CAPAHAS ELIMINATED WITH 2-0 LOSS

HUTCHINSON, Kan. -- The Craftsman Union Capahas could not get much of anything going offensively late Saturday night.

And as a result, their season is over.

The Capahas managed just four hits and failed to push across a run as they were blanked by the Nevada (Mo.) Griffons 2-0 in an elimination game of the 67th annual National Baseball Congress World Series.

Craftsman Union, which went 1-2 in the World Series as it scored just one run over its final two games, ends the year with a record of 31-9.

"I'm disappointed that we lost, but I'm not disappointed in the way we played," said Capahas manager Jess Bolen following the game against Nevada. "I thought we left it all on the field and as a coach that's all you can ask.

"We couldn't get our bats going these last two games (including a 7-1 loss to Hays, Kan., last weekend), but we lost to two outstanding ballclubs and two very good pitchers."

Nevada's Nick Parker was too much for the Capahas Saturday as he worked into the ninth inning, allowing four hits while striking out three and walking none. Rueben Kerbs got the final three outs to earn a save.

Capahas starter Brad Purcell also sparkled as he hurled five shutout innings before allowing his only run in the sixth, when he was relieved by Kyle Perry. Purcell, in 5 1/3 innings, fanned nine, walked four and allowed four hits. Perry gave up one run and four hits in 2 2/3 innings. He fanned five and walked none.

"I thought Purcell was outstanding. He really looked good," Bolen said. "And Perry threw well again."

Denver Stuckey and Kevin Meyer each had two hits to account for all of the Capahas' offense.

Of the Capahas' season, Bolen said, "I thought we had a good year. Any time you win 31 of 40 games, you have to be pleased. We had a young team, with five 19-year-olds. It's probably one of the youngest teams I've had."