Rebels send Caps packing with loss in elimination play

Southeast Missourian

WICHITA, Kan. -- The Plaza Tire Capahas' bats were silent for the second day in a row Friday as they were eliminated from the National Baseball Congress World Series.

The Newton (Kan.) Rebels blanked the Capahas 3-0 as Plaza Tire had only four hits.

It was the Capahas' second consecutive loss in the double-elimination event, coming on the heels of Thursday's 6-2 setback to the Mat-Su Miners of Alaska as Plaza Tire managed just five hits. The Capahas finish the season with a 30-12 record.

"It was a good game, but we just didn't hit the ball the last two games," Capahas manager Jess Bolen said. "Their kid pitched a good ballgame, you have to give him credit. We had some chances but we just didn't get the big hit."

Newton's Matt Ehmke pitched all nine innings, striking out six and walking three.

Capahas' starter Jason Chavez was also impressive in going the distance. He gave up 12 hits, struck out 10 and did not issue a walk.

"Chavez pitched a good ballgame," Bolen said. "If he had a little help, it could have been totally different."

Wade Walter had two of the Capahas' four hits, which were all singles. Robby Moore and Tom Bolen added hits.

The Rebels jumped ahead with a run in the top of the first inning and that was all they would need. They added single runs in the third and seventh.

Of the Capahas' season in general, Jess Bolen said. "Everybody's always disappointed the last game you lose, but you have to look at all the games, the whole season. We would have liked to have done better out here, but when you win 30 out of 42 games, it's been a good year."