They're back: Warriors walk off in extra innings to punch ticket to World Series

Jackson Jaha lead off the inning with a dive on an infield to beat out the throw to first, and from there, the Warriors small-balled their way to a game-tying Jackson Reed double that set up Westerlund's big moment.

One year later

What a difference a year makes.

This time last year, Westerlund, Johnson, Cloud and the Lewis-Clark State baseball team's season was over on their home field when the Warriors were on the wrong side of Wayland Baptist's 7-6 walk-off win to end the Warriors' season — one day after the World Series-bound Hope International Royals mercy ruled them 12-1.

This year, the top-seeded and No. 4-nationally ranked Warriors held the game in their own hands, finding themselves on the winning side of both a mercy rule involving Hope International with a 10-0 seven-inning victory on Tuesday and Wednesday's walk-off.

Westerlund spent three games behind the plate for Lewis-Clark State in 2025. One year later he started three Opening Round games.

Johnson recorded one at-bat last year; one year later, he's mashing in the cleanup hole for LCSC and scoring the winning run to send his team to the World Series.

After 3 1/3 quality innings from starting pitcher Landon Webb, who the Warriors had on a short pitch count because of a late-season injury issue, they handed the ball to Cloud, who delivered.

And Cloud, leaving his otherwise standout 2025 season with a bad taste in his mouth after pitching below his standards in what ended up being the last game of the year, returned to the mound with a vengeance this season and tossed 5 1/3 authoritative frames to keep the Warriors locked in a 1-1 game.

"To be able to get my get-back, especially on the team that beat us, what 12-1 last year, whatever it was, like, that's pretty sweet and to beat them twice," Cloud said. "And they're a good team ... been in the World Series a lot, so it's big for the team (and) morale, especially."

One week

Robbins, a long advocate for LCSC losing its automatic World Series bid in favor of the present system in which the Warriors must play their way in, has been there before where the World Series is concerned.

The LC State Hall of Famer has three national championships and top-three finishes in each of his six years as coach on his resume.

But this year provides a new experience. After the thrill of the conference tournament and Opening Round, Robbins has just one week to ready his team for the World Series.

Westerlund borrowed a phrase from the late Kobe Bryant.

"Job's not finished," Westerlund said. "Still got work to do."

HIU 000 100 000 1—2 6 1

LC State 100 000 000 2—3 10 1

W — Estrada; L — Lopez.

Lopez and Nolasco; Webb, Cloud (4), Estrada (10) and Westerlund.

Hope International hits — Lane 2 (2B), Nolasco (2B), Moran, Cotto, Allen.

Lewis-Clark State hits — Jaha 3 (2B), Reed 2 (2B), Madariaga, Johnson, Prescott, Westerlund.

Taylor can be reached at 208-848-2260, staylor@lmtribune.com, or on X or Instagram @Sam_C_Taylor.