Home runs are always exciting to see.  Same goes for winning on the final at-bat of the game.  But a walk-off home run?  In the playoffs?  Drama at its finest.  Everyone remembers Kirby Puckett's game six walk off homer in '91, or Joe Carters World Series winner in '93.  Granted it was on smaller stage, but Shawn Schoenberg's three run homer in the bottom of the ninth against Meire Grove on Sunday was just as epic, and it punched Spring Hill's ticket to the Region 15C tournament.  There's been some memorable round trippers in Spring Hill history. Chris Spanier's shot against Elrosa to complete an amazing comeback, Jeff Schoenberg's monumental batting practice home run a few weeks back.  Moments like that people just don't forget.  But most agree this one tops them all, and the Chargers move on with a 3-0 victory.

Somewhat lost in the exciting finish was the gritty performance of Aaron Welle on the mound.  Battling scorching heat and humidity, Welle tossed a complete game gem, striking out five and walking just one in the process.  The Grovers had a few chances, but one in particular that stung them.  In the fifth, Jaron Klaphake stood on third with just one out.  The Grovers went for the suicide squeeze bunt with Eric Marthaler up to plate, but the Chargers pulled a timely pitch-out to thwart the rally.   Welle  held the Grovers in check the rest of the game, and earned quite possibly the most legendary complete game pitching performance by a Welle since uncle Beaver once went all nine innings...while allowing just 18 runs.  Can't remember the last time I've the used the words "legendary" and "beaver" in the same sentence....I promise it won't happen again.  

The win gave the Chargers a date with Elrosa on Sunday for a seeding game.  The home team hung close until the sixth inning, but the Saints blew it open later on, eventually winning 11-1.  Shawn Schoenberg and Brent Terres collected two hits apiece, and Eric Schoenberg and Chris Spanier both tossed for the Chargers.  It was the first hit of Brent's Charger career, and he was rewarded at A-Rods after the game.  Just another you-had-to-be-there baseball moment.  The win gave the Saints sole possession of the keg heading into Regions, and they also drafted both Joe Stangler and Matt Imdieke.  Spring Hill brought in Silverstreak teamates Jimmy Thull and Chad Funk.

So it's off to Regions.  The Chargers head back to Greenwald, where this past weekend they made Barley Days their own personal celebration party.  Spring Hill kicks off the weekend party with a date against Corn Belt champ Norway Lake-Sunburg at 10:30 on Saturday morning.  Anything can happen this time of year; buckle up and enjoy the ride.

(AP Sartell)