Even though his team has already been bounced into the loser's bracket, Craftsman Union Capahas manager Jess Bolen still has hopes for a strong showing in the National Baseball Congress World Series.

The Capahas, who went 1-1 last weekend during their first two games in the double-elimination event, headed back to Kansas Friday in preparation for tonight's 10 o'clock elimination contest against the Nevada (Mo.) Griffons.

If the Capahas win tonight, they will play again at 1 p.m. Sunday. Both contests will be held in Hutchinson, a site that is being used for NBC World Series competition for the first time this year. The majority of the 48-team tournament takes place in Wichita, where the Capahas played last weekend.

"I sure hope we can still make some noise out there," said Bolen. "Any time you compete in this tournament, you'd like to finish in the top 10. If you can do that, you would feel good about the summer."

Bolen figures it will take about four more wins for the Capahas to finish in the top 10, which is definitely a tall order. But considering they recently put together a 13-game winning streak, it's certainly not out of the question.

"We won 13 in a row, so I know we can win four in a row if we play well," Bolen said. "I think we've got a decent ball club and I have guys that won't quit. That's all a coach can ask for."

The Capahas, who have a 31-8 record, stretched their winning streak to 13 last Saturday as they rode the strong pitching of Lanson Debrock to a 5-3 triumph over Piedras Negras of Mexico in their World Series opener.

But the next night, Richie Phillips was knocked out early as the powerful Hays (Kan.) Larks sent the Capahas into the loser's bracket with a 7-1 romp.

"I thought we played one good game and one mediocre game," said Bolen of the Capahas' opening weekend in the tourney. "Not to take anything from Hays. They have an outstanding ball club, but we didn't play well."

Bolen said that Brad Purcell, who saved the win over Piedras Negras and has had a strong summer, will start tonight's game. If the Capahas win, then either Debrock or Phillips will likely get the nod Sunday.

"Brad has pitched well all year and he deserves a chance to start," Bolen said. "But I have confidence in all our pitchers."

Of tonight's opponent, Bolen said, "I've seen Nevada play a lot. They've always had a good ball club so they'll be tough, no doubt about it."