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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (June 18, 2025)
Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, June 18, 2025 -- SEVEN HISLER EAST TEAM Yankees’ Babe Ruth season ends after semifinal comeback by Mariners The Hodgson Distri- bution Yankees/Mustangs gave fans a thrilling post- season run this past week, starting with a dominant quarterfinal victory over the Nationals. But just two days later, their season came to an agonizing end in the semifinals, as the Mariners mounted a stunning late- game comeback to edge out the Yankees 12–11. The Yankees opened the playoffs in top form, overpowering the Nationals 12–6. The offense came alive early, and a massive five-run fourth inning gave the team breathing room. The Yankees/Mustangs lineup exploded for 13 hits and 12 runs, with big per- formances from key play- ers throughout the order. Catcher M. Wilson sparked the offense, going 2-for-3 with two walks, two runs scored, and two RBIs. First baseman J. Wilson was equally impressive, driving in a team-high four runs on a three-hit day. Leadoff man K. Dickenson contributed two hits, scored twice, and added a stolen base, while outfielder C. Adams crossed the plate three times, go- ing 2-for-3 with a walk. Pinch hitter T. Bunch came through with a clutch RBI double, and G. Rosenbalm added a hit and a run off the bench. The team showed aggression on the bases, stealing seven total, with successful swipes from M. Wilson, Dickenson (2), P. Matheny, J. Wilson, and C. Mullins. On the mound, it was a full team effort. Starter K. Dickenson opened the game, striking out four in 1.1 innings before turning it over to C. Adams, who earned the win with a gritty 3.2-inning outing that in- cluded nine strikeouts and just three hits allowed. J. Wilson closed out the final frame, adding three more strikeouts. Though the de- fense committed five errors, the Yankees’ pitching staff recorded an impressive 16 strikeouts, holding the Nationals to just four hits in total. It was a well-earned win that showcased the Yankees’ depth at the plate and their ability to capital- ize under pressure. Spirits were high heading into the Semifinals. What looked like a sure path to the championship turned into heartbreak just 48 hours later. In one of the most dramatic games of the season, the Yankees/ Mustangs fell just short in a 12–11 heartbreaker against the Mariners on Thursday, June 12, despite a red-hot start and explosive offense. The Yankees jumped out to an 11–0 lead by the top of the third inning, fueled by a relentless of- fensive attack that includ- ed nine hits, eight RBIs, and five walks. But the rested Mariners, who ad- vanced automatically after the Dodgers dropped out, were not ready to quit. They chipped away with four runs in the third and three more in the fourth, then stunned the Yankees with a five-run rally in the bottom of the fifth. Despite recording just three hits to the Yankees’ nine, the Mariners took advantage of late errors and walks to complete the comeback. Center fielder K. Dick- enson led the way at the plate, going 3-for-3 with 3 RBIs, two runs scored, a double, and a stolen base. M. Wilson, who also start- ed on the mound, added two hits and scored three runs, while first baseman J. Wilson chipped in with an RBI single, two runs, and a stolen base. Catcher J. McDaniel had a productive day with a hit, two runs scored, and two walks, and left fielder C. Adams drove in two with a sharp single. M. Haugen contributed an RBI and a stolen base, while M. McMasters added a sacrifice fly to round out the scoring. On the bases, the Yan- kees stayed aggressive, tal- lying seven stolen bases— including two from Haugen and one each from M. Wil- son, J. Wilson, McDaniel and Dickenson. However, despite the offensive fire- works, the Yankees’ bullpen couldn’t hold off a surging Mariners lineup. After Wil- son allowed four runs over two innings, reliever K. Dickenson struggled with command, walking eight and allowing eight earned runs in just over two in- nings. The Mariners, with only three hits in the game, capitalized on nine walks, several hit