His mind told him to keep running, but Konrad Thieme's legs weren't quite up to speed.

After squatting behind home plate for the equivalent of two entire games, Thieme's body was begging for a rest.

But somehow the Sonoma State senior catcher summoned enough energy to score the game-winning run and cap a memorable marathon game as second-ranked Sonoma State beat Central Missouri 6-5 in 19 innings in the second round of the Division II College World Series in Sauget, Ill.

The game lasted 6 hours and 45 minutes. It began at 8:08 p.m. Central time Monday night and didn't finish until 2:53 a.m. Tuesday morning.

"Once it was over, it was a big relief because I was completely exhausted," Thieme said. "It was a crazy game, but pretty cool to be a part of."

Thieme, a Westlake High and Moorpark College product, is one of four locals on the Sonoma State roster along with senior David Adler (Westlake, Moorpark College), junior Colin Timmons (Ventura High, Ventura College) and freshman Kyle Jones (Thousand Oaks).

But Thieme was the only player worthy of three ice baths after remaining in full gear for the entire 19 innings.

"I lost track of time after about the 11th inning, but I was going to be there until the final out no matter what," Thieme said. "I didn't think twice about it and my coach didn't think twice about it."

Sonoma State took a 4-0 lead after four innings, but Central Missouri tied it 4-4 with three runs in the sixth and one in the eighth. It remained that way until the 18th inning when Sonoma State went ahead 5-4 only to see Central Missouri tie it again in the bottom half.

With one out in the 19th, Sonoma State senior pitcher Kevin Asselin — in the first at-bat of his college career — laid down a bunt that scored Thieme on a fielder's choice.

So how did Thieme celebrate? The only way possible at nearly 4 a.m. in Sauget, Ill.

"The first thing I did was go to Denny's and get the biggest Grand Slam breakfast I could buy," said Thieme, who was named a second-team All-American later that night. "Then, I went back to the hotel and slept."

Thieme will be back behind the plate today when Sonoma State (52-13) plays Ouachita Baptist. He realizes his body only needs to last a few more days before his college career is over and he can rest for good.

"I have plenty of juice in the tank to get through the rest of this tournament," he said. "There is nothing that could keep me from playing."