Clinton Lumber Kings

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — A remarkable 2025 season for the Clinton LumberKings came to an end on Saturday night in the Western Conference Championship, as the Cape Catfish rallied late to secure a 3-1 win at Capaha Field.

The LumberKings held a 1-0 lead through six and a half innings behind a stellar outing from right-hander Jaqson Tejada, who delivered his best performance of the season when it mattered most. Tejada worked 6 1/3 innings, allowing just five hits and one earned run. He struck out one, walked three, and faced 24 batters while throwing 87 pitches (50 for strikes). Tejada retired 11 of 13 batters during a stretch from the 2nd to the 6th inning, showcasing command and efficiency, especially with his fastball-slider mix.

Clinton grabbed the lead in the top of the fifth when Sam Wiese lined a double into left-center — his sixth two-bagger of the summer — and later scored on a sharp RBI single up the middle by catcher Noah Thein. It was Thein's ninth RBI of the season and one of only four hits collected by the LumberKings all night.

Drew Terpins continued to swing a consistent bat in the postseason, finishing 2-for-3. However, the rest of the lineup was held in check by a rotating cast of Cape pitchers. Clinton's top four hitters went a combined 0-for-12 with one walk and one strikeout, and the team finished 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position. Despite working three walks and avoiding strikeouts in key moments, Clinton stranded six men on base.

After Tejada exited with one out in the seventh and a runner aboard, reliever Will Schufreider took over and induced a potential inning-ending bunt. Still, the Catfish executed a safety squeeze to perfection. Caleb Niehaus' bunt scored Tank Sims from third to tie the game at one.

An inning later, Cape seized momentum for good. With one on and one out, Schufreider fell behind in the count to Hayden Nazarenus, who unloaded on a 1-1 fastball and deposited it over the left-field wall for a two-run home run — his second of the postseason and the eventual game-winner.

The Catfish bullpen was dominant after a five-inning start by Kam Dohogne (5 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K). Ranard Grace, Trey O'Neil, and Walker Brodt combined to allow just two baserunners over the final four innings. O'Neil earned the win with a clean eighth, and Brodt picked up the save in the ninth — his first of the playoffs.

Despite the loss, Clinton's season was filled with milestones and momentum. The LumberKings returned to the Western Conference Final for the first time since 2021, clinched the Northwest Division title, and posted their best regular-season win percentage in five years. Their pitching staff held Cape to just one walk and struck out only one batter, but forced contact all night and didn't allow an extra-base hit outside of the Nazarenus homer. Clinton also committed zero errors defensively and turned a double play for the third straight game.

Cape advances to the Prospect League Championship, while Clinton's 2025 journey ends with heads held high.

From the Clinton LumberKings Front Office

To every fan who filled the stands, followed along on the radio, or wore the green and black with pride — thank you. Your support made this journey unforgettable.

To our players: You gave everything. From opening day through the final pitch, you represented this city, this franchise, and yourselves with class, hustle, and heart.

To our coaching staff, interns, and behind-the-scenes crew: Your long hours, dedication, and belief in this team kept everything running, game after game.

And to the City of Clinton — your energy and loyalty brought life to NelsonCorp Field all summer long. We saw record crowds, unforgettable walk-offs, and one of the best atmospheres in summer collegiate baseball.

Though the 2025 season ends here, our story is far from over. We'll be back, stronger and hungrier than ever.

Until next summer — thank you, Clinton.