Spirits capture Suburban Division Championship in dramatic doubleheader sweep | By Craig Larsen

Menomonee Falls — The West Bend Spirits have seen plenty of dramatic moments over the years, but Sunday’s doubleheader sweep at Trenary Field will be remembered as one of the franchise’s finest hours.

First, the Spirits staged a heart-stopping comeback from a 4-3 deficit to win 5-4 in 10 innings, completing a suspended game that began nine days earlier. Then, barely catching their breath, they dominated the championship game 6-3 to capture the Land O’ Lakes Suburban Division title and earn the coveted double bye into the playoffs.

The championship puts West Bend just three wins away from a Grand Championship and caps a remarkable season of growth for a young team that entered the year with modest expectations.

“I’m still trying to find the words to describe this,” said Spirits manager Willie Mueller, trying to reflect before getting ready for game two. “To be down to our last out, then get to extra innings and win with a walk-off hit, then turn around and control the next game to win a division championship — these kids showed incredible character when it mattered most.”

The drama began with the completion of a contest that started July 11 at Carl M. Kuss Memorial Field before lightning and torrential rain forced a suspension in the sixth inning. When play resumed Sunday morning, the Spirits found themselves trailing 4-3 heading into the bottom of the ninth.

With their season hanging in the balance, the Spirits rallied. Colyn Lessila led off the inning with a single, and after two outs put West Bend down to their final strike, the heart of the order delivered in clutch fashion.

Adam Lukas singled to put runners on the corners, setting the stage for first baseman Camden Hoier, who lined a single to left-center that scored Lessila and sent the game to extra innings tied 4-4.

In the 10th, with runners on second and third and two outs, veteran center fielder Brandon Niedfeldt worked the count to 1-1 before delivering the game-winner — a line drive to left-center that scored Nathan Crick and sent the West Bend faithful into delirium.

“Brandon’s our veteran, our clutch guy,” Mueller said. “When you need a big hit, he’s the guy you want at the plate. He’s come through for us all season long.”

Hoier was spectacular in the opener, finishing 3-for-5 with three RBIs, including a two-run double in the third inning that had earlier tied the game 3-3. Right-hander Easton Oliver started for the Spirits, but it was flame-throwing Adam Lukas who closed out the victory, earning the win with his dominant relief work.

“Easton keeps finding ways to get better,” Mueller said. “In a pressure situation like this, he has that mentality — just give me the ball and I’ll get outs.”

If the opener was about heart and resilience, Game 2 showcased the Spirits’ balanced attack and championship composure.

After falling behind 2-1 in the first inning, West Bend exploded for three runs in the second to seize control. The rally began when Ross Olsen and Lessila were both hit by pitches from Lakers starter Tyler Danko. Quinn Zills followed with a single, and Niedfeldt executed a perfect bunt single to load the bases.

Another hit batter tied the game, and a wild pitch and error later, the Spirits led 4-2 and controlled their championship destiny.

Right-hander Gavin Hinckley was masterful on the mound, allowing just two runs on four hits over seven innings while striking out five. The veteran ace showed exceptional poise in the sixth, stranding runners at second and third when Menomonee Falls threatened. Back in came the flame-throwing Adam Lukas came on to close out the championship, earning the save to complete his perfect day on the mound.

“Having a guy like Adam to hand the ball to in big situations is invaluable,” Mueller said of his closer, who spent time in the Kansas City Royals organization. “He’s a former professional who understands situations. He doesn’t get too up or too down — he just executes.”

“Gavin was outstanding,” Mueller said. “If you want to get to him, it better be early because when he finds his groove, he’s as tough a pitcher as there is. He’s special, and I’m glad he’s on our side.”

The Spirits added insurance runs in the seventh and eighth innings, with Hoier driving home Lukas to make it 5-2, then Lukas delivering a booming RBI double off the right-field fence to push the lead to 6-2.

Hoier led the championship game with three hits and three RBIs, while Zills also collected three hits in a balanced 14-hit attack that saw five different players drive in runs.

