Bee Jays survive; advance

Wichita, Kan (westernkansasnews.com)-Jason Dahl didn’t hit the hardest shot of the 2013 NBC World Series, but it worked just the same. The slugger’s 2nd-inning, inside-the-park home run sparked Liberal’s offense to a 4-2 win over the Houston Tuzos in an elimination game at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Monday afternoon. 

“I was hoping the center fielder would dive for it,” Dahl said after the game. “Once he did that, I thought I had a chance to hit an inside-the-park home run. It got by and it’s 400-feet out there. I was just trying to run as hard as I could.”

The Southern Arkansas standout has set the offensive bar at this year’s tournament. In three games, Dahl is hitting a cool .455 with a homer and three RBI’s. 

After suffering a heartbreaking, 13-inning defeat on Saturday to the San Diego Force, the Bee Jays have bounced back with consecutive wins over Albuquerque, NM and Houston, TX. 

“I feel more comfortable this year compared to last,” said Manager Brandon Kitch who’s coaching in his second NBC World Series. “I told these guys that it’s all about them. If they want to put forth the effort, then they have a chance.”

As long as their pitching holds up, they definitely have a shot. In fact, Liberal hurlers have combined for a 2.00 ERA in 27, rain-delayed innings. 

Next up: Liberal vs. Kansas Alumni-10 p.m. Tuesday at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium