Seniors stay alive, Blues done

July 20--FREMONT -- The Columbus Cornerstone Insurance Group Seniors used a big sixth inning to keep its season alive with a 6-3 victory over Norfolk Monday at the A-6 Area Tournament in Fremont.

The Seniors scored four runs on four hits and were aided by four Norfolk errors in the sixth inning that broke open a pitchers' duel at Schilke Baseball Complex.

Brenden Martinsen and Andrew Altstadt each had two-RBI singles in the inning for Columbus.

Columbus got out to a 2-0 lead in the third inning. After Trey Rinkol walked, Miles Putnam launched a two-run home run to give the Seniors the lead.

For a while, it looked like two runs might be enough. Dylan Benne cruised on the mound through the first five innings, allowing no runs and just two hits.

But Norfolk got to Benne in the sixth, scoring a pair of runs in the top of the inning to tie the game at 2-all.

The tie game didn't last long as Columbus responded with four runs in the bottom of the inning to open up a 6-2 lead.

Benne worked a quick seventh inning, then gave way to Martinsen, who closed out the game, allowing just a single run in the eighth inning.

Putnam went 3 for 4 at the plate, scoring two runs and driving in two runs.

With the win, Columbus advanced to play Gretna Nebraska Crossing Outlets Tuesday. That game was not completed by press time.

Columbus ensures itself to be one of the final three teams playing, but will still need to win two more games to be one of the final two and qualify for the state tournament.

The top two teams from each area tournament qualify for the state tournament.

Monday at Ryder Park

GRAND ISLAND -- The Columbus United Federal Credit Union Junior Blues season came to an end Tuesday.

The Blues lost a pitchers' duel 2-0 to Grand Island Five Points Bank Monday in the A6 Junior Legion Area tournament for their first loss of the double elimination tournament, then fell 7-6 to Fremont First State Bank Tuesday in heart breaking fashion.

On Monday, Jake Novicki tossed a complete game and gave up just two hits, but it was a walk and an error that led to both Grand Island runs.

But Grand Island's Gage Rose was better, throwing a no-hitter against the Blues.

Columbus put a runner in scoring position in each of the first two innings, but couldn't capitalize with runs after Trevor Kaslon reached second on an error in the first inning and Jacob Morse was hit by a pitch, then stole second and third in the second inning.

Grand Island was able to grab a one-run lead in the third inning on a walk, a stolen base and a two-out double.

That was all the run support Rose needed

Noivcki walked and stole second in the fifth inning, but was stranded. That would be the last time Columbus threatened.

The Blues put only three runners in scoring position and had only seven baserunners total.

Grand Island, meanwhile, was able to add an insurance run in the sixth inning on a Columbus error to take a 2-0 lead.

Tuesday, the Blues got off to a fast start, scoring three runs on three hits in the bottom of the first inning to take an early 3-0 lead.

Fremont came back to take the lead with four runs in the third inning.

The Blues retook the lead in the fifth inning, scoring three more runs to go up 6-4.

Unfortunately, it wasn't enough.

Fremont cut the deficit to one with a run in the top of the sixth, then scored twice in the top of the seventh to take a 7-6 lead.

The Blues could not muster a comeback as they went down in order in the bottom of the seventh.

The Blues end their season with a 31-14 record and four tournament titles.

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