By Staff
After two good offensive performances propelled the Niles Knights into the final game of the AABC Comstock League Tournament in Kalamazoo over the weekend, defense cost them the championship.
The Knights scored nine runs on 11 hits in the championship game, but allowed six unearned runs on five errors in a 14-9 loss to the West Michigan Vipers. Jamie Simpson led Knights batters going 3-for-4 and coming up a home run short of batting for the cycle. Nick Fedore and Keith Prak were 2-for-4 at the plate, while Kyle Prak, Alex Welch, Dan Holland and Jake Harris each added a hit.
Niles made it to the final game by beating the St. Joe Breakers 14-1 in the first game of the tournament and defeating the West Michigan Lumberkings 10-8 in the second game.
Simpson won game one by striking out 11 batters and allowing five hits. At the plate, Simpson went 5-for-5, and catcher Holland was 2-for-4.
Also getting hits for the Knights were Kyle Prak, Fedore, Zach Bloss, Keith Prak, DJ Wolnik and Jeff Jurgonski.
Against the Lumberkings, Jake Harris got the win for Niles, and Simpson picked up the save. Harris and Keith Prak were both 2 for 3 at the plate. Simpson also hit his 15th homer of the season.
The Knight now travel to Tulsa Oklahoma to play in the USSSA 14yr. Old World Series.