By: Mike Glesinger
The Alliance First National Spartan Junior and Senior teams hosted the annual Clair Conley Memorial baseball tournament this weekend at Bower/Shankland Field. The Spartan Juniors went 1-2 for the tournament. Falling 7-3 to Buckley on Friday, winning 10-2 over Martin on Saturday and then dropping a close game to the Casper Drillers 10-7 on Sunday. The FNBO Spartan Juniors see their record now at 19-8-1.
The Spartan Seniors, successfully defended their title, going 4-0, winning a 3-2 decision over Buckley in a re-match of last years championship game. Jacob Callen went the distance in the title game striking out 13 and giving up 2 runs on just 3 hits. The Spartan Seniors opened the tournament winning 9-1 over Bridgeport Friday morning. Alliance got great pitching from Kellen Muhr, Caeson Clarke and Mario Garza, who combined to strike out 10 and gave up just one run on one hit. The Spartans then blanked Sidney on Friday night 12-0, behind a solid pitching performance from Chance Crowe who gave up no runs, 3 hits and struck out 4. Vic Hinojosa had 3 hits and 3 RBI. Mario Garza and Kellen Muhr both added 2 hits and 2 RBI. Saturday night, the Seniors defeated Torrington 13-7. Exploding for 7 runs in the bottom of the 6th to seal the win. Chase King and Chance Crowe combined for 13 strike outs. Mario Garza, Tyzen Brown and Vic Hinojosa homered to lead Alliance. With the 4 wins, The Senior Spartans improve to 19-6.
The Juniors and Seniors will host Gering Monday night with games at 5-7 pm...Bridgeport Tuesday night at 5-7 pm and Sidney Wednesday night at 5-7 pm. KCOW will broadcast the Senior games Monday and Tuesday at 7 pm and both games on Wednesday at 5 and 7 pm.