The Salina Hawks lost only one game in the 22nd Annual Kansas Grand Slam Tournament and it was about three inches from not happening.

Zach Nachbar who batted .643 for the tournament, winner of the Best Hitter Trophy had a drive to deep left center field with the Hawks down 8-7 in the bottom of the seventh inning that hit off the top of the fence inches away from tying it up on the first pitch.  Nachbar though would not advance after ground out by J.W. Maldaner and a hot shot by Conner Boyer that was caught that turned into a double play, the Hawks prize repeat was no more.

After two innings of play the Hawks had a five run lead of 7-2, scoring four in the first inning and three in the second.  J.W.  Maldaner and Nachbar each hit in two runs off doubles.

Boyer, who did not record a out in the first five batters and gave up a run would retire the next 10 batters before Jake Kresin reached on a error in the fourth inning.  There Topeka Golden Giants added three runs two coming off a error at first and one off a bobbled attempted to catch Daniel Munoz-Crow stealing which let Kresin score.

Boyer who was able to get out of the first inning jam was not so lucky in the fifth inning.  After giving up three singles in a row the Golden Giants would add three runs taking their first lead since the opening inning.

Bret Ricklefts, who came in for relief for Topeka was untouchable throughout his tenure pitching.  Nachbar recorded the first hit against him with his near solo shot.  That hit was also the first ball to even leave the infield while Ricklefts was pitching.

Salina Hawks 12 Manhattan Manko 3

Zach Nachbar pitched a three seven strikeout game and pole vaulted the Hawks to the Championship game.  Salina broke the game open in the second inning getting eight runs off nine hits.  Aaron Mar had a bases clearing double scoring Bailey Ramsey and Garrett Mortimer who both reached on singles and Lane Driscoll who reached on a error.  Hawks batted around in that inning which let Matt Rowe, Maldaner, Boyer, and Ramsey all to pick up runs batted in.

As well as getting it done at the mound, Nachbar went 4 for 4 with the two runs batted in that ended the game due to run rule.  The Hawks will travel to Manhattan for their next game July 8 first pitch set for noon.