The Liberal Bee Jays weren’t sharp in their NBC World Series opener Thursday night at Eck Stadium in Wichita. Liberal committed three errors, walked six, and hit three in a 10-2 run rule loss to the Seattle Studs. It is the fifth time in past seven years the Bee Jays have dropped their opening game at the NBC.
Liberal committed two first inning errors as the Studs scored two unearned runs against BJ starter Tristan Crusenberry. The Bee Jays threatened in the fourth when Owen May and Walker Polk singled to lead off the inning. However, the B.J.’s did not score. Seattle scored two runs in the bottom of the inning on four hits and two doubles. The Studs claimed a 5-0 lead with a sixth inning run. The Bee Jays finally scored in the seventh when Derek Luke walked, River Jackson singled, and Hudson Polker ripped a two RBI double off the wall in center to make it 5-2. Coldon Kiser singled to left but Polk was thrown out at home. The Studs put the game away with five runs in the eighth.
The Studs out-hit the Bee Jays 12-7. Liberal committed three errors. Walker Polk was Epic Touch Player of the Game with two hits.
Liberal is 28-12 and the Studs are 21-18. Liberal plays Saturday at 3pm against D-BAT Collegiate at Eck Stadium on 1270 and 92.3.
