Clown Punchers score TKO

Timely hitting and solid defense proved a devastating combination for the Clown Punchers over the weekend, as the Colusa-based softball team knocked out all it opponents to win the 2nd Annual Tucker Mesker Memorial Classic tournament, played at Yost Park in Corning.

In Sunday's championship game, the Clown Punchers plated two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, and then retired the Dirtballers in order in the seventh to preserve a 7-6 triumph.

Nobody was able to lay a glove on the Clown Punchers, as they played their way unscathed through the winner's bracket of the double-elimination tournament.

This year's tournament featured 12 teams, including the Clown Punchers, a pair of teams from Orland, two from Chico, and squads from Mendocino County and Ukiah - which included players Tucker played with while at Mendocino College.

"It was great to see all the players and community members cone out to enjoy the event, said Heidi Mesker, Tucker's mother. "Every day is still very difficult for us, and to see all the support from family, friends and the entire community helps us to get through every day and warms our heart."

Tucker's #10 slow-pitch jersey hug on the outfield fence for the duration of the tournament, and the tournament's commemorative T-shirts featured a baseball with wings and the words "Angels in the outfield."

All the tournament's proceeds went to the Tucker Mesker Memorial Scholarship Fund.

"We hope to see this tournament continue to succeed and grow in the years to come, so the scholarship will be able to help many more in the future and keep Tucker's memory alive," Heidi said.

She added, "It would not be possible without all the support from the entire community. Local businesses and individuals sponsored teams, donated money and many raffle items, as did some of the out-of-town businesses and individuals."

Contact Craig Purcell at 824-1036 or cpurcell@tcnpress.com.