Gamecocks Slip to Backside of Bracket After Shutout Loss to Garnett

The Colby Gamecocks’ bid for a perfect run through the Kansas American Legion State Baseball Tournament took a hit Sunday as they fell 3-0 to the Garnett Muddogs in round three of bracket play on July 27. Despite collecting more hits than their opponent, the Gamecocks were unable to push a run across, moving them to the consolation side of the bracket—but still in contention for the title.

Colby (6-seed) matched up with the 5-seed Muddogs in a defensive showdown that saw excellent pitching from both sides. The Gamecocks out-hit Garnett five to four, with Eloy Ruelas leading the way by going 2-for-3 at the plate. Max Kersenbrock, Brayden Foss, and Braxton Withington each added hits for Colby.

On the mound, Ruelas started and battled through five innings, allowing four hits and three earned runs while striking out four and walking four. He was relieved late by Talon Andreasen, who pitched in a tight spot but limited further damage.

The Sunflower Standard could be sponsored by you...

The Muddogs broke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the fourth, plating a run on a fielder’s choice that brought home Jack Dykes. They added two more in the sixth—one on a hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded and another on a wild pitch.

Colby’s best chance to score came in the top of the fourth, when they loaded the bases with one out. However, back-to-back outs, including a foul-tip strikeout, ended the threat. In the sixth, Foss doubled and advanced to third on a single from Ruelas, but a caught stealing and flyout ended the rally.

Brayden Wheat was lights out on the mound for the Muddogs. The right-hander threw a complete-game shutout, striking out nine Gamecock batters without issuing a single walk. He also worked out of multiple jams thanks to a stout defense that did not commit an error.

Defensively, Colby was equally solid, playing error-free baseball and turning a key double play to end a bases-loaded threat in the sixth. Foss had six defensive chances, showing range and reliability in the infield.

Though the loss moves Colby to the backside of the double-elimination bracket, they are far from finished. With two wins already under their belt and momentum from a strong tournament showing, the Gamecocks remain a legitimate threat to claw their way back to the championship game.

They’ll now await their next matchup in the elimination bracket, with their hopes for a state title still alive.