inning off a lucky ground ball.
In and edge-of-the-seat nail-biter game, the Bruins were up 8-7 with two outs and runners on first and second for Western Nevada. Wildcats sophomore outfielder Bobby Pappin hit a grounder, which allowed the two runners to score and win the game.
“No matter how good you are, a ball will a find a hole and beat you,” Nelson said.
Even after the agonizing defeat in the playoffs, Nelson is looking forward to next year.
“I’m really proud of all my guys. They really laid it on the field,” Nelson said.
Though they exited the playoffs early, the Bruins were able to win the Region 18 championship for the second year in the row, which is no easy task. With 18 freshmen on the roster returning for next year, Bruin fans can look forward to next season’s run at the NJCAA national championship.
