By Staff
TULSA, Okla. -- The Niles Knights needed to win three straight games Friday to advance in the United State Specialty Sports Association World Series.
They could only manage winning two, however, finishing 7-3 in the tournament and taking fifth place.
In game one Friday, Niles defeated the Kansas City (Mo.) Hornets 10-4. Jamie Simpson got the win and led Knight batters going 3-for-3 at the plate. Keith and Kyle Prak each had two hits while Alex Welch, Adam Miller, Jake Harris and Nick Fedore each added a hit.
The Knights stayed alive by beating the Pflugerville (Texas) Pythons 5-2 in the second game. Jake Harris was the winning pitcher. Alex Welch, Kyle Prak, Keith Prak, and Jeff Jurgonski had hits for Niles.
The Knights series run ended with a 9-5 loss to the Woodlands (Texas) Bucks. Niles out hit the Bucks 9-7, but committed four errors that led to runs for the Texans. Simpson went 4-for-4 and Miller hit 2-for-4. Keith Prak, Kyle Prak and Harris each added a hit.
The Knights relied on a balanced attack to make it as far in the series as they did. Simpson and Harris delivered outstanding starting pitching performances while Fedore, David Ralston and Jeff Jurgonski were strong in relief roles.
At the plate, Niles outscored opponents 67-48 on 88 hits, including seven triples and two home runs. Once on base, Niles stole 25 bases.
Defensively the Knights, led by shortstop D.J. Wolnik turned eight double plays. Knight pitchers and catcher Dan Holland also held opponent runners at bay picking off eight attempting to steal.
The Niles Knights would once again like to thank all of their sponsors, parents, family and friends. Without their support the season and the world series trip to Oklahoma would not have been possible.