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It took 10 innings of a back and forth game for Hauser to finally pull away from North Decatur. My stat sheet was filled with notes. There were a total of 25 strike outs, 18 walks or hit batters, several errors, passed balls, and wild pitches. At the same time there were many base hits, several steals, some outstanding plays, and young men showing great character throughout the game, even with several close calls.

Mike Asher, who has covered sports for “HSJ Online” for many years unexpectedly made it to the game due to a schedule change and said, “I was hopeful this would not be such a tight game, that I would be able to relax. Well, I should have known better based on what happened between the two teams during their two conference games earlier in the season. It was one of the craziest games I have ever seen, and I have watched a lot of baseball.”

From the very first inning, you got the feeling it would be an interesting game. Hauser scored once and North Decatur scored twice. In the third inning, the Jets scored once and the Chargers scored once making the score 2-3. Hauser then scored three times in the fifth taking a lead of 5-3, but North Decatur, like Trinity Lutheran in the sectional, scored two times in the seventh tying the game 5-5.

HA-HA, US-US, ER-ER, Hauser, Hauser, Hauser could be heard coming from the stands with all of the Jet fans hoping their team could find a way to come through in the smothering heat and tension. But unlike the sectional, it seemed the Chargers were going to pull out the victory in the eighth and then the ninth; however, the Jets came up with some key plays, what you would expect from a very experienced team.

In the eighth, North Decatur left the bases loaded due to three walks, one intentional. Fortunately for Hauser, a runner over slid third on a steal attempt and was alertly tagged out. Then, there was a bunt. Our catcher threw the ball to second hoping for a force out, but the runner was called safe. The second out came via a much needed strike out. Finally there was a ground ball to our pitcher who calmly threw the ball to first.

In the ninth, North Decatur's first hitter got on first base by an error. There was a strike out. Then, a line drive hit found its way beyond our outfielder in the deepest part of the field, center field. The Charger base runner was waved home. Two perfect relay throws, and our catcher lunged and put the tag on the sliding runner. With all fans holding their breath, the umpire hesitated making the call to make sure the ball stayed in the catcher's mitt and called the runner out. It was a play practiced time after time by the Jets, and fortunately all that practice came to fruition. As Mike Asher said in recalling similar quotes from baseball figures and pop culture icons: “Baseball is often determined by inches.”

That play allowed Hauser to have their best inning and consequently win the hard-fought battle. In the top of the tenth, the Jets scored eight runs in a variety of ways, most with two outs. The Chargers seemed to be on their way to a good inning too until there was a strike out and then a nifty play by our third baseman taking a ground ball, tagging third, and throwing perfectly to first for a double play ending the game.

As in the sectional, Hauser players started the celebration, a bit more slowly likely due to exhaustion. Coach Flack stated, “The cooler of water dumped on me was much needed and refreshing considering the length of the game, all the decision making, and the heat.”

Family and friends soon joined them on the immaculate artificial turf of the infield and realized the turf heats up more than dirt and grass played on at most high school diamonds. Many pictures were taken.

The Jets, 19-4, now advance to the semi-state on Saturday, June 13 at Mitchell where they will play North Daviess, 15-14, in the first game at 11. Northwest Dubois, the highest ranked team among the four, will play Greenwood Christian Academy in the second game.

As Shel Silverstein stated, “Anything can happen; anything can be.” This Jet team has found a way to advance twice in state play. Let's hope for a third time.

The Jet Nation needs to show up once again. I think it is particularly important for future Jet baseball players in the Hope Summer Playground Program be there to witness what hard work and great attitudes can eventually achieve. They could proudly wear their uniforms in support. I know Glen Keller, Tom Miller, Jim Jesse, Tony Garrison, Rick Land, John Baute, and others, who were very involved in starting such a wonderful program on the grounds of Flat Rock-Hawcreek School Corporation in the early 90s, would strongly agree.

Jennings County Notes: I grew up on a farm close to Lovett, 15 minutes away from Jennings County High School. The home plate umpire and good friend, Steve Corya, grew up in the same area, and we played on the same church team, Commiskey Baptist, that won the Church State Championship. I played many games at Capital Field in North Vernon City Park that no longer exists other than in the minds and hearts of all who played there, including Jerry Cox, a friend and devoted Hauser fan.