batters, and a string of wild pitches to mount a staggering come- back, including a five-run fifth inning to walk it off. It was a crushing loss for a Yankees squad that did nearly everything right offensively but saw their season come to an end in the most painful way—just one out shy of advancing to the Championship. Despite the outcome, the game was a testament to the Yankees’ grit and firepower, capping off a memorable and hard- fought 2025 campaign. The loss was a tough one for a Yankees squad that had shown heart, hus- tle, and grit all season long. The team has every rea- son to hold their heads high after a postseason that demonstrated their potential and resilience. Hallee Hisler, fourth from right, with other members of the OACA All-Star East Team. -Con- tributed photo -Continued from PAGE ONE but was also named Player represent HHS and her of the Game for the East High School (HHS), Hisler Team. not only competed along- “It was so much fun side some of the top talent to see her get to play with from across Eastern Oregon other Eastside players and Heppner community with class and grit. One last time in her Blue and Gold,” her mother, Stephanie Hisler, posted on Facebook. Albitre, Humphreys continue track success On Saturday, June 14, Joseph Albitre and Christo- pher Humphreys competed at the Inland Northwest Youth Championship track and field competition in Kennewick, WA, compet- ing against athletes from eastern Washington, west- ern Idaho and northern Oregon. Joseph got second in high jump and eighth in long jump for the 17-18 age division. Christopher won first in Javelin, sixth in shot put, and seventh in discus for the 17- to 18-year-old division. Both boys will compete at the regional junior Olym- pics in Spokane over the next several weeks. Christopher will also be competing next weekend Chris Humphreys (left) and Joseph Albitre (right) with their medals at the Inland Northwest Youth Championship last weekend. The two Mustang track stars are continuing a stellar season with competitive events all summer. -Contributed photo at the Nike Invitational at Hayward Field in Eugene. Youth golf clinic deemed a success Trivia Competition, Dessert, Live Auction Friday, June 20, 2025, 6:30 pm. Ione Legion Hall Ione, Oregon Fun for all ages. Tickets $15 each or $50 for a team of five to compete for prizes. Enjoy dessert while you test your knowledge of American history. Live auction to follow. Sponsored by the Morrow County Republican Party mocoreps@gmail.com Participants in the WCCC youth golf clinic June 11-13. -Contributed photo PUBLIC NOTICE Town of Lexington Burn Ban The Fire Chief of the Town of Lexington is imposing a closed season for the Town of Lexington for open burning effective Monday, June 16, 2025, until further notice. The ban includes all burning barrels and open burning. three-day event June 11-13 at Willow Creek Country Club. Two evenings of in- struction were followed by a low-pressure golf tour- nament and barbecue on Friday. The community event Organizers of the re- cent youth golf clinic and tournament in Heppner have announced it had a great turnout, with around 30 young golfers attending. Aspiring golfers ages seven through 13 were able to tee off for free in the was funded by the Morrow County Unified Recreation District and the Howard and Beth Bryant Foundation. Donald Matthews and Joe Armato headed up the event with help from the Heppner High School golf team. Local, Experienced Mortgage Specialists !"#$%&'(&)*+,$&%(*!& $!"#-&.(-"/ !"#$%&'()*"+,%&*( 012345535656 !"#$%&'()*"+,-&./$0&&& !"#$%&'()*"+,-& & 1/"#-,,&2"/&3"+/&4+'%.-/5 & '(,1-#8'"(,5 6"//"0&7"(-3&$,&& :-/7$(-(8&2'($(#'(9&& & & $;$'%$4%-5 & (--.-.&8*/"+9*"+8&& & 8-/7&"2&8*-&%"$(5 !"#$%&'()*+$%,&-$*./0$1 !"#$%&'()*+,%-+"(.#"'/&01234%&',/&(5/&3,#*6,%/&(7#"23 !"#$%&'(& 7*!8.#9"&#&.(-"/ -./*,,"(-.&+012*. 0:4301;3<5;5 Home of the Lexington Jack Rabbits! <(30*-/-&'(&8*-&=>< ?(;-,87-(8&:/"1-/8'-, >-#"(.&@-,'.-(#- A$(+2$#8+/-.&B"7-, Submit News, Advertising & Announcements Letters To The Editor Send Us Photos Start A New Subscription NMLS # 937744/508276. RATES & TERMS MAY VARY. ALL LOANS SUBJECT TO CREDIT APPROVAL Member FDIC