“When you get production from one through nine in the lineup, you’re going to be tough to beat,” Mueller said. “Camden and Quinn really set the tone, but everybody contributed.”

The division championship and double bye represent the culmination of a remarkable season for West Bend. The playoff positioning means the Spirits won’t take the field again until the division finals, at Carl M. Kuss Memorial Field, giving them crucial rest while other teams battle through early rounds.

“Getting that double bye is huge,” Mueller said. “It means we get to watch everyone else while we prepare for what we hope will be a championship run.”

For a community accustomed to quality baseball, Sunday’s doubleheader provided validation that something special is brewing in West Bend. From the lightning-delayed heroics of Game 1 to the commanding performance in Game 2, the Spirits showed they have the mettle to perform when championships are on the line.

“Games like this are why we love baseball,” Mueller reflected after the celebration. “Now we get to rest up and see if we can finish what we started.”

The Spirits will await the outcome of early playoff rounds before returning to action, knowing they’re just three victories away from bringing home a Grand Championship to West Bend.

Box Score

Menomonee Falls Lakers 4, West Bend Spirits 5 – GAME ONE

Game Info:

• Date: Friday, July 11, 2025 – Suspended, Top 6 – Resumed Sunday, July 20, 2025

• Location: Carl M. Kuss Memorial Field, West Bend, Wisconsin, then Trenary Field, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

• Weather: Hot – 89 degrees, Partly Sunny – 75 degrees

• Records: Menomonee Falls Lakers (10-3), West Bend Spirits (12-6)

Line Score

WP: Adam Lukas (4-0) LP: Nick Erd (0-1)

Menomonee Falls Lakers

• 2B: Keli Grennier

• HR: Adam Bigus

• HBP: Luke Wroblewski

• SF: Luke Wroblewski

• SB: Danny Cain, Adam Bigus, Keli Grennier

• E: Tyler Gall, Colin Indermuehle

• HBP: Grant Schultz 2

• Pitches-Strikes: Tyler Gall 70-35, AJ Hamilton 13-11, Grant Schultz 62-39, Nick Erd 6-6

• Batters Faced: Tyler Gall 19, AJ Hamilton 4, Grant Schultz 19, Nick Erd 3

West Bend Spirits

• 2B: Camden Hoier

• HBP: Quinn Zills, Nathan Crick

• SB: Ross Olson

• E: Ross Olsen, Camden Hoier, Drake Grod 3, Colyn Lessila

• HBP: Easton Oliver

• Pitches-Strikes: Easton Oliver 135-85, Adam Lukas 14-7

• Batters Faced: Easton Oliver 41, Adam Lukas 3

Box Score

West Bend Spirits 6, Menomonee Falls Lakers 3 – GAME TWO

Game Info:

• Date: Sunday, July 20, 2025

• Location: Trenary Field, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

• Weather: Partly Sunny – 75 degrees

• Records: Menomonee Falls Lakers (10-4), West Bend Spirits (13-6)

Line Score

WP: Gavin Hinckley (4-0) LP: Tyler Danko (2-2)

West Bend Spirits

• 2B: Adam Lukas, Camden Hoier

• HBP: Ross Olson, Adam Lukas, Colyn Lessila

• HBP: Gavin Hinckley

• Pitches-Strikes: Gavin Hinckley 114-72, AJ Lausten 26-12, Adam Lukas 14-7

• Batters Faced: Gavin Hinckley 29, AJ Lausten 6, Adam Lukas 3

Menomonee Falls Lakers

• 2B: Danny Cain, Adam Bigus

• HBP: Keli Grennier

• SF: Danny Cain

• SB: Danny Cain, Grant Schultz, Luke Wroblewski 2, Keli Grennier 2

• E: Adam Bigus, Colin Indermuehle 2

• WP: Tyler Danko

• HBP: Tyler Danko 3

• Pitches-Strikes: Tyler Danko 77-52, Gavin Vrana 80-60

• Batters Faced: Tyler Danko 20, Gavin Vrana 25