Two Unearned Runs Dash Discoverers’ Upset Hopes

Columbus High’s bid to pull off an upset in the first round of the Class A state baseball tournament fell just short today.  The number-8 seed Discoverers, making their first trip to the tourney since 1953 took an early 1-0 lead.  However, top-seeded Millard South rallied for a 2-1 victory at Den Hartog Field. 

Columbus drew first blood in the top of the first inning when Kaden Young ripped a two-out, RBI single down the first base line.  Trey Kobza, who had opened the game with a single to right, trotted home from third with the game’s first run.  Discoverers starter Tadan Bell walked five batters in the first two-and-two-thirds innings, but was able to escape jams until two away in the third when free pass recipient Christian Hobbs scored an unearned run after CHS second baseman Jarrett Bell bobbled a slow roller.  In the bottom of the fifth, the Patriots used a leadoff bunt single, a sacrifice bunt, a passed ball and an RBI groundout to tally the deciding – and also unearned – run off Bell. 

Columbus fell to 18-14, while Millard South improved to 31-4.  The Discoverers will try to stay alive in the double-elimination tourney on Monday when they face the loser of Saturday’s game between Papillion La Vista-South and Millard West.  First pitch Monday from Haymarket Park is set for 10 a.m. on 93.5 The Hawk.