Derby Blanks Liberal in Topeka

Liberal’s first winning season in five years ended Tuesday in Topeka.  The Derby Panthers, who have advanced to nine straight 6A state tournaments downed the Liberal Redskins 3-0 Tuesday afternoon at Hummer Sports Park in Topeka.

Derby scored a run in the first after a lead off double.  The Panthers added unearned runs in the third and the sixth.  The Redskins had several chances to score on what was an otherwise lethargic showing for Liberal’s lineup.  Blayden Betts laced a single to right center to lead off the second, but the next three hitters popped out.  Zayden Martinez singled and stole second to lead off the fourth.  But the next three batters struck out.  Aidan Schwindt reached on an error to begin the sixth.  Brooks Kappelmann followed that up with a line drive single to left to place runners at first and second with no outs.  But LHS hit into a double play.  The next hitter struck out to end the inning.

Derby had three runs on four hits and one error.  Liberal had four hits and three errors.  Zayden Martine was 2-3.  Brooks Kappelmann was Epic Touch Player of the Game pitching all seven innings with eight strikeouts and one walk.  He allowed one earned run.

Derby is 12-15 and Liberal finishes 13-11.  It’s Liberal’s first winning season since 2019 (11-10) and most wins since 2018 (16-6).