The steam finally ran out of Bellevue’s baseball machine, as the Wolverines lost 3-2 to Liberty in the first round of the KingCo 3A tournament on May 6, ending Bellevue’s season.

After winning seven of its last eight games, including a 5-4 win against the Patriots on May 1, and coping with the death of centerfielder Taylor Anderson’s older brother, the emotionally spent Wolverines couldn’t rally again after Liberty (11-8, 10-7 KingCo 3A) scored in the top of the eighth inning.

Brandon Jeffers pitched a strong game for the Patriots at Bannerwood Park at Bellevue, his only mistake a two-run home run by Anderson in the third inning that put Bellevue up 2-0.

But Jeffers settled down and Troy Colyer knocked in two runs for the Patriots. Hardy Mowe pitched the eighth inning in relief, taking the loss after Liberty was able to score.

Bellevue (11-9, 10-7) began the season 3-6 before the mid-season run helped them finish in a tie for third place in the conference.