Four errors lead to Capahas' ouster

Uncharacteristically shaky defense contributed to the Plaza Tire Capahas' exit from the 76th annual National Baseball Congress World Series on Friday.

The Capahas, after not committing an error during their first two World Series games, made four errors in their third contest.

The League City (Texas) Hornets took advantage by scoring four unearned runs to post a 6-1 victory in an elimination game at the 32-team event in Wichita, Kan.

Manager Jess Bolen's squad finished its 29th consecutive World Series appearance by winning one of three games. The Capahas ended the season with a 26-12 record.

"We'd had six straight games without an error. We made up for it in this game," Bolen said. "Actually all four errors were on easy plays. It was just one of those things."

Capahas batter Blake Gaddis connects with a ball during Friday's game at the NBC World Series in Wichita, Kan. (WAYNE McPHERSON ~ Special to the Southeast Missourian)

The Capahas carried a 1-0 lead into the bottom of the seventh inning before the Hornets scored three runs in both the seventh and eighth.

"We just helped them out too much," Bolen said. "You can't give a good team those extra outs."

In addition to the suspect defense, League City pitcher Cody Spriggons also had plenty to do with the Capahas' downfall. He went all nine innings, allowing five hits while striking out four and walking three.

"We hit quite a few balls hard, but he did a good job," Bolen said.

Dustin Hunter was strong for the Capahas despite taking the loss. He carried a two-hit shutout into the seventh inning and wound up allowing three runs, one earned. He gave up four hits, struck out eight and walked three in 6 2/3 innings.

Jacob Wente was charged with three runs, one earned, on one hit in one-third of an inning.

Ivan Nails finished up with a hitless frame.

The Capahas scored their only run in the fourth inning. Drew Pixley singled with one out, stole second and came around on an RBI single by Michael Troth.

Things began to turn sour for the Capahas in the seventh inning as League City took the lead for good.

A hit batter to start the frame was followed by a sacrifice. With two outs, a single tied the contest. An error plated the go-ahead run and a double made it 3-1. The last two runs were unearned.

"The run they got to tie it, that's all they should have had," Bolen said.

The Hornets broke open the contest with their three-run eighth inning on just one hit. The final two runs in that frame also were unearned thanks to an error.

After enduring temperatures of well above 100 degrees along with high humidity for their first two tournament games, Wichita cooled off as Friday's temperatures were only in the 80s.

Daryl Graham, who had to be hospitalized due to dehydration following Wednesday's contest, was back on the field Friday.

"Daryl really wanted to play but I made sure it was his father's call on that," Bolen said. "Daryl didn't have any trouble at all."

Of the season as a whole, Bolen said: "It was a good year, but it goes by in a hurry."

Bolen, who has led the Capahas to a 1,384-372 mark in 44 seasons as their manager, was asked if he expects to return for his 45th campaign next year.

"As long as I feel OK," he said.