WAYNE, Neb. — As the SMSU team buses were headed to Wayne, Neb., late Wednesday afternoon, Brandon Wilhelmi took time to reflect on the final chapter of his career pitching with the Mustangs.

Recruited as a catcher, the senior now has the role as the closer, getting a save to preserve a SMSU baseball victory.

This year, he’s 4-0 with four saves. His earned-run-average has dropped steadily to 2.70.

In 26.2 innings, he’s allowed 24 hits and nine runs (eight earned) with eight walks and 22 strikeouts.

He didn’t play much as a freshmen, and then he was converted into a pitcher as a sophomore. He had done both at Springfield High School.

“It pretty much came down to getting on the field,” Wilhelmi said.

The right-hander had a flashback to his sophomore season.

“It was in the (batting) cage during winter ball (in the P.E. Gym),” Wilhelmi said.

That’s when the unforeseen happened.