Colby Eagles' Season Ends in State Quarterfinals Against Russell
May 25, 2026
The Colby Eagle Baseball season ended on Memorial Day after playing a tight match against Russell in the quarterfinals of the KSHSAA 3A State tournament. Hosted at the Dean Evans Stadium in Salina, Colby battled through 7 innings of heat, eventually losing 0-3.
After giving up early runs, Colby held tight behind strong pitching from Braxton Withington, he kept the game within reach into late innings. Russell was able to hold on however, bringing an end to the memorable season for the Eagles.
Russell wasted little time putting up points, after a leadoff single and sacrifice bunt moved a runner into scoring position in the bottom of the first inning, Max Evans delivered an RBI triple to center filed to give the Broncos a 1-0 lead.
The Broncos added two more runs in the second inning. After a walk, and a stolen base, Middleton doubled to left field to score a runner before Sam Theilen followed with another RBI double to right field, placing the Broncos ahead 3-0.
The remainder of the game was controlled by the pitchers, led by Russell’s Max Evans with his shut-out performance against Colby.
The Eagles best opportunity came in the third inning when Withington was able to earn a walk from Evans and courtesy runner Jack Nordquist moved into scoring position. Seniors Talon Wark hit a single, followed by another base hit from Keegan Glassman to load the bases with two outs. Evans held strong keeping Colby off the board.
Colby was in contention again in the fourth inning when sophomore Conner Surmeier reached on a walk and advanced to third after a bunt by sophomore Dallas Kleinsorge. Once again with a runner on third, the Eagles were unable to bring him homes after Evans closed the inning.
Meanwhile, Withington had found his stroke turning in his own dominant performance. He struck out eight batters through six innings while giving up five hits and three runs. After the second inning, his pitching held the Broncos scoreless the remainder of the game to keep Colby with striking distance.
Colby’s defense also turned in a several highlight plays behind their pitcher, including a double play in the third inning, and fielder’s choice from Surmeier to Kasen Stramel at home in the fifth inning.
At the plate Colby recorded two hits from Wark and Glassman, and Surmeier reached base twice.
The loss marked the final game for this year’s senior class. Their leadership was a stable force on the team bringing them a regional championship, league title, and a berth into the 3A State tournament.