Mesquite JC Pronghorns Clinch Super Regional Berth; Tortuga Homers Twice

PRONGHORN FIELD— Four months after the home-opener slugfest christened a renovated scoreboard, Mesquite Junior College closed conference play with a 9–5 win that smelled like sunflower seeds and consequence. DH Tommy Tortuga cleared the fences twice—once to tie, once to put Western Basin CC away for good—while the pep band played the fight song like they’d been practicing since the tarp scare in February.

Starting pitcher “Fast” Frank Falcon worked six innings, fanned nine, and walked two in what Coach Otter called “a mature flirtation with the strike zone, finally reciprocated.” Catcher Wally Weasel gunned down a runner at third with a throw that made the visiting dugout clap despite themselves.

The super regional bracket sends the Pronghorns east next week. Bus reservations are handled; scouting reports are not, according to Coach Otter, “because surprises build character and also because the printer is jammed.”

If you see Tortuga taking extra cuts at dusk, don’t interrupt—postseason swings are municipal business out here.