Holdrege, Neb. – The Class B Senior State Tournament began on Saturday, August 3. Seven teams from the seven area tournaments across the state have arrived for the double-elimination tournament. Holdrege was named the host after a successful bid over the past winter.
The Inspire Rehab Seniors opened their state play against the 35-5, B3 Area Champions from Blair. With both teams trading scoreless innings through the third, Holdrege would draw first blood in the top of the fourth. Nick Weides hit an infield single to the shortstop when Blair committed a throwing error. JJ Bell was able to score on the play, and Inspire Rehab opened a 1-0 lead. However, that lead wouldn’t last long with Blair scoring two runs on their side of the fourth.
Throughout the game, the Holdrege batters were held at bay by Blair’s starter Tanner Jacobson. The flamethrower held Inspire Rehab to only two hits in just over six innings. His 14 strikeouts kept away any chance for a Holdrege rally. Offensively, Jacobson was equally as deadly going 2-4 with two runs batted in. Nelson Kosch’s evening at the plate was also impressive after finishing 2-3 while scoring two runs.
With a one-run lead heading into the bottom of the six, Blair was able to score some insurance runs. Kosch led off with a single to right before Dylan Swanson sent him home on a single of his own. Jacobson sent a double to center field that drove in two more runs. Holding a 5-1 lead, Blair was able to complete the victory with two-straight strikeouts in the top of the seventh.
Holdrege was led offensively by Trey Weaver and Nick Weides with each getting a hit. Beau Jensen pitched nearly five strong innings. He scattered three hits in four and two-thirds while striking out four.
The win moved Blair forward in the winner’s bracket. They’ll face the B4 champions from Wahoo Sunday at 3 pm.
Inspire Rehab will play Auburn, the B7 Champions, tomorrow at noon. KUVR’s broadcast will start at 11:50 am.
