Capahas have morning matchup with Liberal team

~ Plaza Tire has matched its best tournament showing since 2002 with two victories.

The Plaza Tire Capahas will shoot for their third straight win at the National Baseball Congress World Series today when they play the Liberal (Kan.) BeeJays at 8 a.m.

After opening the 42-team, double-elimination event in Wichita, Kan., with a loss last Saturday, the Capahas have bounced back with two consecutive losers bracket victories, including Friday's 8-5 triumph over Rock City, N.C.

The BeeJays are 1-1 in the tournament, beating Beatrice, Neb., 6-5 and losing 4-1 Saturday to Crestwood, Ill.

"Liberal is always one of the better teams out here and I know we'll have our hands full," Plaza Tire manager Jess Bolen said. "But we're playing pretty good ball and if we get good pitching we'll have a chance."

Anthony Maupin will start today for the Capahas, who need a win to remain alive in the tournament.

Griffons suffer first loss

The Nevada (Mo.) Griffons, featuring Notre Dame High School graduate Matt Wulfers, suffered their first loss at the event, falling to the Derby (Kan.) Twins 9-6 Saturday in a winners bracket quarterfinal.

Wulfers, who is transferring to Southeast Missouri State from the University of Missouri, went 2-for-5 for the Griffons, who had won their first three tournament games.

Another Southeast transfer from the Big 12 Conference, former Nebraska player Matt Wagner, went 2-for-4 with a double for the Griffons.

Nevada plays an elimination game Tuesday.