MU 6, WKU 11

Kyle Mach got yet another clutch hit in the 9th inning of the final game, and was replaced by a pinch runner, his brother Conner, in a move overflowing with symbolism, a passing of the torch. And just a few minutes later, despite a last-minute rally by the Tigers, the 2009 season ends, and the 2010 season awaits us all.

Congratulations to the Tim Jamieson and the Tigers for an incredible season, battling back from adversity to achieve far more than most expected after that disastrous season-opening road trip:

■ 3rd place in the Big 12 Conference

■ Reached the championship game of the Big 12 Tournament

■ 7th straight NCAA Regional appearance

■ At least 6 players likely to be drafted in the Major League Draft next week

Coming up in the next 2-3 weeks at SimmonsField.com:

■ You Make the Call poll: Player of the Year, Pitcher of the Year, Newcomer of the Year

■ Our annual "Tip of the Cap" Awards, taking a look back at the 2009 season

■ The 2009 Major League Amateur Draft is coming up, June 9-10. We'll be tracking which Tigers are drafted and which ones sign.

■ Continuing coverage of MU alums in the Minors and Majors throughout the Summer.

Thanks for all the support and "thank you's" during the season. As always, it was a good time to be a Tiger fan.

"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do, I stare out the window and wait for spring." - Rogers Hornsby