Heading into their final Pool Play game, the Salina Falcons were backed by a safety net that seemed nearly unbreakable, but yet the Falcons could not exhale until the final out.

The Falcons came into the game against the Kansas Rattlers with the thought of not being able to  advance to the semifinals no where in their minds.  The Falcons could win and advance and could even lose, as long as they gave up no more than 10 runs in a loss they would win the tie breaker between themselves, Great Bend Chiefs, and Kansas Rattlers.

After the first inning of play it seemed as if it was all but over for the Falcons as the Rattler picked apart Blake Jones who only lasted six batters gave up five hits, four runs, walked one, and got no one out in his tenure at the mound.  Matt Reyna came in and three more runs could cross the plate giving the Rattlers the 7-1 lead.

From that point on winning was the last thing on the Falcons mind and not giving up four more runs was the only thing.  Reyna and the defense rose to the occasion.  While Reyna yielded 10 more hits, it was great defensive plays like Jackson Rolfs robbing a home run that only allowed those 10 hits to turn into two runs.

Salina made a run at the Rattlers scoring five more runs after trialing after the first inning 7-1 including two in the final inning from a bases loaded situation, but when the last out came the scoreboard read 9-6 and the Falcons could still celebrate despite losing.

Salina (20-5) will now play the Hutchinson Cardinals at 12:15 p.m. at James Matson Field, the winner advancing to the Championship game which would be played at 3:00 p.m. at Dean Evans Stadium.