Capahas aim for elusive third tournament win

WICHITA, Kan. -- Just two weeks ago the Craftsman Union Capahas' 17th consecutive trip to the National Baseball Congress World Series hung precariously in the balance.

As far as the tournament was concerned, the Capahas looked to be stranded in the on-deck circle when they were dethroned by Springfield, Mo., as the Mid-South Regional champion, missing out on the automatic berth. But they found their way to the plate thanks to an unexpected at-large berth, the by-product of a qualifier unable to finance its trip.

Today, the Capahas have a chance to do something the previous 16 Capahas teams failed to achieve. A victory over the hometown favorite Wichita (Kan.) Braves in today's 5 p.m. game will give the Capahas a 3-0 record, something they've never attained in Wichita.

The Capahas, who have never finished higher than fourth, won their first two games as recently as 2000, but saw that run end with losses in the next two games.

"Nobody's ever done it on our team," Capahas manager Jess Bolen said. "It'd be nice. You're already getting in serious contention when you win that third one."

The Capahas have reached the round of 16 in the winner's bracket after seeing their previously struggling bats erupt in a 10-2 opening win over the Austin (Texas) Gold Sox and an 8-6 win over the Elkhart (Kan.) Dusters, seeded fourth among the 48 teams. After collecting just 24 hits in four regional tournament games, the Capahas have banged out 30 in two NBC World Series games.

Seven different Capahas have multiple-hit games in Wichita, including Bolen's son, right-fielder Tom Bolen.

"It's not too much of a surprise," Tom Bolen said. "As much talent as we've got on this team up and down the lineup, it's just a matter of everybody hitting all cylinders. Nobody wanted to end the season like we did against Springfield. We were hoping to get a chance to come out here and do a little damage. We have nothing to lose and everything in the world to gain."

Former Notre Dame standout Josh Eftink, making his second World Series appearance, provided the Capahas' biggest hit thus far, uncorking a game-winning three-run home run against Elkhart.

"That goes right up there with some of the top ones," said Eftink, who blasted two home runs at the state final four while playing for Notre Dame. "We're on a high right now. We're just ready to play our next game."

Pitching appears to be a strength for Wichita, which features former Kansas City Royals reliever Jeff Montgomery and another former big-league hurler, Jim Bluma.

After watching veteran Richie Phillips start and win the first two games, Bolen will put Jason Chavez up against Wichita in front of a partisan crowd.

"He's only 19 and it's going be scary when we start the game because we don't know how he's going to react," Bolen said. "I think the key to Jason is the first inning, if he can have a decent first inning, I think he can do fine. I've got confidence in him."

Today's winner will play again on Thursday, possibly against top-seeded Fairbanks (Alaska) Goldpanners. The loser will play an elimination game Wednesday.

jbreer@semissourian.com

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