ESTEVAN - The Estevan U13 AAA Brewers wrapped up what was a pretty good season by making it to the Regina Baseball League final.
The Brewers dropped a 5-4 decision in the final Sunday against the Swift Current 57s in what was a tight game throughout.
The Brewers opened the playoffs with a 7-4 victory over the White Butte Broncos. Tristan Brownridge pitched 5 2/3 innings and struck out five in the win. Cruz Symons had a hit and two RBIs.
Their next game was a 6-5 win over the Moose Jaw Canucks on Saturday in Estevan. Caden Dorrance came on in relief and pitched three innings to get the save.
The final saw Estevan hold a brief 2-1 advantage in the second inning, but then Swift Current took the lead back and held a 5-3 advantage entering the top of the seventh and final inning. Estevan would get one run, but couldn't tie the game.
Jaxon Kuchinka had a hit, an RBI and a stolen base for the Brewers.
Reese Copeland didn't allow an earned run in three innings on the mound.
Coach Darcy Henry said the Brewers played great in the league playoffs, just like they did at provincials the weekend before. They got on a roll early and just had a tough finish against Swift Current.
"They stayed calm. They persevered through some tough times in the games, and they had a strong finish," said Henry. "Everyone bonded together and won as a team."
They had a little bit of help, as Moose Jaw upset the top-seeded Yorkton Cardinals in the first round. Swift Current, meanwhile, was the No. 2 seed.
"Swift Current was similar to us. They just got out to an early lead. We came back in the end but just came up one run short."
Only two players are eligible to return next season, and Henry hopes this gives them a lot of motivation for next season when most of them will advance to the U15 level.
"They're all great kids and they're all great ballplayers," said Henry.
Estevan finished the season with a 19-9-2 record.
