“The South Whidbey boys Senior Little League lost both games last week at the state tournament in Auburn. The 10-run rule came into effect in the first game as the squad from Bellevue ran all over the Red Sox for an easy win. With the prospect of losing two in a row and being out of the tournament the boys came ready to play one of the best games the spectators could hope to see. The first three innings saw great defensive plays by both teams dictating a zero zero score. From there on it was clear that this would be an offensive game to remember. Ben Schultz went 3 for 5 with two doubles. Danny Mulcahy went 5 for 6 and Brady Switzer went 1 for 3 with 3 walks, and once again had an outstanding game behind the plate. In the end however, it was to be a day Brandon Hern will remember forever. Hern scored from second base to put up the first run in the fourth for a short lived 1-0 lead. By the time Hern got up to bat again the local boys were down by three runs. This time Hern hit a home run over the 345-foot fence, tying the score. The next time Hern came up to bat he drew a walk. However, Yakima, leading by three runs, decided to pitch to him again in the seventh inning. With two men on base he hit a ball over the 345 foot fence, over the trees and onto a roof. Manager Brad Jaeger, who has been with the team the last four years, said it was the longest home run he has seen at any amateur level in recent memory. That includes the high school and the Legion team as well. He estimated the shot at somewhere between 400 and 425 feet from home plate. The moon shot would tie the game at 16 to 16. However, in the end, that would be the last time the Sox would score and Yakima won by a score of 17 to 16 in nine innings. Jaeger said it was by far one of the most fun games he was ever involved with. Nobody likes to lose, but when you fight as hard as we did you have to go away and remember we’re still the top team in our district and one of the top 11 teams in the state, and feel proud of what these boys were able to accomplish, Jaeger said.”