Gamecocks Surge Past Larned in Zone Tournament Opener

The Colby Gamecocks American Legion baseball team opened the Zone Tournament in commanding fashion Thursday, riding a three-hit performance from Max Kersenbrock and an 11-strikeout effort by Braxton Withington to defeat Larned Legion 7-2.

With a trip to the state tournament on the line, Colby wasted no time asserting itself. After Larned took a brief 1-0 lead in the top of the first on a groundout by Tristan Regan, the Gamecocks quickly flipped the script in the bottom half. Kersenbrock laced a single to center, scoring two runs and giving Colby a 2-1 advantage it would never relinquish.

Kersenbrock was relentless at the plate, finishing 3-for-4 with RBI singles in the first, third, and fourth innings, sparking Colby's 12-hit offensive outburst. Withington, who matched Kersenbrock with three hits of his own, was equally dominant on the mound. Over six innings of work, the right-hander scattered four hits and two runs while fanning 11 and walking just two.

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Colby added insurance in the second inning when Cobin Curry grounded into a fielder’s choice that plated another run. By the end of the sixth inning, the Gamecocks had built a comfortable 7-2 lead, chasing Larned starter Carson Shaver, who allowed 11 hits and seven runs (five earned) in five and two-thirds innings.

Talon Andreasen and Conner Surmeier added multiple hits for Colby, and Andreasen swiped two of the Gamecocks’ seven stolen bases. Defensively, Colby was flawless, committing no errors behind Withington and closer Eloy Ruelas, who pitched a scoreless seventh to seal the win.

Kasen Stramel anchored the defense with a team-high 12 plays from behind the plate.

Despite the loss, Larned’s Shaver led his team with three hits and two stolen bases, while Regan and Deacon Martin each drove in a run.

With the victory, Colby moves one step closer to a coveted berth in the American Legion State Tournament. In the second round they Gamecocks will play the winner of the first game of the Tournament the Norton Legion team later in the day.