Capahas drop NBC World Series opener

The Plaza Tire Capahas got off to a fast start but could not sustain it during their opening game at the 76th annual National Baseball Congress World Series.

Facing the perennially strong Seattle Studs on a sizzling Tuesday in Wichita, Kan., the Capahas grabbed an early lead on Josh Eftink's two-run homer in the fourth inning.

But after that it was all Seattle as the Studs romped 8-2 to remain in the winners bracket of the 32-team, double-elimination tournament.

The Studs improved to 37-4. Last year they went 43-8 and finished ninth at the World Series.

"They've got a very good ballclub," said Capahas manager Jess Bolen, whose squad is making its 29th consecutive World Series appearance.

The Capahas' Josh Eftink is gretted at home plate by teammates after belting a two-run home run during the fourth inning.

The Capahas, who had a five-game winning streak snapped, fell to 25-11. They'll play the Columbia (Texas) Angels at 10:30 a.m. today in an elimination game. A win would send the Capahas into another elimination contest Friday.

"It's always tough when you lose that first one," said Bolen, whose squad was outhit by the Studs 13-3.

With the game-time temperature recorded at 108 degrees, Capahas ace Anthony Maupin was impressive through three innings, allowing one hit.

The Capahas staked Maupin to a 2-0 lead in the top of the fourth inning when Daryl Graham drew a one-out walk and Eftink belted a two-out homer.

"Josh hit a bomb," Bolen said.

Capahas starter Anthony Maupin delivers a pitch to a Seattle Studs batter during a first-round game Tuesday at the NBC World Series in Wichita, Kan. (WAYNE MCPHERSON ~ Special to the Southeast Missourian)

But things began to unravel for Maupin in the bottom of the fourth as the Studs came up with their first of two four-run outbursts.

Two singles and a walk loaded the bases with nobody out. Kevin Corrigan cleared the bags with a double that put Seattle up 3-2. After a single, another run scored on a double play.

"That double kind of got them going," Bolen said.

The Studs put the Capahas in a huge hole with a four-run sixth inning that featured six hits as Maupin was removed before recording an out.

After a leadoff single, Mark Rockey drilled a two-run homer. The Studs followed with a double, a triple and a double, making it 8-2.

Maupin allowed all eight runs and 10 hits in five-plus innings. He struck out two and walked one.

"Anthony pitched well, better than the score," Bolen said. "A few ground balls just hit the right spots. ... It's 108 degrees out there, it's too much to expect a guy to go eight innings."

Kirk Boeller had a strong relief performance, allowing three hits in three scoreless innings. He struck out two and walked none.

"Kirk did a really good job," Bolen said.

The Capahas struggled offensively, but Bolen said all credit should go to the Studs' pitchers.

In addition to Eftink's home run, Kody Campbell doubled in the second inning and Sean Bard singled in the sixth inning. The Capahas stranded just two runners.

David Benson pitched the first six innings for the victory. He allowed two runs and three hits while striking out three and walking two.

"He was bringing it pretty good. He pitched at about 88 to 90 [miles per hour] and one pitch hit 94," Bolen said. "We just didn't the ball, but I have to credit their pitcher."

Taylor Thompson finished up with three perfect innings. He struck out three.

"The second guy was a submariner and one time through the batting order that's really tough," Bolen said.

Of the Studs' 13 hits, five went for extra bases. They had a homer, a triple and three doubles.

Corrigan, Dan Ward and Luke Heatherington all had three hits for the Studs. Corrigan doubled twice.

The Capahas were defeated soundly despite turning five double plays.

"Usually when you do that you're better off in the score," Bolen said.

Bolen said Brad LaBruyere will start on the mound today as the Capahas try to avoid their second consecutive 0-2 showing at the World Series.

Today's opponent, the Columbia (Texas) Angels, lost their opening tournament game 13-6 to the San Diego Stars.