Titan juniors end season with loss to Albion

The Tri-County Junior Titans' run for the Class C Area 1 title came to an end Sunday, July 14, as Tri-County lost to Albion 13-5, in Creighton.

The Junior Titans got on the board first with a two-out RBI double by Landon Nelson scoring Ryan Rifer in the first inning. Tri-County then also made a late push with four runs scored in the fifth inning on RBI hits by Isaac Hoferer (1), Max Bruce (1), and Rifer (2).

Junior Titans crossing home plate in the fifth were Levi Hoferer, Jacob Pierzina, I. Hoferer and Bruce.

"But Tri-County had a rough second inning, allowing eight Albion runs. This proved too much to overcome," said coach Jeff Shabram.

Jacob Pierzina started the game and then also came back in to finish. He threw a total of three-plus innings, allowing seven runs on six hits, three walks and one batter hit by pitch, with two errors.

Isaac Hoferer took to the mound in relief, throwing 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on three hits with two strikeouts.

Bruce also threw 1/3 inning allowing three runs on one hit and four walks with one error.

"The Titans put up a good fight against a solid Albion Juniors' team and finished their season strong. The future looks very bright for this young team," Shabram said.

Tri-County game stats:

I. Hoferer: 0-3 batting, 1 run, 1 RBI, 2 stolen bases.

Bruce: 0-2 batting, 1 HBP, 1 run, 1 RBI, 1 stolen base.

Rifer: 1-2 batting, 1 2B, 1 run, 2 RBI, 1 stolen base.

Nelson: 1-2 batting, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 1 BB.

Isaac Pavlik: 0-2 batting.

Rogan Robertson: 0-2 batting.

Levi Hoferer: 0-0 batting, 2 BB, 1 run.

Jacob Pierzina: 1-2 batting, 1 2B, 1 run.

Parker Frank: 0-1 batting.

Jason Shaver: 0-0 batting, 1 BB.

Although Tri-County Juniors' season ended, the Titan Seniors still have some work to do. On Thursday, July 18, Albion comes to Verdigre as Tri-County takes on Albion Seniors at 6 p.m. On Sunday, July 21, Tri-County visits Wakefield for a 4 p.m. game serving as one final tune-up for the Class C Area 1 Seniors' Tournament. That tournament will take place in Crofton, Friday, July 26th through Tuesday, July 30. Teams participating are Tri-County, Creighton/Bloomfield, Crofton, Hartington, Ponca and Stanton.