LIBERAL — Errors and walks came back to haunt Allen Community College’s Red Devils in Monday’s NJCAA Region VI Super Regional championship game.
The Red Devils were able to escape on Saturday in the opening round, defeating top-seed and host team Seward County Community College. They committed six errors against the Saints but had the offense to rally, including three home runs in a 15-11 win in 10 innings.
After working through a loss to Coffeyville in the semifinals, 4-0, and a closely contested 4-3 win over Colby Community College, the Red Devils faced Coffeyville Community College’s Red Ravens again.
This time two of Allen’s four errors came in the first inning. Coffeyville capitalized for five runs. The Red Ravens pulled out to a 9-2 lead after four innings.
The Red Devils made a run at the Ravens late, scoring three runs each in the eighth and ninth innings. It wasn’t enough and Allen lost 12-8.
Allen gave up six walks in the championship game. Coffeyville peppered the Red Devils with 14 singles.
The lone extra-base hit of the game was a double by Eric Seymour for Allen. Tim Lewis hit two singles. Hitting a single each were Garrett Rasch, Travis Stafford, Caleb Wilburn, Garrett Hess and Jaren Moorman.
Brodie Mitchell started on the mound for the Red Devils and went just one inning. He was charged with five runs on four hits and had one strikeout. Tanner Lee pitched 2 1/3 innings, allowing four runs on five hits and four walks with three strikeouts.
Lucas Westervelt worked 4 1/3 innings for Allen. He gave up three runs on five hits, two walks and two hit batters. He struck out two batters.
After going 2-2 in the super regional, the Red Devils finished the 2012 season at 22-35.
Allen belted out 18 hits in upending Seward County on Saturday. Kyle Fultz hit a solo home run in the third to put the Red Devils up 1-0. Each team scored two runs in the fourth and the Red Devils added a run in the fifth to lead 4-2.
Red Devil ace Zak Mickens was on the mound but got into trouble in the sixth and seventh innings. He was charged with six runs on 12 hits, one walk and two hit batters. The Saints moved out to a 6-4 lead.
Allen touched off a seven-run top of the ninth. The rally was finished off with a three-run home run by Kyle Johnston. The Red Devils held an 11-6 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth.
Bill Wigington came on in relief of Mickens. He went 2 1/3 innings and allowed three runs on four hits and one walk. Lucas Westervelt was next on the mound in the ninth and gave up two runs on two hits and a walk.
Lee came out of the ACC bullpen and shut down the Saints in the ninth. The teams headed to extra innings tied 11-11.
