Ryan Hart

Wichita, KS

The Force finally began play today in Wichita, KS for the 84th National Baseball Congress World Series. This morning C Zac Fisher represented the Force in the preliminary round of the Home Run Derby, but didn't advance with just 3 home runs. The opening round game came later in the afternoon with the Force squaring off against the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) team, full of promising but young talent. 

The Force sent out ace Ryan Losman, SCCBL pitcher of the year runner-up, and staff leader. Losman didn't have his best stuff today, but left the ball game with a 6-2 lead, throwing 6 1/3. The big help on offense came in the top of the 6th inning when 3B Jake Polcheon hit a grand slam, at the time putting the Force up by 5. 

Relief pitchers AJ Wood and newly acquired Andrew Chin got out of a 7th inning jam, and the Force held the lead until the 9th when things fell apart for CL Tanner Cable who gave up two runs and loaded the bases with nobody out. Two throws from the outfield to nail runners at the plate saved the Force in the 9th, and the game went to extra innings tied 6-6. 

Trouble kept finding the Force, and in the 12th a walk-off single by NJCAA sealed their fate. After an off day tomorrow, the Force play again Monday and hopefully can put this heart-breaker behind them.