Way to go, Bulldogs

Baker High School’s baseball team climbed higher this year than ever before on the state playoff mountain.

The Bulldogs were turned back just below the summit.

Two measly runs short.

Baker lost 8-6 to Astoria in the Class 4A state championship game on Saturday in Keizer.

It was the first time the Bulldogs had advanced to the final game.

A disappointing end, to be sure. But of course every 4A team in Oregon save Astoria concluded their season with a loss.

Baker’s players and coaches ought to feel a sense of great accomplishment, though, even though we’re sure they weren’t satisfied with bringing the runner-up trophy back home.

The Bulldogs showed in the championship game the same dogged determination that got them to Keizer.

After falling behind 7-0 in the first two innings, Baker regained its composure and scored six runs in a row.

A lot of teams, we suspect, might have lost heart after such a terrible start.

The Bulldogs, to their credit, did the opposite, and their grit almost earned them a state championship.

They did earn one thing, though.

Our respect.