Butler Baseball Drops Tournament Opener to KCK, Faces Elimination Thursday

WICHITA, Kan. – Butler dropped its opening game of the Plains District Tournament on Wednesday afternoon, falling 10–2 in seven innings to Kansas City Kansas Community College.

The Grizzlies (32–26) now move into the elimination bracket and will face the loser of Barton vs. Cloud County on Thursday at 10 a.m.

After a scoreless first inning, Butler struck first in the top of the second. With two outs, Jarren Hay laid down a bunt, and a throwing error from the KCK third baseman sailed into foul territory. The miscue allowed Alex Coester and Jackson Ellison to score, with Hay advancing all the way to third. Those would be the only runs Butler pushed across.

KCK answered immediately and never stopped, scoring 10 unanswered runs to secure the run‑rule victory in seven innings.

Offensively, Butler managed just three hits but drew six walks while striking out eight times. KCK recorded 12 hits in 29 at‑bats, walked five times, and struck out only twice.

Shane Holman started for the Grizzlies, throwing 5.1 innings and 117 pitches. He allowed 10 hits, nine earned runs, and struck out two.

KCK starter Camden Brashear lasted 2.1 innings, giving up three hits, two runs (one earned), five walks, and two strikeouts. Reliever Nick Martensen was dominant, earning the win with 4.2 hitless innings, allowing just one walk and striking out six.