Heartbreak for SCC Storm baseball team, in district final

BEATRICE – The Southeast Community College Storm baseball team Saturday fell one victory short of making it to the National Junior College Athletic Association Division Two World Series, coming up in Oklahoma.

The Salt Lake Community College Bruins defeated SCC, 14-1 in the deciding game of the Western District Championship at Christiansen Field.

Salt Lake was backed by pitcher Traton Staheli, who allowed just two hits in seven-and-two-thirds innings, striking out nine.   The Bruins were led in hitting by right fielder Trey Gambill, who went three-for-five with five runs-batted-in and three runs scored, including a homerun.

Southeast got their lone run in the deciding game, on a solo homerun from right fielder Danny Spongberg.

SCC forced the final game by routing Salt Lake, 15-6.  Storm shortstop Tyler Palmer went three-for-five, driving in five runs.  He homered and doubled.  Second-baseman Drew Borner went four-for-five with four runs scored.  Center fielder Tyson Gerdes and right fielder Danny Spongberg both collected three hits.  SCC pitcher Kael Dumont threw six innings, allowing seven hits. 

The Southeast Community College Storm wraps up a successful season, with a final record of 45-and-18.