Thumpers claim title with 23-5 win Published Sept. 11, 2009 By John E. Banks Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- In the base championship game Sept. 8, one team's streak continued while the other team's ended. The Thumpers, the small squadron champions, entered the game against the large squadron champion 552nd Maintenance Squadron riding an eight game winning streak. While their streak is alive at nine consecutive wins after the dominating 23-5 victory, the 552nd MXS six year reign as base champions is over. The Thumpers big bats were evident from the first pitch of the game. After an 11 run outburst in the first inning, they plated six runs in each of the next two innings en route to the convincing victory. Leading the way for the Thumpers was first baseman Joe Brown, who drove in six runs on four hits, highlighted by a towering two-run home run in the second inning. Right fielder Todd Clark collected two hits and four RBIs to lead his side. "We just could not muster any offensive consistency tonight," said Mark Upchurch, head coach and pitcher for the 552nd MXS. "We give our congratulations to the Thumpers on their win. Upchurch and left fielder Steve Voce were the offensive stars for the 552nd MXS. The duo combined for all five RBIs in the losing effort. "Our team played all year with one goal in mind: to capture the title," said Ralph Hawkins, Thumpers head coach. "This year we were able to get the small squadron title and the overall base title. This was a total team effort." The Thumpers finished off their season with a 21-2 record, while the 552nd MXS were 19-2.