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SportsAugust 2, 1998

WICHITA, Kan. -- The McDowell Capahas made one of their quickest departures in recent years from the National Baseball Congress World Series as they lost an 8-2 decision Saturday to Orange County (Texas) in an elimination game. The loss came on the heels of a 4-1 loss to Liberal (Kan.) in Friday night's opening round...

WICHITA, Kan. -- The McDowell Capahas made one of their quickest departures in recent years from the National Baseball Congress World Series as they lost an 8-2 decision Saturday to Orange County (Texas) in an elimination game.

The loss came on the heels of a 4-1 loss to Liberal (Kan.) in Friday night's opening round.

Orange County, which lost 10-5 to the St. Joseph Saints on Friday, pushed across seven runs in the second inning and the Capahas never recovered. The game ultimately ended with one out in the bottom of the seventh via the six-run rule.

McDowell, which finished its season at 26-12, was shaky in the field once again. After committing four errors in Friday's loss, the Capahas made three errors against Orange County which led to four unearned runs.

Newcomer Kevin Vent made his first start for the Capahas and suffered the loss. He was knocked out with one out in the second inning after allowing five hits. He gave up all seven runs in the second. He struck out one batter and walked no one.

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Danny Simpher and Matt Skyles followed Vent to the mound. Simpher pitched 2 2-3 innings of two-hit relief and Skyles allowed two hits in 2 1-3 innings.

McDowell pushed across single runs in the first and fifth innings.

Stranded runners hurt the Capahas throughout the game. They left 12 runners on board to the Copperheads' three.

Orange County outhit the Capahas 9-6. Robert Kern went 3-for-3, including to doubles, to lead McDowell's offense while Lance Craft added a pair of hits.

Eight different Orange County players had hits, including two by center fielder Charlie Nichols.

Orange County's Brian Sanches relieved starter Jeff Robinson with two outs in the fifth inning and recorded the win. He allowed one hit in 2 1-3 innings, struck out two and did not walk a batter.

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