Rain extends Capahas' home winning streak into 2014 season

The Plaza Tire Capahas will carry their long home winning streak into next season.

That came courtesy of not another victory at Capaha Field but by way of a rainout.

Tuesday night's final scheduled regular-season game against the Fairview Heights (Ill.) Redbirds was washed out before it got started.

The teams were warming up in anticipation of the scheduled 7:30 p.m. start when steady rain began falling just after 7 p.m.

Lightning accompanied the shower and it wasn't long before heavy rain began to fall, rendering the infield a quagmire.

Weather radar in the press box at Capaha Field forecasts a rainout Tuesday night, July 23, 2013 for the Plaza Tire Capahas. Their game with the Fairview Heights, Ill. baseball team did not start. (Fred Lynch)

"It's a shame because we really needed this game," said Capahas manager Jess Bolen of what was to be a final tuneup before the National Baseball Congress World Series. "But there's nothing you can do about the weather."

Plaza Tire finished the regular season with a 28-3 record.

The Capahas have won 45 consecutive home games, a streak spanning parts of three years. Plaza Tire's last loss at Capaha Field came on June 11, 2011.

Now the Capahas will set their sights on their 32nd straight appearance at the NBC World Series in Wichita, Kan.

The Capahas begin play in the 79th annual 32-team, double-elimination event at 7 p.m. Saturday against the Kansas Alumni. Win or lose, Plaza Tire will play again Sunday.

"We're looking forward to it," Bolen said. "It's always such a good tournament and maybe we can do something out there this year."

The Capahas have experienced plenty of success in Wichita over the years, but not recently. They are 2-8 in their last four NBC World Series appearances, including a 1-2 showing last summer.

"You just never know what's going to happen from year to year," Bolen said. "But we've had such a good year so far. We've played really well, and hopefully we can play well out there."