Weatherford earns first World Series berth

For the first time in school history, Weatherford College will play for a national championship in baseball. 

The Coyotes (50-9) outlasted New Mexico Junior College 15-13 to win the Region V Tournament championship on Tuesday at Roger Williams Ballpark. WC earned a berth in the 10-team NJCAA Division I World Series, known as the JUCO World Series, in Grand Junction, Colorado, happening May 27 to June 3. 

Weatherford is ranked No. 5 in the country; New Mexico is No. 9. It was WC's 18th consecutive win. 

When the game began Monday night, Weatherford built a 10-1 lead by the bottom of the fourth inning. But New Mexico had a six-run outburst in the fifth and sixth innings. 

WC had a 12-8 lead in the bottom of the seventh when the game was delayed due to lightning in the area. The contest was postponed until Tuesday afternoon. 

Weatherford quickly tacked on three runs when play resumed, giving the Coyotes a 15-8 lead. 

But New Mexico wasn't done. The Thunderbirds put five more runs on the board in the top of the ninth inning. The Coyotes got the final out and the celebration ensued for the team's first regional title. 

Robin Villeneuve continued to produce at the plate, going 3-for-3 with three doubles, three RBI and three runs scored. Jack Clark was 2-for-3 with two runs. Jack Arthur and Josh Zapata each hit home runs. 

Charlie Giese got the hard-earned win on the mound, scattering nine hits over five and two-thirds innings Monday. Giese gave up five earned runs and two walks while striking out four. 

The NJCAA will release seedings and a bracket for the tournament. Watch wcathletics.com and WC's athletics social media feeds for updated information on the tournament.