One of the biggest cliches in the sports handbook is 'They've got nothing to be ashamed of.'

In this case it's absolutely true.

The Tri-City Dust Devils came out on the losing end of Game 3 in the Northwest League championship series, a game that decided it all. Vancouver peaked at the right time, beat Eugene twice at PK Park and then stole one at Gesa Stadium to open the championship series.

Hey, when you're hot, you're hot. And everybody I talked to in the post-game interview gave full credit to the Canadians for a truly exciting series and an appropriate finish for them.

The Dust Devils struck out 14 times in their final game. A bad time to leave the bats on the bus, but it happens, especially against a pitcher — Jesse Hernandez — throwing the game of his life.

The Tri-City pitching staff, which was outstanding all year, showed a few wrinkles Sunday, but they'll be back. Sadly, for the fans, it won't be with the Dust Devils. But when I talked to Tyler Gagnon today, he said it will be difficult to forget the feeling he had today.

He also said he wants to remember it for motivation. I can't tell you how many champions are driven by the memory of a horrible and crushing loss. Hopefully all the 2011 Dust Devils will get a chance to erase this memory.

But I also hope they'll remember how much fun this season was.

And how much fun it was to watch them.